Burberry Is "Changing The Plaid"...Uh-Oh

In a shakeup of top management at Burberry, the company named former BBC executive John Smith as chief operating officer, a new post & Stacey Cartwright, its chief financial officer and a prominent member of the brand's executive team, would step down from her post after nine years in order to pursue new interests.

John Smith, New Burberry COO

Cartwright, who also holds the title of executive vice-president, is to retain her position on the board until the Burberry’s annual general meeting in July.

Carol Fairweather has been named chief financial officer designate with immediate effect and will become chief financial officer following Cartwright's departure.  She will report to Burberry's chief executive officer Angela Ahrendts.


Smith had served as a non-executive director on the Burberry Board since December 2009. He will continue to serve in that capacity until he takes up his new role as an executive director on March 4, and he will report to Ahrendts.

Smith was most recently chief executive of BBC Worldwide from 2005 to 2012, where he oversaw its expansion through the development of global franchises.

“We are thrilled to announce John’s appointment to the new position of chief operating officer, which is an important step in the next phase of Burberry’s development," Ahrendts said in a statement. "His exceptional global brand and media expertise, together with his track record in finance and operations, will be invaluable as we continue to combine proven strategies and innovative execution to drive growth in the mobile digital age."

Fairweather has been with Burberry for six years, most recently as senior vice president, group finance. Prior to joining Burberry, she held senior finance positions at News International Limited and Shandwick plc.

“We thank Stacey for her dedication, commitment, and partnership as we have worked to transform Burberry in recent years, and for her outstanding personal contribution to improving the operational and financial infrastructure of the company.  We wish her well in the future," Ahrendts said in a statement.

"We are delighted that one of her key partners, Carol Fairweather, will succeed her.  Carol’s deep understanding of the Burberry business and brand, coupled with her strong leadership and financial skills, position her uniquely to drive continued success in this role, while ensuring a seamless transition,” she added.