Skip to main content
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Hugo Boss CEO Mark Langer to Exit

Langer will leave the German fashion house on September 30 but will continue on as a consultant until the end of the year due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Hugo Boss store front | Source: Shutterstock
By
  • Reuters

METZINGEN, Germany — Hugo Boss said on Monday that Chief Executive Mark Langer would leave the German fashion house on September 30, but will stay on until the end of the year as a consultant due to the coronavirus crisis while the company looks for a successor.

Hugo Boss said in a statement that Langer’s departure had been agreed in mutual consent. Langer has been chief executive since 2016 and before that had been finance chief of the company from 2010.

Hugo Boss last week scrapped the outlook it gave for 2020 and took action to protect its cash balance, suspending store renovations and new openings and limiting the inflow of stock.

Langer took over from Claus-Dietrich Lahrs when Hugo Boss was suffering a steep fall in sales in the United States and China in 2016. Until the coronavirus took hold, he had managed to stem the decline, but the stock had still underperformed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Langer has sought to return Hugo Boss to its roots selling premium men’s clothing and to offer more casual and sportswear, reversing the course of his predecessor, who had pushed to make the label more of a luxury brand and invested in womenswear.

Last week, the company said it has initiated extensive measures to protect its free cash flow, including significantly curtailing the inflow of new goods and suspending store renovations and new openings.

By Emma Thomasson; editor: Emma Thomasson

© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Workplace & Talent
Analysis and advice on the future of work, careers and management.

Introducing BoF Careers Executive Search

A tailored recruitment service offering specialist support to secure top-tier talent for your open roles — from entry-level to C-suite positions across fashion, retail, luxury and beauty.


The Best Jobs on BoF Careers

Discover the most exciting career opportunities now available on BoF Careers — including jobs from Ralph Lauren, Cos and AWWG.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024
© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024