Southampton,John, who is also a shareholder in Mudpie, brings extensive international brand management and marketing experience to the company. His appointment coincides with Mudpies opening of an in-house sales office to better service the UK market, replacing its former UK distributor, Mode Information.

John Gormans appointment is a further move to extend Mudpies market leadership and international expansion through new and existing distribution channels and business partnerships. My expertise lies in driving accelerated business growth, comments Gorman. Mudpie is well placed for growth, with a strong management team. Fiona Jenvey, CEO, who heads the company, is one of the worlds leading trend experts. As the former MD of UK brand Firetrap, I recognise that trend-led creative design is the real power behind a successful brand.

The Mudpie service is highly differentiated from the competition, offering a superior creative service - making Mudpie an exciting company in which to work. Fiona, along with CFO Andrew Jenvey, have already established a strong market position and I am delighted to work alongside them as we advance the business towards its next growth phase said John.

John is exactly the right person for Mudpie, said Fiona Jenvey CEO. His extensive experience with international brands will enable the organisation to strengthen its leadership position in trend forecasting and his strong management experience will help its continued growth and global expansion. Our future strategy will include working with valued existing partners and distributors to build growth, as well as establishing new partnerships and routes to market.

John Gorman (49) brings over 20 years of marketing, brand management and international development experience to Mudpie. He has served as MD of the UK brand Firetrap, as Commercial Director of Castro International and CEO of a retail group based in the Arabian Gulf representing Custo Barcelona, Go Sport and Destination Maternity. Previously John spent nine years at Swatch Group, with responsibility for brand positioning and international development.

John Gorman will work along side Fiona Jenvey CEO, Andrew Jenvey CFO and with Sales Director, Ben Harris

Notes to Editor

Mudpie publishes nine trend books and the online trend service