"I do truly believe, however, that Burberry’s best days are still ahead of her and that the company will go from strength to strength with the strategy we have developed and the exceptional talent we have in place led by Marco."
"I would like to thank all my colleagues as well as Sir John Peace and the Board for all their support and faith in me over the years. "
"I am excited to pursue new creative projects but remain fully committed to the future success of this magnificent brand and to ensuring a smooth transition."
Burberry "September 2017" - celebrity guests
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Chief Executive Officer Marco Gobbetti was said in the company's official release to 'understand and support Christopher's decision'.
"Burberry has undergone an incredible transformation since 2001 and Christopher has been instrumental to the Company’s success in that period," acknowledged Gobbeti.
"While I am sad not to have the opportunity to partner with him for longer, the legacy he leaves and the exceptional talent we have at Burberry give me enormous confidence in our future."
"We have a clear vision for the next chapter to accelerate the growth and success of the Burberry brand and I am excited about the opportunity ahead for our teams, our partners and our shareholders.”
Christopher Bailey with Blake Lively at the 2016 Met Gala
While Burberry have said that they will only now begin the process of finding a successor, it is being suggested that Phoebe Philo - already rumoured to be leaving Céline - is a likely candidate.
Coincidentally, Gobbetti also came from Céline where he served as Chief Executive and worked closely with Philo.
