Burberry poaches new chief executive from Versace

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Burberry has named Versace boss Jonathan Akeroyd as its new chief executive to replace the outgoing Marco Gobbetti.

Akeroyd, who has led Italian fashion brand Versace since June 2016, will take up his new role on April 1, 2022, reporting to Burberry chair Gerry Murphy.

Prior to joining Versace, Akeroyd was chief executive of British luxury brand Alexander McQueen for 12 years, leading a turnaround of the business and spearheading its global expansion drive.

He also held several senior fashion roles at Harrods.

Akeroyd will take over from Gobbetti who revealed his intention to step down from the top job in June.

Gobbetti will join Italian fashion group Salvatore Ferragamo as its new chief executive.

Murphy said: “Jonathan is an experienced leader with a strong track record in building global luxury fashion brands and driving profitable growth.

“He shares our values and our ambition to build on Burberry’s unique British creative heritage and his deep luxury and fashion industry expertise will be key to advancing the next phase of Burberry’s evolution.”

Akeroyd added: “I am honoured to be joining Burberry as chief executive officer. I have long admired Burberry’s position as the most iconic British luxury brand and I have a deep affection for its storied heritage.

“I am looking forward to returning to London where I first built my career in the luxury industry to join a talented team with ambitious plans for the future and a strong platform to accelerate growth.”