When it comes to the world of fashion, one name that has become synonymous with luxury, elegance, and sophistication is Versace. This Italian fashion house was founded by Gianni Versace in 1978.
Since then, it has become one of the most prominent names in the industry, known for its avant-garde designs and impeccable craftsmanship. However, after Gianni’s untimely death in 1997, the question on everyone’s mind was – who would take over as CEO of Versace?
After Gianni’s death, his sister Donatella Versace took over as the creative director of the fashion house. She had been working alongside her brother since the inception of the brand and was instrumental in its success. However, she did not hold the position of CEO at that time.
It wasn’t until 2004 that Donatella took on the role of CEO as well. In an interview with The Guardian, she spoke about how taking on this new responsibility was a challenge for her but also a natural progression. She said, “It’s a different job from designing clothes but I’ve learned a lot from my brother and I feel ready for it.”
Since taking over as CEO, Donatella has continued to push boundaries and take risks with Versace’s designs while also ensuring that the brand stays true to its roots. She has expanded Versace’s reach globally and made it more accessible to a wider audience without compromising on quality or exclusivity.
In recent years, there have been some changes in ownership for Versace. In 2018, Michael Kors Holdings Ltd acquired Versace for $2.1 billion. Following this acquisition, Donatella remained as creative director while Jonathan Akeroyd took over as CEO.
Akeroyd brought with him years of experience in the fashion industry having previously worked at brands like Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney. Under his leadership, Versace has continued to thrive and expand its presence globally.
In conclusion, Donatella Versace is the current CEO of Versace, having taken over the role in 2004. She has played a pivotal role in the brand’s success and has helped it evolve while staying true to its core values. With Jonathan Akeroyd now at the helm, there is no doubt that Versace will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world.