The former Estée Lauder executive will take the helm of the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo parent company on January 4, 2027, succeeding longtime CEO John Idol
Capri Holdings has appointed Justin Boxford as chief executive officer and a member of its board of directors, effective January 4, 2027, succeeding longtime chairman and CEO John D. Idol, who will retire after 23 years with the company. The leadership transition marks a significant change for the parent company of Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo as it works to restore growth across its luxury portfolio. Robin Freestone, currently Capri’s lead director, will become independent chairman of the board, while Idol will remain a senior advisor through March 31, 2027, to support the transition.
Boxford joins Capri from The Estée Lauder Companies, where he most recently served as global president of luxury beauty brands. With nearly three decades of experience across the luxury and beauty industries, he brings an extensive background in brand development, international expansion, and business transformation. His appointment follows a board-led search for a successor to Idol, whose tenure oversaw Capri’s evolution into a multibillion-dollar global fashion group.
“This announcement is the culmination of a thorough Board-led process to identify Capri’s next Chief Executive Officer, and we are confident that Justin is the right leader to guide Capri in its next chapter of growth,” said Freestone. “He brings an exceptional track record of revitalizing and growing global luxury and beauty brands, deep international experience and a people-centered leadership approach.”
During his more than two decades at Estée Lauder, Boxford held a series of senior positions across the company’s portfolio. As global brand president of Estée Lauder and AERIN BEAUTY, he led a transformation focused on restoring growth, strengthening brand desirability, accelerating product innovation, and expanding consumer engagement across digital and physical channels. Previously, he spent five years leading La Mer, during which the skincare brand more than doubled in size and expanded its product offering.
Boxford also held leadership positions based in Hong Kong, overseeing Estée Lauder’s development across China and the Asia-Pacific region and supporting the expansion of TOM FORD BEAUTY. His experience includes global travel retail and marketing responsibilities, including work on the Michael Kors fragrance business. Earlier in his career, he held positions at LVMH, Unilever, and L’Oréal, giving him experience across fashion, beauty, and luxury consumer markets.
“Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo are iconic luxury houses, with distinct identities and tremendous potential,” Boxford said.
I look forward to working with Capri’s teams around the world to build on the brands’ strong foundations, deepen connections with consumers and drive sustainable growth and value for our shareholders.”
The appointment comes as Capri continues to advance its turnaround strategy following a period of financial pressure. The company has indicated that it is on track to return to growth in its fourth quarter, while reports have also suggested discussions with potential buyers regarding a possible sale. Boxford’s experience in repositioning established luxury brands and expanding their international reach will be central to the company’s next phase.
Idol’s departure concludes a tenure that reshaped Capri’s position within the global fashion industry. Under his leadership, Michael Kors developed into a multibillion-dollar international business, while the acquisition of Jimmy Choo expanded the group’s presence in luxury footwear and accessories. His tenure also encompassed Capri’s transformation from a single-brand company into a broader luxury group.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Capri for the past 23 years,” Idol said. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful to our Board of Directors as well as to our talented teams around the world, whose passion and dedication have driven our success.” He also expressed confidence in Boxford, noting their previous professional relationship during the development of the Michael Kors fragrance business at Estée Lauder.
The transition separates Capri’s chairman and CEO responsibilities while bringing new leadership to its two remaining fashion houses. With Boxford taking the helm and Freestone assuming the independent chairmanship, the company is positioning itself for a new phase focused on brand development, consumer engagement, and sustainable growth.