Mulberry has ended over a year of speculation with the news that Céline accessories guru Johnny Coca is joining the company as creative director.

Set to start in July 2015, Coca is currently working under Phoebe Philo at CELINE where he is Head Design Director for Leather Goods, Shoes, Hard Accessories, Jewelry and Sunglasses.

“I very much look forward to joining MULBERRY as their new Creative Director and to leading a new design direction at one of the very best British brands,” noted Spanish-born Coca.

The designer was born in Seville, later studying in Paris at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and École Boulle.

Alongside his current job at Céline, Coca also teaches at London’s Central St Martins fashion school, alma mater to some of the industry’s biggest names, from McQueen to Philo herself.

The announcement brings to an end a period of uncertainty for the brand which parted ways with previous creative director Emma Hill in September 2013.

The news could also mean a return to the runway for the Mulberry which has opted for smaller scale presentations since Hill’s departure last fall.