Versace hires Jonathan Akeroyd as its new CEO

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
May 23, 2016

There is a surprise change at the top for Versace. The Italian fashion label has recently appointed Jonathan Akeroyd as its CEO. Until 9th May, Akeroyd worked for British label Alexander McQueen, of which he was CEO since September 2004.

He will take over from Gian Giacomo Ferraris, who was in charge of Versace since 2009. The announcement was made by the fashion label in a press release, giving no explanation about Ferraris' departure, while thanking the former CEO for "his excellent work".

Jonathan Akeroyd was Merchandising Director at London department store Harrods for 15 years. "His vision and experience will be key elements in leading Versace through a new expansion phase," said the label's Vice-President and Creative Director, Donatella Versace.

The appointment feels like a small retaliation by the Italian label. Jonathan Akeroyd comes in fact from Alexander McQueen, a brand belonging to the Kering group like Yves Saint Laurent, which last April hired as Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello... who was until then in charge of Versace's young line Versus Versace!