iWatch Release Date: Apple Hires YSL CEO Paul Deneve for Special Projects, Possibly the iWatch Launch

Apple CEO Tim Cook hires former Yves St Laurent CEO Paul Deneve to work with him on special projects.

YSL announced on July 2 that Paul Deneve is being replaced by Francesca Bellettini as the new CEO since Deneve had decided to move to the technology industry. The turnover will happen on September 1.

Paul Deneve is not a new face for Apple. He was with the technology giant under the sales and marketing division for seven years before he left in 1997.

So what are these special projects and what position will he have? Both parties declined to comment.

AppleInsider speculated that Deneve may be used to launch Apple’s new products including the rumored iWatch. He is an expert when it comes to selling luxury goods to the public. In fact, he was able to convince people to buy a pair of shoes for $625 and a leather jacket for over $5,000 for YSL.

Deneve is not also the first hired by Apple from the fashion industry. Mickey Drexler, board member of Apple is CEO of J Crew Group Inc., and Tim Cook himself was with Nike.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Paul Deneve to Apple,” Apple said in a statement yesterday. “He’ll be working on special projects as a vice president reporting directly to Tim Cook.”

Deneve will not replace any vacate position in the retail store operation. The position is still open since its vacancy last year when John Browett departed the company. Cook is acting head of the department until now while he appointed finance vice president Jim Bean as acting assistant head.

Apple’s decision to recruit one of the reputable members of the fashion and luxury industry may be in preparation of the company to dominate the international market.