Burberry chief to leave on a high note

Ms Ahrendts, who is due to step down in the summer for a job at Apple, posted a 13 per cent rise in retail revenues to £928m in the six months to March 31, with demand for its handbags and scarves in China and Korea particularly strong.

The update ahead of full-year results on May 21 was partially overshadowed by the company’s warning on the strength of the pound, which is likely to have a “material” impact on profits in the current financial year.

Based on trading in 2014, Burberry said currency exchange rate movements would reduce profits in retail and wholesale trading by about £30m.

Despite the warning, Burberry shares were on the front foot yesterday as Ms Ahrendts said the brand had an “excellent foundation” for the future.

Outerwear and large leather goods accounted for nearly half the growth in the latest half- year.

Asia Pacific saw double-digit percentage comparable sales growth, led by China and Korea, while its other regions posted mid-to-high single digits.