Seven months after Country Road Group’s CEO Scott Fyfe stepped across to lead department store stablemate David Jones the Australian fashion brand has settled on a new leader: Raju Vuppalapati.

Vuppalapati comes to CRG from RM Williams, where he spent six years as CEO and successfully led a turnaround project that saw the brand reposition, expand its global distribution network and build its online offering.

“I’m delighted to be joining Country Road Group and to be working with a portfolio of some of Australia’s most iconic and most loved clothing and lifestyle brands,” said Vuppalapati.

“It is a great business, and I am looking forward to working closely with the talented CRG team. This is an incredibly dynamic time in retail and I am excited by the opportunities ahead.”

Prior to his time at RM Williams, Vuppalapati worked at Levi Strauss & Co. across India, Japan and Singapore, before finishing up at the business as regional managing director in charge of the business’ operations in Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East.

“Raju’s extensive industry experience and exemplary track record in building teams and driving performance across diverse markets position him well to lead CRG and its portfolio of iconic brands,” said parent company Woolworths Holdings Group chief executive Roy Bagattini.

“He is going to be a great addition to our team, and I look forward to his contribution and leadership at this exciting time for Country Road.”