Anya Hindmarch hires Valentino chief Stefano Sassi

Anya Hindmarch brand has grown from Anya’s first store on London’s Walton Street, to 56 stores globally including flagships in London and Tokyo since it was founded in 1987 (Getty Images)

Accessories brand Anya Hindmarch has bagged itself a new director- one with a luxury pedigree.

Stefano Sassi, the chief executive of Italian fashion house Valentino, has joined the British brand as a director and it is thought he will help advise on its international expansion.

Anya Hindmarch has 58 shops and plans to open more overseas with locations in Asia a focus.

Valentino is owned by Mayhoola for Investments, widely understood to be the investment vehicle for Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser al-Missned – the mother of Qatar’s new emir. 

Mayhoola bought Valentino in 2012 for more than $850m and bought a 38 per cent stake in Anya Hindmarch in the same year.

Mr Sassi has previously worked at Italian textiles group Marzotto, Cerruti Group and consulting firm Bain & Company.