Powerful Women: Angela Ahrendts

Without a doubt, Burberry has been one of the most iconic and classic designer brands since it first began in 1856. Now, the $2.4 Billion brand is considered to be one of the top names in the world. Burberry’s recent success and growth can be credited to their CEO Angela Ahrendts.

So where did Ahrendts come from? Surprisingly, the mid-west. The Indiana native hails from a small town and is one of six siblings. Ahrendts has said that she grew up sewing her own clothes, which inspired her to pursue the fashion industry.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Ball State University, Ahrendts moved to New York City almost immediately and began her climb to the top, working in many different companies in the business along the way.

In 2006, Ahrendts finally earned the CEO position within Burberry and has since increased the companies’ stock value by 200%. Talk about impressive.

How did Ahrendts achieve such a feat? By staying youthful in an old company. After studying statistics and learning that 60% of the world’s population is under the age of 30, Burberry then focused their attention on targeting this market.

Burberry’s employees are now 70% under the age of 30 and are representing 40 different nationalities, focusing a lot of the companies’ energy on digital and social media.

Ahrendts also ensures that the company is very close knit. She wants to have a good relationship with all of the Burberry employees and make sure that they’re happy before building a relationship with the customers. To Ahrendts, the brand comes first and whatever is best for Burberry is what’s best for everyone else. Her approach is definitely working.

Angela Ahrendts is 52 years old, and is married with three children.

Ally | Elite

Photo Credit: Getty Images.