Burberry’s Chief Marketing Officer, Rod Manley, is set to leave by the year’s end amidst declining company performance.
- Manley joined Burberry in 2019, previously working at Calvin Klein in New York.
- He was pivotal in collaborations with former creative director Riccardo Tisci and current CCO Daniel Lee.
- Burberry’s financial struggles include a 7% sales drop to £706m in late 2023.
- The search for Manley’s successor is underway as Burberry navigates these challenges.
Rod Manley is scheduled to depart from his role as Burberry’s Chief Marketing Officer at the conclusion of this year. His exit comes at a critical time for the brand, which is grappling with financial difficulties and a dip in sales performance. Manley’s tenure at Burberry began in January 2019, following his role as executive vice president at Calvin Klein in New York. At Burberry, he initially reported to the then-chief executive officer Marco Gobbetti and currently reports to Jonathan Akeroyd, who succeeded Gobbetti in 2021.
Throughout his time at Burberry, Manley played a significant role in steering the brand’s marketing vision. He worked closely with former creative director Riccardo Tisci for three years, collaborating on innovative marketing strategies aimed at revitalizing the brand’s image. More recently, he partnered with British-born designer Daniel Lee, Burberry’s current chief creative officer, contributing to projects that sought to enhance the brand’s appeal in a competitive market.
Manley’s departure coincides with a challenging financial phase for Burberry. Earlier this year, the brand issued a warning indicating that its full-year financial results were likely to fall short of previous forecasts. This warning followed a 7% drop in sales, with figures reaching £706 million in the final quarter of 2023. These financial setbacks underscore the urgent need for strategic shifts within the company to regain market momentum.
In light of these developments, Burberry has initiated the search for a new Chief Marketing Officer to fill the void left by Manley. The appointment of a new CMO is crucial as the company endeavors to navigate its current challenges and reposition itself within the global luxury market.
Manley’s departure marks a pivotal moment for Burberry as it seeks to realign its strategies amidst financial pressures.
