Former Burberry boss Angela Ahrendts joins WPP board

WPP has appointed the former boss of Burberry and head of retail at Apple, Angela Ahrendts, to its board as a non-executive director.

Ahrendts was CEO of Burberry between 2006 and 2014, helping the company adopt new technologies, including ecommerce and updated in-store technology. She then moved to Apple where she was responsible for overseeing global retail and integrating the company’s physical and digital businesses. She left the business last year.

Prior to Burberry, Ahrendts was executive vice president at Liz Claiborne, and president of Donna Karan International.

Ahrendts was also a member of the UK Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council from 2010 to 2015 and was named Honorary Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2014.

“Angela’s reputation as a leader of creative and technology-driven businesses is second to none; she also has deep insight into our clients’ needs in a changing world,” said Roberto Quarta, chairman of WPP.

“We are delighted that she will be joining the WPP Board.”

Commenting on the appointment, Ahrendts said: “WPP is one of the world’s leading creative companies. Mark and his excellent leadership team have a strong sense of purpose and a strategy that values creative talent while embracing societal shifts and new technologies.

“I am so honoured to support their ongoing development as a member of the WPP Board.”