LONDON, June 20, 2007 (AFP) - Burberry, the British maker of luxury clothes and accessories, announced on Wednesday June 20th that its former chief executive Rose Marie Bravo would step down as group vice chairman on July 1.

Rose Marie Bravo, vice chairman of Burberry Photo : AFP

Bravo served as chief executive from 1997 until July last year, when Angela Ahrendts was appointed chief executive.

Burberry chairman John Peace said in a statement : "I would like to thank Rose Marie for her tremendous contribution as chief executive and for ensuring such a smooth transition over the past twelve months in her role as vice chairman."

Bravo said she had "thoroughly enjoyed" her decade at the company, during which time she helped transform Burberry into one of the world's best-known luxury fashion brands.

Bravo employed British supermodel Kate Moss to advertise the distinctive Burberry check pattern, before disposing of her in 2005 following allegations that she was taking cocaine.

"I am confident that Angela and her team will continue to lead Burberry to even greater success," Bravo said in the company statement on Wednesday.

Burberry is famous for its invention of the gabardine waterproof raincoat and its kitting out of officers in the British armed forces during World War I.