Burberry appoints Jonathan Akeroyd as CEO

I have 15 years of experience in the retail industry…
Jonathan Akeroyd was announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Burberry, the iconic British luxury brand, on October 20, 2021. He officially assumed the role on April 1, 2022, succeeding Marco Gobbetti, who departed for Salvatore Ferragamo. Akeroyd’s appointment came as Burberry was in the midst of a long-standing revival plan.
Akeroyd, aged 56, has an impressive background in the luxury fashion industry. Prior to joining Burberry, he served as the Chief Executive of Gianni Versace SpA, where he reorganized and accelerated growth at the Italian fashion house, elevating product, communications, and customer experience.
Before his tenure at Versace, Akeroyd was the Chief Executive Officer of Alexander McQueen from 2004 to 2016, leading a turnaround of the British luxury brand and laying the foundation for global expansion. He also held several senior fashion roles at London-based luxury department store Harrods.
Upon his appointment, Akeroyd expressed his honor in joining Burberry and admiration for its storied heritage. He looked forward to returning to London, where he first built his career in the luxury industry, and working with a talented team that had ambitious plans for the future and a strong platform to accelerate growth.
I have 15 years of experience in the retail industry including expertise in marketing, operations, merchandising, buying, shopping and technology. I am a speaker, consultant and former senior managing director of The School of Retailing, University of Alberta. My education includes a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from The University of Alberta in Marketing, Certificate in Real Estate and a Diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Buying from LasSalle College, a Canadian private school founded in 1959 by fashion designer Jean-Paul Morin.