Versace chief Jonathan Akeroyd is returning home to the U.K., taking the top job at Burberry, the British company said Wednesday.
Akeroyd, 54, will succeed Marco Gobbetti, who was named CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo earlier this year. He will join Burberry on April 1, 2022.
Gerry Murphy, chair of Burberry, described Akeroyd as “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 said he has long admired Burberry, and has “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.”
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Akeroyd will report to Murphy, and the board of directors. As reported, Gobbetti will leave his post at the end of the year. Murphy will chair the Executive Committee until Akeroyd joins in April.
Burberry shares rose 1.3 percent to 18.54 pounds on the London Stock Exchange in early morning trading on Wednesday.
Burberry confirmed that Akeroyd will earn an annual salary of 1.1 million pounds, with an annual cash benefits allowance of 50,000 pounds. He will also be eligible for a target bonus between 100 percent and 200 percent of his salary, and a Burberry Share Plan award amounting to 162.5 percent of his salary.
This story was reported by WWD and originally appeared on WWD.com. To read the full story, please go to WWD.com.
