Balenciaga Names Daniel Motta Mello for American PR

PARIS — Balenciaga has tapped Daniel Motta Mello to manage its public relations activities in the Americas, the label’s latest move to bulk up business in the region.

The former Karla Otto vice president is charged with developing the communications department there, reporting to Balenciaga’s president for the Americas Vira Capeci. The position had been left vacant for a spell as the company pursued restructuring efforts.

Capeci, who had worked for Céline for nine years, was hired last September in a management reshuffle led by the brand’s chief executive officer Cédric Charbit. Balenciaga, which belongs to Kering, was the fastest-growing brand of the French luxury group in the final three months of last year, outpacing the swift rates clocked by powerhouse labels Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. For the past two years, creative direction has come from Demna Gvasalia, who also founded Vetements.