Mulberry poaches Celine's design director Johnny Coca

The luxury fashion brand poached Coca from Céline, where he was head design director for leather, goods, shoes, hard accessories, jewellery and sunglasses.

He is expected to join Mulberry in July next year, where he will be responsible for all its collections.

Executive chairman Godfrey Davis said: "We are delighted that Johnny is joining us. He has a wealth of international luxury and fashion experience that will help us bring new energy and innovation to Mulberry."

The news comes after the handbag maker issued a profit warning to investors last month.

The company said despite sales trends having improved as the first half progressed, revenues for the six months to 30 September were down 17% on last year at £64.7m.

However, Davis said at the time that "despite the current challenges, I remain confident that we will build on Mulberry's solid foundations and unique brand positioning in the luxury market to restore growth in the medium term."

Shares were up 1.93% to 764.5p at 14:15 on Thursday.