Prada has started searching for a head of investor relations in a strong sign that the Italian fashion house is preparing again to list its shares.

Almost all the privately held company is in the hands of Miuccia Prada, her husband and chief executive Patrizio Bertelli and family members. They have come close several times to going public in the past and Mr Bertelli hinted recently that Prada could hold an initial public offering as early as next year.