Brian Ruskin, former merchandise manager at Victoria’s Secret, Gap, J. Crew and Target, has been named executive vice president of apparel at Venus Swimwear Inc., responsible for re-positioning the brand across its online, catalog and store channels.

Venus Swimwear, No. 206 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, expects Ruskin to direct the launch of innovative new products and brand strategies to drive its growth as a multi-channel retailer, says CEO and founder Daryle Scott. Venus operates its retail web site at Venus.com.

“Brian will be an enormous asset to our company,” Scott says. “His knowledge, impressive background and passion for the industry bring a new excitement to our creative team.”

Adds Ruskin: “The Venus brand holds tremendous possibilities for growth and I look forward to leading them to best in class.”

Venus Swimwear is a unit of Catalog Holdings, a division of investment firm Golden Gate Capital that also includes retailers Norm Thompson Outfitters, Spiegel, Newport News and Draper`s & Damon`s and has annual revenue of more than $1.1 billion.