Burberry appoints new global chief
Gucci VP joins UK fashion brand
Burberry has appointed Brian Blake to the post of worldwide president and chief operating officer.
Blake joins the fashion retailer on June 1, reporting to Burberry chief executive Rose Marie Bravo, with global irresponsibility for wholesale, retail, licensing and manufacturing operations.
He is currently an executive vice president at Gucci Group where over 17 years he has worked across a range of business areas , in territories including Japan, Asia and the emerging markets. Blake also spent 10 years at US retailer Lord & Taylor in merchandising and store management positions.
Bravo said: “I am delighted that Brian is joining me and the team at Burberry at this important juncture in the company’s development. His extensive international experience, in depth understanding of the luxury market and successful track record for driving performance, sales and profit brings added dimension to the proven strength of our team and our strategy.
“I look forward to working with Brian to take Burberry to its next level, explore new growth initiatives and maximise the tremendous potential that this business represents.”
Blake said: “Burberry has such a strong foundation to build upon and such a compelling strategy in place. It is exciting for me to have the opportunity to work with Rose Marie Bravo and the team to continue the momentum and challenge the business through its next phases of growth and development.”
