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Introducing the Vogue Business People Moves Tracker, a running list highlighting the key executive appointments and exits across the fashion and beauty industries. From CEOs to creative directors to other key C-suite hires, we track the leadership shifts that are reshaping the industry.
December 2024
Background: Blazy joins from Bottega Veneta, where he has served as creative director since November 2021. He was promoted to take over the role from Daniel Lee. Prior to that, he held stints at Calvin Klein under Raf Simons, Céline under Phoebe Philo, Maison Margiela and Raf Simons.
Effective: 2025.
Company comments: “I am convinced that he will be able to play with the codes and heritage of the house, through an ongoing dialogue with the studio, our ateliers and our maisons d’art,” said Chanel president of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky. “His audacious personality, his innovative and powerful approach to creation, as well as his dedication to craftsmanship and beautiful materials, will take Chanel in exciting new directions.”
Background: Trotter was most recently creative director of French heritage brand Carven, which she joined in February 2023. Prior to that, she was creative director at Lacoste for five years and also spent nine years at Joseph. She is succeeding Matthieu Blazy, who was appointed as creative director in November 2021 to take over from Daniel Lee.
Effective: January 2025.
Company comments: “Her aesthetic seamlessly combines exquisite design with sublime craft, and her commitment to cultural advocacy aligns beautifully with our brand vision,” said Bottega Veneta chief executive Bartolomeo Rongone. “Through her sophisticated lens, Bottega Veneta will continue to celebrate its heritage while preserving modern relevance.”
Background: Galliano has been at Margiela for 10 years, joining a few years after his scandalous exit from Dior in 2011. Galliano took over from founder Martin Margiela, who retired in 2009.
Effective: 11 December 2024.
Company comments: “Working with John was one of the most significant and impactful experiences of my life. He mentored me and showed me his vision, enriching me culturally and allowing me to bring some of that vision and culture to the rest of the group,” said Renzo Rosso, founder and president of Maison Margiela owner OTB Group.
Background: Klausner began his career at Maison Margiela before joining Dries Van Noten in August 2018, where he worked closely with its founder and creative director. The 33-year-old has now been promoted to replace Van Noten, who announced in March his plans to retire.
Effective: 9 December 2024.
Company comments: “I have complete confidence in Julian’s creativity and vision,” said Van Noten. “He is not only a talented designer, but also a clear choice to take over after my departure. His deep understanding of the brand and its values will ensure a seamless transition and a bright future.”
Background: Benson spent seven years at Yoox Net-a-Porter (YNAP), where she most recently held the role of buying director at Net-a-Porter for the last two years. She has worked on special projects with brands such as Chloé, Alaïa, Khaite, Gabriela Hearst and Tom Ford.
Effective: 10 December 2024.
Company comments: “Kate’s deep understanding of the global luxury and fashion market makes her a respected leader to further evolve our buying strategy at Harvey Nichols. Her expertise built through previous senior roles will be instrumental in enhancing the customer experience and driving the growth of the business,” said Harvey Nichols CEO Julia Goddard.
November 2024
Background: Perves, who succeeds Louis Ferla, was previously chief commercial officer at Vacheron Constantin, and prior to that was chief marketing officer. Before joining the company, he was head of brand communications at Audemars Piguet for two years and spent almost a decade at Procter & Gamble working in luxury perfume licensing.
Effective: 1 January 2025.
Background: John Idol, CEO and chairman of parent company Capri Holdings, is taking over as CEO of Michael Kors following Cedric Wilmotte’s departure. Idol teamed up with Hong Kong private equity firm Sportswear Holdings to acquire Michael Kors in 2003 for $100 million. He served as CEO of the brand until 2021, when he appointed Joshua Schulman to the role, who was later replaced by Wilmotte.
Effective: 2 December 2024.
Company comments: “This reorganisation reinforces Michael Kors’s plans to engage and energise both new and loyal consumers, create exciting fashion and core products with compelling value, improve store productivity and return our wholesale business to growth,” said Idol.
Background: Newman has been at Michael Kors for 14 years, most recently as president of accessories and footwear.
Effective: 2 December 2024.
Company comments: “Philippa is a dynamic leader with an exceptional breadth of experience developing compelling product for our consumers. I am confident that in her new role as chief product officer for Michael Kors she will successfully lead the execution of our product transformation strategy and drive growth for Michael Kors across all channels,” said CEO John Idol, also chairman of Capri Holdings.
Background: Arena joins Joseph from JW Anderson, where he was most recently director of product and design. He previously held roles at Nanushka as director of design and innovation and at Christopher Kane as head of ready-to-wear.
Effective: 27 November 2024.
Company comments: “I’m delighted to welcome Mario to Joseph. He is a highly talented creative and has a wealth of experience within contemporary luxury,” said CEO Barbara Campos.
Background: Former Balenciaga CEO Charbit will succeed Kering deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini amid the Kering leadership shake-up. Prior to joining Balenciaga in 2016, Charbit was at Saint Laurent for five years, where he worked his way up to executive VP of products and communications.
Effective: 2 January 2025.
Company comments: “With his profound understanding of the house and of its unique identity, Cédric is exceptionally prepared to drive the continued growth and success of Saint Laurent,” Bellettini said in a statement.
Background: Gianangeli will succeed Charbit. He was previously CEO of Maison Margiela from 2020 to 2023, and prior to that held roles at Givenchy, Prada and Bottega Veneta. Gianangeli also owns a knitwear factory based in Perugia, Italy.
Effective: 2 January 2025.
Company comments: “Gianfranco’s extensive expertise and vision make him the perfect choice to further elevate the house and to build on its remarkable achievements,” said Kering deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini.
Background: British retail veteran Paul Price is returning to Burberry, where he served as chief merchandising officer for 10 years until 2017, when he joined Topshop and Topman as CEO. He was also CEO of James Perse and ran his own consulting firm.
Effective: 9 December 2024.
Company comments: “As a key member of the Burberry leadership team during the company’s peak era of value creation, Paul was responsible for product strategies that led to consistent double-digit growth. I look forward to working with Paul and know he will help unleash the commercial and creative alchemy that will drive Burberry forward,” said CEO Joshua Schulman.
Background: Phelan is a veteran stylist best known for leading Topshop as creative director from 2011 to 2017. She also held roles at British Vogue and Marie Claire.
Effective: 4 November 2024.
Company comments: “Kate’s esteemed career in the fashion industry has been captivating, and her expertise will strengthen the leadership team at Harvey Nichols,” CEO Julia Goddard said. “Her renowned experience will be instrumental in driving Harvey Nichols forward […] delivering quality growth and successfully celebrating our brand’s unique DNA.”
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