Burberry today announces that Gerry Murphy, who joined the Board in May 2018, has decided to retire as Chair with effect from the date of our interim results in November 2026. Gerry, who is nearing the end of his nine-year tenure, will be succeeded by William Jackson who has been selected following a comprehensive search process led by Orna NiChionna, Senior Independent Director.
William will join Burberry as a Non-Executive Director on 1 July 2026 and will stand for election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 15 July 2026. William will succeed Gerry as Chair on his retirement, following a formal handover.
William Jackson is the Founder and former Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Bridgepoint Group Plc, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2021. Under his leadership Bridgepoint became a substantial global investment organisation with interests in many consumer-facing businesses, including brands such as Pret a Manger and MotoGP. William chaired both of these brands throughout their transformative growth years while building the wider Bridgepoint portfolio.
In addition to his leadership of Bridgepoint which ended in 2024, William has served as a Non-Executive Director of FTSE 100 companies British Land Plc from 2011 to 2020, including three years as Senior Independent Director, and Berkeley Group Holdings Plc from 2021 to 2025.
William is currently a Non-Executive Director of institutional investment manager, IFM Investors; and he is nearing the end of his term as Chair of global educator, Wellington College Education. He is Chair of the Lawn Tennis Association.
Orna NiChionna, Senior Independent Director, said
“We are delighted to welcome William to the Board. He brings a broad range of skills and experience to support the next stage of our growth, including senior executive and non-executive leadership roles and a strong track record of leading and scaling businesses across international markets. He will add considerable strength and expertise to the Board as we continue to implement our strategy under Josh’s leadership.”
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Gerry for his exceptional leadership over the past several years. His stewardship during a period of significant disruption and change in the luxury sector has been important in creating a more resilient business with a strong platform for the next chapter of Burberry.”
William Jackson, Chair-designate, said:
“I am deeply honoured to join this iconic British brand. Burberry has strong foundations, a clear strategic direction in Burberry Forward, and a talented executive team led by Josh Schulman. I look forward to working closely with Josh and the Board to build on this momentum and realise Burberry’s full potential.”
Gerry Murphy, Chair, said:
"It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this extraordinary 170-year-old brand since 2018. I would like to thank Board members past and present for their unwavering commitment and continued support. I am very confident that, under William’s and Josh’s leadership, this unique and special business is well positioned for the future.”
The Company confirms, save as disclosed above, that there are no details to be disclosed under UK Listing Rule 6.4.8R (1) to (6) in respect of William Jackson’s appointment.
| Enquiries | ||
| Gemma Parsons | Company Secretary |
020 3367 4539 Gemma.Parsons@burberry.com |
Investors and analysts |
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Joanna Kennedy |
VP, Investor Relations |
020 3367 3524 |
Media |
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Samantha Pacan |
VP, Corporate Relations |
020 3367 3764 samantha.pacan@burberry.com |
