Unveiled Tom Ford successors

Gucci, the leading brand of Gucci Group, today announces the appointment of Alessandra Facchinetti as Creative Director of Gucci women's wear, of John Ray as Creative Director of Gucci men's wear and of Frida Giannini as Creative Director of accessories, with responsibility for leather goods, shoes, jewellery, gifts, timepieces and eyewear.

Facchinetti joined Gucci in October 2000 as women's ready-to-wear Design Director. Ray joined Gucci's design team 8 years ago as men's ready-to-wear designer and was later appointed Design Director. Both ready-to-wear Creative Directors will be responsible for the development of their respective collection, including the seasonal runway shows. They will also work with the existing Gucci internal image department in developing the seasonal advertising campaign.

Frida Giannini, who joined Gucci in 2002 as Design Director of leather goods, will support both ready-to-wear Creative Directors in the development of the accessories for the fashion show collections. She will also develop new accessory initiatives for the house.

Alessandra Facchinetti, John Ray and Frida Giannini succeed Tom Ford and will report to Giacomo Santucci, Gucci's President and Chief Executive Officer, who said: 'Alessandra, John and Frida are incredibly talented and each one has made significant contributions to Gucci's current success. I look forward to working closely with them all on driving Gucci forward and strengthening the brand's leadership'.

Even Yves Saint Laurent, a company of Gucci Group, today announces the appointment of Stefano Pilati as Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Prior to this appointment, Stefano Pilati has been Design Director for four years at the French house with responsibility for all product categories, reporting to Tom Ford, whom he succeeds in the Creative Director role.

He will report to Mark Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yves Saint Laurent and will continue to have creative responsibility for all product categories at Yves Saint Laurent. His first show will be in Paris in October when he will present his Spring/Summer 2005 women prêt-à-porter collection.