International News - KA International hires team to head Euro drive

Spanish fabric and furniture specialist KA International has installed a new management team, including former Zara director of European sales Luis Blanc, to steer aggressive European expansion plans.

Blanc, who was at Zara during its fastest growth spurt, joins KA as chief executive.

A new board is presided over by chairman Javier Benjumea Cabeza de Vaca.

The Madrid-based multi-national was run by the founding Covarrubias family until December, when venture capitalist Mercapital acquired a 94 per cent stake.

KA generates sales of EUR100 million (£69.9 million) through 450 outlets across Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and the UK. Blanc has been charged with opening 600 stores by 2007.