Burberry promotes NíChionna to senior independent director

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Mar 31, 2022

Burberry Group has appointed Orna NíChionna Senior Independent Director, effective 2 April.

NíChionna is being rewarded for her work as an Independent Non-Executive Director since joining the London luxury fashion house’s board in January 2018. She is currently Chair of Burberry’s Remuneration Committee and a member of its Nomination Committee. 

The firm also confirmed that Carolyn McCall will retire as a Non-Executive Director on the same day as NíChionna takes up her new role. McCall is CEO of TV giant ITV and formerly ran easyJet and Guardian Newspapers.

Independent directors are crucial to the running of stock exchange-listed companies as they provide reassurance to shareholders that there are independent voices on the board and also perform a vital risk management function.

NíChionna’s promotion comes as Burberry awaits the arrival of its new CEO and executive director Jonathan Akeroyd. The former Versace chief joins in April at a crucial time as the firm continues to work towards its more ultra-luxury-focused strategy and continues its recovery from the pandemic.