Australian footwear and clothing company Colorado Group Ltd has appointed Mel Sutton as its new chief executive officer, effective July 17. He will replace acting chief executive Eddie MacDonald.

Mr Sutton currently works for beverage company Foster's and is a former CEO of branded apparel and footwear companies Globe International and Nike Australia/ New Zealand.

Chairman Bill Gibson said he hoped Mr Sutton's appointment will bring much needed leadership to the company after its poor result last year.

Former marketing director with Levi Strauss, Peter King, will become group general manager marketing and Charlotte Riley has been appointed general manager of Diana Ferrari.