Guess Inc. said Monday that it has appointed Massimo Macchi as the new president of its European business.

Macchi, 52, most recently chief executive of Milan-based clothing company Gianfranco Ferre.

The Los Angeles-based clothing retailer said that Macchi will be responsible for overseeing all European operations and will lead the company’s strategic initiatives in Europe and the Middle East, which have been very strong growth markets this year for the brand.

Shares in Guess were down 4.4 percent to $40.88 in early trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. For the year, shares in Guess are up 38 percent.