Burberry Appoints Versace Chief Akeroyd as New CEO

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] British fashion brand Burberry has appointed Jonathan Akeroyd, who previously led Italy's Versace, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

According to Bloomberg, Akeroyd will take over the leadership of Burberry, which has a 165-year history, starting April 1 next year, succeeding Marco Gobbetti who will step down on December 31 this year.

Gary Murphy, Chairman of Burberry, praised, "Jonathan Akeroyd is an experienced leader with an excellent track record of enabling global luxury brands to grow based on profitability."

Burberry explained that Akeroyd worked at Versace for the past five years, improving products and driving growth.

He also led the spectacular revival of the British brand Alexander McQueen as its head from 2004 to 2016.

Until Gobbetti leaves and Akeroyd joins Burberry, Chairman Murphy will serve as acting CEO.

Gobbetti, who was appointed CEO in July 2017 and managed Burberry, is credited with lifting the brand out of a slump.

During his tenure, Gobbetti pursued changes such as stopping the use of fur and eliminating the practice of recalling unsold products to burn them.

Originally from Italy, Gobbetti decided to return to his home country where his family is and move to the Italian brand Salvatore Ferragamo.

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