Burberry prepares for history-changing moves with the news that Christopher Bailey is departing the company. Following sixteen years at the helm of the British fashion house, Bailey will resign as Burberry president and chief creative officer. Bailey joined Burberry in 2001 and served as the chief creative officer and CEO from 2014 until July 2017.
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Burberry notes in a release that as the company “begins the next decade of its journey, Christopher has concluded that after 17 years it will be the right time for him to pursue new creative projects.” The label also explains, “Christopher will remain president and chief creative officer until March 31, 2018, when he will step down from the board. He will provide his full support to chief executive officer Marco Gobbetti and the team on the transition until Dec. 31, 2018.”
Christopher Bailey on Burberry Departure
Ending an essential chapter in Burberry’s history, Bailey has thoughtful reflections. The designer shares, “It has been the great privilege of my life to be at Burberry, working alongside and learning from such an extraordinary group of people over the last 17 years. Burberry encapsulates so much of what is great about Britain. As an organization, it is creative, innovative and outward-looking.”
Bailey continues, “I do truly believe, however, that Burberry’s best days are still ahead of her, and that the company will go from strength to strength with the strategy we have developed and the exceptional talent we have in place led by Marco. I am excited to pursue new creative projects, but remain fully committed to the future success of this magnificent brand and to ensuring a smooth transition.”