In an unpredictable year of creative director changes, sweeping tariffs announcements and a continuing luxury sector slowdown, the fashion industry has seen a different kind of shift play out at the CEO level.
At the beginning of the year, CEOs at both Lanvin Group and Salvatore Ferragamo stepped down amid declining revenue at their respective firms. Neither company has named a successor. LVMH, which has seen revenue wane over the past several quarters, named new CEOs at Fendi, Dior and Kenzo in April.
There also were shakeups at mainstream fashion brands. Brendan Hoffman returned as CEO of Vince Holding Corp. in February, following an acquisition deal with Hoffman’s P180 firm and ahead of a May delisting threat from the New York Stock Exchange. HanesBrands CEO Steve Bratspies announced his plans to step down that month, six months before Gildan said it planned to acquire the company.
Also in February, Express and Bonobos owner Phoenix named a new CEO, and the following month, a new CEO was appointed at J.Jill.
However, the transitions really began heating up in June and July. Here’s a look at some of this summer’s significant CEO comings and goings.