ITALY. LVMH Group today announced the appointment of Michael Burke as “amministratore delegato” (chief executive officer) of Italian fashion house Fendi.
In a statement LVMH also thanked Gian Carlo Di Risio, who is leaving Fendi, for his contribution to the organisation of the company.
Michael Burke joined Christian Dior USA in 1980 as vice president of operations. He was president of Louis Vuitton North America from 1993 to 1997. Since 1997 he has been chief operating officer of Christian Dior Couture.
Claus-Dietrich Lahrs succeeds Michael Burke and is appointed chief executive officer of Christian Dior Couture. Lahrs has been until now president of Louis Vuitton North America. He was previously general manager of the Louis Vuitton, Loewe and Celine brands in Germany from 1997 to 2001.
In July 2002, LVMH increased its stake in Fendi to 66.9%. The company has said it wants to make Fendi Italy’s leading fashion label within the next five years, with more company-owned boutiques in all sales channels and in more new markets. Fendi has global duty free distribution through Miami-based Merac.
