Tom Ford bows out from eponymous brand as it makes new leadership appointments

American fashion designer Tom Ford is stepping away from the eponymous brand he co-founded in 2005, following its sale to The Estée Lauder Companies last year.

Ford’s longtime colleague Peter Hawkings will succeed him as Creative Director, whilst Guillaume Jesel will become President and CEO, taking over from Domenico de Sole, the brand’s other co-founder.

The team will work together "to ensure a consistent and cohesive image across all products, brand communication and retail". Tom Ford and Domenico De Sole will continue to serve as brand advisors through the end of calendar 2023.

Speaking about the new leadership appointments, Tom Ford said: “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."

The announcement comes as The Estée Lauder Companies completes its acquisition of Tom Ford, making it the sole owner of the brand and all its intellectual property. The $2.8 billion deal was previously announced in November last year.

As part of the acquisition, Estée Lauder will continue to manage Tom Ford's cosmetics and fragrance businesses, whilst Italian menswear group Ermenegildo Zegna will operate a 30-year licensing deal for fashion and accessories. Marcolin will continue making the brand' eyewear.

The Estée Lauder Companies has been creating beauty and fragrance for the Tom Ford brand since 2006 when the Texan designer branched out under his own name, having previously been Creative Director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.