Tom Ford has recruited another Gucci alum. Tom Mendenhall, 45, starts today in the new role of chief operating officer of Tom Ford International. Mendenhall, who comes to Tom Ford from Abercrombie & Fitch, will focus on retail development and distribution and will manage daily operations, a statement said. He will report directly to president and chief executive officer Tom Ford and be based in New York. At Abercrombie, Mendenhall was senior vice president and general manager of the Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie retail chains. He joined Abercrombie in 2004 following a nine-year stint at Gucci, where he held several positions, including worldwide director of merchandising for all Gucci products.