David Yurman has named Paul Blum to the new position of chief executive officer of David Yurman, Inc, effective Feb. 6. Blum, who worked at Kenneth Cole since 1990 and served as President since 2002, will bring a new dimension of leadership to the consistently powerful growth of the David Yurman business, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

“Sybil and I have been seriously considering this for some time and we believe Paul Blum is absolutely the right person for the job,” David Yurman said. “He is a uniquely talented executive with a depth of understanding about the next steps for our business and we both feel very comfortable with him. Paul is extremely intelligent, thoughtful, and very straightforward. His presence will allow Sybil and I more time to focus on what we do best and love…design and all the creative aspects of the business.”

Blum said, “I am thrilled to be joining David Yurman, Inc. as CEO. David and Sybil Yurman have built an exceptional American luxury brand and the opportunity and challenge to take the business to new heights was something I could not refuse. The potential for the Yurman brand is significant.”

David Yurman will continue as designer/chairman. Sybil Yurman will remain president and chief marketing officer. Blum will report directly to the Yurmans.

As President of Kenneth Cole since 2002, Blum oversaw the management of operations, sales, marketing and finance and the development of retail, outlet, catalog, and Internet businesses. He partnered with fifteen licensing organizations in various categories, domestic and international. Prior to his role as president, Blum served as chief operating officer and executive vice president.

The executive search was conducted by Hal Reiter, CEO of Herbert Mines Associates.

JCK