Burberry names new CEO
London-based leathergoods brand Burberry has named the person who will replace Marco Gobbetti as chief executive. Mr Gobbetti will leave the role at the end of 2021 to return to his native Italy to take up the role of chief executive of Ferragamo.
Burberry’s new chief executive will make the same journey in reverse. Jonathan Akeroyd will be Mr Gobbetti’s replacement but will not take up the post until April.
Mr Akeroyd has been chief executive of Milan-based Versace since 2016, successfully steering it through its acquisition by luxury group Capri in 2018. Before that, Jonathan Akeroyd was chief executive of Alexander McQueen between 2004 and 2016. He is credited with leading a turnaround at Alexander McQueen and preparing the brand for global expansion. He also helped it through the difficult period that followed its founder’s death in 2010.
He said he had long admired Burberry’s position as “the most iconic British luxury brand”, commenting that he had a deep affection for its heritage. “I am looking forward to returning to London where I first built my career in the luxury industry,” he added, “to join a talented team with ambitious plans for the future and a strong platform to accelerate growth.”
Chair of the Burberry board, Gerry Murphy, will lead its executive committee between January and April. He said he was delighted Jonathan Akeroyd had decided to join. “He shares our values and our ambition,” Mr Murphy said, “and his deep luxury and fashion industry expertise will be key to advancing the next phase of Burberry’s evolution.”
