The fashion role is expected to bolster Frédéric Arnault’s credentials as a candidate to one day lead the luxury-goods giant.

Originally a wool merchant, Loro Piana began as a textile mill, exporting high-end fabrics to Europe, Japan, and the Americas. Renowned for its extra-fine wool, cashmere, and vicuña, the company did not enter the ready-to-wear and luxury goods market until the 1980s. It is fair to say it hasn’t looked back since.

Frederic Arnault, one of the five children of LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, will become chief executive of the group's high-end Italian cashmere label Loro Piana in June, the world's biggest luxury group said in a statement on Wednesday.