Burberry has a new CEO. Coming April 2022, Jonathan Akeroyd will substitute Marco Gobbetti, who will begin his new role as CEO of Ferragamo. British Akeroyd (54 years old) has been CEO of Versace since 2016, and remained in his place when the Italian brand was bought by Capri Holdings. The same manager was also CEO of Alexander McQueen from 2004 to 2016.
Burberry has a new CEO
Mr. Gobbetti returns to Italy while Akeroyd moves to the UK. “I can’t wait to be back in London – said Akeroyd (in photo) in a note -, to join an ambitious and talented team and a solid platform to accelerate growth”. Burberry, says the new CEO, “is an iconic British luxury brand for which I feel profound affection”. Gobbetti will leave Burberry on December 31st, 2021. From that point on, and until the new CEO takes his role, the executive committee will be guided by current president Gerry Murphy. Akeroyd will receive 1.1 million pounds per year, a yearly additional payment of 50,000 pounds and bonuses provided in stock and cash prizes.
The context
New CEO’s nomination should calm the rumors of a potential sale of the brand. The rumor was fueled by the departure of Gobbetti towards a smaller brand and a consequent power void. Yet, Riccardo Tisci’s latest statements provide stability, as he ensured that (at least for now), he will not follow Gobbetti. Capri Holdings published a note saying that Akeroyd will remain with Versace until March 2022 and will work with group CEO John D. Idol to ensure an organized transition. Capri Holdings will immediately begin searching for a new CEO for Versace.
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