Sean John has appointed a new president - Robert Wichaser, who will take over the position which previously belonged to Sean P. Diddy Combs, the founder and the chairman of the company.

Wichaser will be responsible for merchandising, design, sales, licensing, etc., for Sean John clothing line. He assumes his position on May 2th, Monday and reports directly to P. Diddy.

On Thursday Wichaser said in the interview: “The brand name is incredibly strong and has a loyal customer. Sean is incredibly energized about women’s and it’s an amazing opportunity for us. I think we have a foundation for a really strong women’s team with Wendy [Chivian, senior vice president of Sean John women’s apparel] and Jenny [La Fata, vice president of design for Sean John women’s apparel]. In a relatively short time, the men’s business has grown into a $450 million retail business. Our goal is to further evolve the brand from an urban brand to a full lifestyle brand.”

With more than 30 years of experience in the fashion business, he has been previously taking the same position at JA Apparel Corp. In 2003 JA filed a lawsuit against him, accusing of fiduciary duty, common law fraud and tortuous interference with his contract.

Wichaser joins the Sean John team just two weeks after Jenny La Fata was hired to lead the women’s design team. The Sean John women’s collection will be in stores for holiday 2005.