The NPD Group announced the appointment of Dennis Brown to president of NPD Fashionworld, the company’s fashion-tracking division. Brown will assume the position formerly held by Diane Nicholson who was appointed vice president, Human Resource Operations. Most recently, Brown served as senior industry analyst with NPD Houseworld, the company’s home products-tracking division.

“Dennis’ experience and enthusiasm will be a significant asset to Fashionworld and to our clients,” said Karyn Schoenbart, president NPD U.S. “He has a proven track record in the consumer products industry and will be charged with enhancing the division’s product offerings and looking for new areas of expansion.”

Brown brings NPD more than twenty years of marketing, sales and general management experience. Before joining NPD, Brown was senior vice president of World Kitchen, Inc., where he led the sales, distribution and marketing departments for the $1 billion housewares company. Previously, Brown was chief operating officer for Krups North America. Brown also served as president of JBL Consumer Products.

“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to build on the success attained by Diane and the Fashionworld team,” said Brown. “The information NPD provides is extremely valuable to clients and I look forward to applying my experience to enhance our products and further elevate NPD to assist our clients in making informed business decisions.”

Working with Brown will be Ron Friedman, vice president of apparel client development and Amy Hyland, director of footwear and sports apparel client development. Senior Industry Analyst Marshal Cohen will continue to provide commentary and analysis to the media as well as clients and prospects.