London – Burberry is said to be mulling over the appointment of a
senior manager to offer support to its Chief Executive Officer/Creative
Director Christopher Bailey.
Bailey has stood at the helm of both the business and creative divisions of
the British fashion house since the departure of its former CEO Angela
Ahrendts in 2013. However, he is said to face growing concerns from
investors following flagging sales and disappointing trading. Shares have
dropped 21 percent since Bailey took over the reigns as CEO, causing
investors to raise concern over his leadership skills, according to the
Financial Times.
“Bailey needs back-up,” revealed one shareholder, who has sold down
Burberry shares in the past year, to FT. “He needs someone to help him on
the marketing and retail side, who has a good understanding of the business
and knows exactly where they want to take the company.” Another shareholder
believes the British luxury house would fare better if Bailey was able to
focus solely on the creative side of the company.
“It worked with Christopher Bailey as head of design and Angela Ahrendts as
chief executive, but there have been problems since he took up both roles
after she left,” said the investor, who added: “It is time for Sir John to
move — it was his decision to give Bailey the twin role, so doubts over
Bailey mean there are doubts over Sir John, too.”
Burberry declined to comment on the speculation. Concerns surrounding
Bailey roles comes after the British heritage fashion house created a new
position of Chief of People and Corporate Affairs Officer, as well as as
the position of a Chief Information Officer. At the time of the roles
creation, Bailey said the two positions would “play key roles in Burberry’s
leadership team.”
Photos: On the set of Mr.Burberry, Christopher Bailey with Oscar-winning
director Steve McQueen – Burberry Facebook