True Religion Apparel Inc. on Wednesday said that Lynne Koplin, formerly of Tommy Bahama, has been appointed to the new post of chief operating officer.

The Vernon premium denim company said Koplin will be responsible for many of the day-to-day operations. She will report directly to Chief Executive Jeffrey Lubell.

At Tommy Bahama, Koplin was president of the women’s division.

“This is an important hire for our company as we are committed to continue to invest in and build our management team in order to continue to grow our business domestically and internationally and achieve our long-term growth objectives,” Lubell said.

Lazard Capital Markets analyst Todd Slater on Tuesday upgraded the company to “buy,” saying the jeans company could more than double its store count in the U.S. from its base of 70 company-owned locations, with further upside internationally.

Shares were down 16 cents, or less than 1 percent, to $20.29 in midday trading on the Nasdaq.