Burberry head Angela Ahrendts receives honorary DBE
Angela Ahrendts, the outgoing chief executive of Burberry, has been made an honorary dame in recognition of her contribution to British business.
The American was bestowed with the honorary DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by business secretary Vince Cable at a ceremony yesterday at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Ahrendts has led the luxury fashion brand since 2006 and has been credited with raising its profile and nearly tripling its revenues to more than $3 billion.
She is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group, and with her husband, Gregg, set up the Ahrendts-Couch Family Foundation for children and young people. Since 2006, she has been named by Forbes five times as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The chief executive is due to step down from her role this summer to take up the new position of head of retail at technology giant Apple.
Speaking at the event, Cable said: “I’m delighted to present this award to Angela who has made an outstanding contribution to British business.
“Burberry has enjoyed considerable success under Angela’s leadership. She has revitalised this iconic British brand with flair and cutting edge innovation, allied with sound commercial acumen. She has become a landmark figure in business and like many successful women in Britain today, a powerful role model to the next generation of young British talent.”
