Nike Inc. has appointed veteran luxury goods retail executive James Seuss as CEO of the company's luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats business Cole Haan brand, effective May 15, 2006.

Mr Seuss joins the company from Harry Winston, where he was president of the luxury diamond jeweller firm. Prior to Harry Winston, he was a senior executive with Gucci Group, where he established a joint venture with Stella McCartney and ran the London-based fashion house as its first CEO.

Based in Maine and New York City, Cole Haan designs and markets luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats for men and women under the brand names of Cole Haan, G Series and Bragano. Cole Haan products are distributed through retailers and more than 50 company-owned Cole Haan stores.