THE WHAT? Tom Ford has announced a series of leadership appointments prompted by its acquisition by the Estee Lauder Companies. Guillaume Jesel has been named President and CEO, Tom Ford and Peter Hawkings will step into the Creative Director, Tom Ford position, effective at the acquisition’s close, while Ermenegildo Zegna will announce a CEO of Tom Ford Fashion in July, effective in the third quarter of the year. Tom Ford and Domenico De Sole will serve as brand advisors through the end of the current calendar year.

THE DETAILS Jesel brings nearly a decade of successful brand leadership of Tom Ford Beauty to his new executive leadership position at the Tom Ford brand. As President and CEO of Tom Ford, Guillaume will oversee all verticals and set a holistic luxury strategy for the brand. Guillaume will report to ELC executive leaders Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Group President, and Tracey T. Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Hawkings has been working alongside Tom Ford for nearly twenty-five years, most recently as Senior Vice President of Tom Ford Menswear. In his ascension to Creative Director, Peter will succeed Tom Ford with respect to his responsibilities as Creative Director of Fashion, including womenswear, menswear and accessory categories, assuming the role of lead designer for the fashion segment and fashion shows.

THE WHY? Tom Ford did not give a reason for his departure from his namesake label, which has been widely reported to be premature and unexpected. In a statement, Ford commented, “I could not be happier with the acquisition of the Tom Ford brand by The Estée Lauder Companies. The team there has been a great partner and Guillaume is an exceptional leader, with not only a strong business understanding of beauty, but a great understanding of fashion as well.”