Christopher Baily introduced Burberry's new chief design officer - Luc Goidadin - yesterday as he addressed investors for the first time in his new double-role of chief executive and chief creative officer of the company.
Goidadin, he said, is "one of my most experienced, trusted and talented colleagues who has worked alongside me for over 12 years" and would "oversee all design activities under my leadership. This will allow me to remain fully involved in setting the creative direction and vision for the brand."
A new company structure will streamline the business into three pillars - design, product and communication - which will leave Bailey with "significantly fewer reports" than his predecessor Angela Ahrendts who will take up her position as senior vice president of retail and online stores for Apple next year.
While the industry has held its breath since the announcement last month that Ahrendts was leaving Burberry, it's clear that both Bailey and his long-term friend and colleague have absolute confidence in the company's future. We are to expect "no radical changes" to the strategy, Bailey said. "We have always seen art and commerce not as opposing forces but as two sides to the same coin. There is tremendous potential, and fuel in the tank."
"I would never, ever, ever have considered leaving if I didn't know that the company was significantly outperforming, and if I was not sure that Mr Bailey was ready to take the baton," said Ahrendts. "He has already been overseeing half of the business. In addition to the collections, all the store design, creative media and everything the consumer sees has gone through his office for the last eight years."
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