Tom Ford hands reins of business to longtime colleague as he bows out

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 company has also appointed Ermenegildo Zegna as CEO of Tom Ford Fashion.

The trio 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.

Who is Peter Hawkings and what will he do as Creative Director?

Hawkings first began his career under Ford at Gucci in 1998. He then joined the Tom Ford brand in 2006 and most recently held the role of Senior Vice-President of Menswear.

As Creative Director, Hawkings will be the lead designer for the brand's fashion segment and fashion shows.

He will be responsible for upholding the brand’s vision, ensuring consistency of creative direction and decisions across all fashion categories and ushering the Tom Ford brand into its next chapter.

Speaking about the appointment, Tom Ford said: "In Peter Hawkings the brand has found the perfect Creative Director.

"Peter began working with me 25 years ago as a menswear design assistant at Gucci and rapidly worked his way up to become the senior men’s designer at the company when he left to join me at the Tom Ford brand. Since the creation of Tom Ford menswear, Peter has been instrumental in the success of the brand.

"He is an incredibly talented leader with tremendous industry experience, and his appointment gives me confidence that my commitment to creating fashion products with the highest level of design and quality will continue."

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.