Burberry Group PLC (LON:BRBY) has announced that Gerry Murphy has been appointed to the board as the luxury goods group's chairman designate.
The FTSE 100-listed firm said Murphy will start on 17 May and will succeed John Peace as chairman after the company’s annual shareholder meeting on 12 July. Peace will step down from the role and from the board on the same date after 16 years.
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Burberry noted that Murphy is an experienced chair and senior board member, having served as non-executive director of companies including British American Tobacco plc (LON:BATS), Merlin Entertainments PLC (LON:MERL) and Reckitt Benckiser PLC (LON:B.)
The firm added that Murphy is currently chairman of Tate and Lyle PLC (LON:TATE) and of The Blackstone Group International Partners LLP, Blackstone’s principal European entity.
Jeremy Darroch, Burberry's senior independent director, said: “His substantial UK PLC and global business experience will be a great asset to Burberry as we continue to focus on delivering long-term shareholder value.”
In late afternoon trading, Burberry shares were 1.2% higher at 1,738.5p.