Christopher Bailey, MBE

chief creative and Chief executive Officer, Burberry

As Burberry’s chief creative and chief executive officer, Christopher Bailey is credited with driving the fashion house’s journey from maker of trenchcoats to one of the best known luxury brands in the world. Since he joined in 2001, the company’s share price has increased by over 500%, and he took up his current role in 2013. Though quintessentially British in aesthetic, Burberry now has over 500 stores in 50 countries. Bailey has been responsible for bringing the 150-year-old brand into the 21st century through digital innovation and campaigns, and for its overall advertising strategy and global vision. Prior to Burberry, Bailey worked as a designer at Donna Karan and Gucci. He has won numerous awards for his work, including Designer of the Year and Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. Bailey was born in Yorkshire – where Burberry’s iconic trenches also happen to be made.