Capri Holdings CEO Justin Boxford will take charge of the luxury fashion group on January 4, 2027, succeeding John D. Idol after more than two decades of leadership. The company announced the appointment on November 11, 2026, as it seeks to restore growth at Michael Kors and expand its Jimmy Choo business.
Boxford joins Capri from The Estée Lauder Companies, where he most recently served as global president of luxury beauty brands. He will also join Capri’s board of directors. The appointment marks a major leadership transition for the parent company of two internationally recognized luxury fashion brands.
Capri Holdings CEO Transition and Leadership Changes
Under Capri Holdings’ succession plan, Idol will retire as chairman and chief executive officer. He will remain a senior advisor through March 31, 2027, to support the transition.
Robin Freestone, currently the company’s lead director, will become independent chairman of the board. Separating the chairman and CEO positions will establish a new leadership structure as Capri enters its next phase.
Idol has led the company since December 2003. During his tenure, Michael Kors developed into a global fashion business, while the acquisition of Jimmy Choo expanded the group’s position in luxury footwear and accessories.
Justin Boxford Brings Experience From Estée Lauder
Boxford has nearly 30 years of experience in the luxury and beauty industries, including more than two decades at Estée Lauder. His previous responsibilities included international brand development, consumer engagement, marketing and business transformation.
Before his most recent appointment, he served as global brand president of Estée Lauder and AERIN BEAUTY. He also spent five years leading La Mer, where the company says he more than doubled the skincare brand’s size.
His international experience includes senior roles in Hong Kong, where he led growth initiatives across China and the Asia-Pacific region. He also helped expand TOM FORD BEAUTY in the region and previously held responsibility for Michael Kors fragrances.
That background offers Capri experience in premium consumer positioning and global retail distribution. However, managing a fashion group presents different challenges from running beauty brands, particularly in seasonal collections, wholesale relationships and inventory management.
Michael Kors Recovery Remains a Priority
The leadership change comes as Capri works to strengthen demand for Michael Kors. The company has focused on refreshing stores, improving product collections and reducing promotional activity to encourage more full-price purchases.
Its recent financial performance illustrates the challenge. Capri reported a 5.5% revenue decline to approximately $809 million for its fiscal second quarter of 2027. Michael Kors revenue fell 8.6%, while Jimmy Choo posted 11.5% growth.
Despite lower overall sales, Capri reported improved gross margin and raised its annual financial outlook. New collections, marketing investments and stronger full-price selling are central to its recovery strategy.
For Boxford, the immediate challenge will be maintaining that progress without relying heavily on discounting. Higher full-price sales can support profitability, but sustained growth will depend on attracting customers and keeping products competitive in a selective luxury market.
A New Chapter After Major Portfolio Changes
Capri’s leadership transition follows several significant corporate developments. The company previously attempted an $8.5 billion merger with Tapestry, the parent of Coach, but abandoned the transaction in 2024 after regulatory opposition.
Capri subsequently sold Versace to Prada for approximately $1.4 billion in 2025. That transaction left Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo as its two principal fashion brands and allowed Capri to concentrate resources on their development.
The narrower portfolio gives incoming management a more focused business. However, it also increases the importance of improving performance at Michael Kors, which remains a central contributor to group revenue.
What the CEO Appointment Means for Capri Holdings
Boxford’s appointment brings a new executive perspective as the company seeks more consistent sales and stronger brand positioning. His luxury beauty experience could influence Capri’s approach to consumer relationships, international distribution, and digital retail.
The immediate leadership timetable is established, but the company’s longer-term performance will depend on execution. Investors will be watching whether Michael Kors returns to sustainable growth, Jimmy Choo maintains momentum, and margin improvements translate into stronger earnings.
Boxford will formally assume leadership on January 4, 2027. Until then, Capri’ss existing management will continue overseeing the business and preparing for the transition.
