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LVMH has announced the appointment of Michael Burke as Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton and the sudden departure of Jordi Constans due to a “significant health issue”.
Burke joins the Executive Committee of the LVMH Group.
In a statement announcing the surprise shake-up at the top of the world’s leading luxury fashion brand, LVMH said: “LVMH regrets to announce that Jordi Constans is leaving Louis Vuitton where he has been CEO.
“This sudden departure is due to the discovery of a significant health issue which requires that Mr Constans focus on this priority.”
In the press release, Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, said: “During his time with Louis Vuitton Jordi Constans has shown remarkable leadership which has earned him the respect of the entire team. He understood perfectly the opportunities for this iconic brand. On behalf of the entire group I wish Jordi a full recovery.”
Michael Burke, a dual French-US citizen, joined the Group in 1986. He was CEO of Christian Dior USA from 1986 to 1993, when he took charge of Louis Vuitton North America. In 1997, he moved to Paris to become Deputy CEO of Christian Dior Couture (worldwide). Following the acquisition of Fendi by LVMH in 2003, he was appointed CEO. Since February 2012, he has been CEO of Bulgari.
Commenting on Burke’s appointment, Arnault said: “I have worked with Michael Burke for many years. He has enormous experience in our business and knows Louis Vuitton well. He is a seasoned leader with a well-rounded profile, pragmatic, multi-cultural and modern. He has excellent skills in motivating his teams.
“I am convinced that he is the right leader for Louis Vuitton’s future; he will build on the initiatives launched by Jordi Constans, bringing the vision and drive to continue advancing Louis Vuitton’s leadership position in luxury.”
