The Tom Ford brand just appointed new leadership: Guillaume Jesel is its new president and CEO. Peter Hawkings is now the creative director.
The Tom Ford brand has announced the appointment of new leadership, with Guillaume Jesel named as the new president and CEO, and Peter Hawkings as the new creative director. This follows the completion of the brand’s sale to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion in November 2022. Jesel has been leading Tom Ford Beauty since 2014, while Hawkings has worked alongside Ford for nearly 25 years, most recently as senior vice president of the label’s menswear. The new CEO of Tom Ford Fashion is expected to be announced in July and assume the role in the third quarter.
Will the sales take a turn?
According to analysts, Tom Ford Beauty has become a lucrative arm of the company, making Jesel’s appointment as CEO a strategic move for the brand. Jesel has a strong business understanding of beauty and fashion, having held roles at Estée Lauder and Mac Cosmetics prior to joining Tom Ford Beauty.
In a press release, Ford praised Jesel as an exceptional leader, stating that he has a great understanding of both the beauty and fashion sectors.
Hawkin’s early career
Hawkings, who has worked closely with Ford for nearly 25 years, has been instrumental to the brand’s success. He began his career at Gucci in 1998 under Ford, before joining the Tom Ford brand in 2006.
According to Ford, the brand has found the perfect creative director in Hawkings, who will work alongside Jesel to ensure a consistent and cohesive image across all products, brand communication, and retail.
What changed?
The announcement of the new CEO and creative director comes after the brand’s surprise Fall 2023 womenswear collection, which paid tribute to Ford’s career with re-editions of classic looks from past collections.
The appointment of Jesel and Hawkings is expected to further strengthen the brand’s position in the luxury fashion and beauty sectors.
Ford and Domenico De Sole, the chairman of Tom Ford International, will serve as brand advisors through the end of 2023, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.
Zegna taking over
The Zegna Group will manufacture, distribute, and operate retail for Tom Ford fashion and accessories, while the brand’s current license with global eyewear manufacturer Marcolin has been extended.
In addition to his role at Tom Ford, Ford has also been focusing on his production company, Fade to Black, which is behind his two feature film releases, A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals.
Upon the completion of the sale to Estée Lauder, Ford released a statement announcing his intention to focus on his production company.
Overall, the appointment of Jesel and Hawkings as the new CEO and creative director of Tom Ford respectively marks a significant milestone in the brand’s history. With the sale to Estée Lauder complete and the leadership team in place, the brand is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the luxury fashion and beauty sectors.