Abelson Brief

The 2024/25 Annual Report presents Burberry’s strategic evolution into a "Timeless British Luxury" brand, with a renewed focus on core categories such as outerwear and scarves to elevate brand desirability. The report acknowledges the challenges posed by a broader slowdown in the luxury market, particularly within soft luxury goods, which impacted sales and profitability.

Burberry’s strong commitment to sustainability is a central theme, with significant reductions in emissions, progress in responsible sourcing, and initiatives to support circular business models throughout the supply chain. The report also outlines the company’s governance practices, risk management approach, and executive remuneration.

In addition, it highlights efforts to foster a positive workplace culture and strengthen engagement with stakeholders. Overall, the document offers a detailed view of Burberry’s performance, strategy, and operational priorities during a dynamic year shaped by market uncertainty and increasing expectations around corporate responsibility.

A comprehensive overview of Mercedes-Benz Group AG's performance and strategy for the first quarter of 2025 and the full fiscal year outlook.

Key areas covered include the financial results of the Mercedes-Benz Cars, Vans, and Mobility divisions, highlighting revenue, EBIT, and free cash flow figures with year-over-year comparisons.

The document outlines strategic priorities such as the evolution of product offerings with a focus on luxury and electric vehicles, advancements in technology like MB.OS software and automated driving, and initiatives for operational efficiency and cost reduction.

Furthermore, it details the company's financial resilience, capital allocation framework, and ambition for double-digit return on sales in the future.

The 2024 Investment Stewardship Report from J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM), detailing their approach to investment stewardship.

The report outlines JPMAM's commitment to responsible investing, focusing on financially material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues to create long-term value for clients.

Key aspects covered include their engagement with hundreds of companies on six core stewardship priorities, their proxy voting activities to express views on corporate practices, and their processes for integrating ESG analysis into investment decisions.

The document also describes the governance structure and resources supporting their stewardship efforts, including their dedicated team and internal controls, and highlights their engagement with clients and stakeholders on sustainable investing topics.

Overall, it demonstrates JPMAM's framework for active ownership aimed at enhancing client outcomes and promoting sound business practices globally.

The heirs and great-grandchildren of Jewish Belgian art collector Samuel Hartveld are set to receive a painting by Henry Gibbs currently in the collection of the Tate.

The Henry Gibbs artwork, ‘Aeneas and his Family Fleeing Burning Troy’, is currently held by the Tate Museum, which acquired it in 1994 without knowledge of its complete provenance.

The Spoliation Advisory Panel, a UK government body, recommended the painting's return after a claim was made by trustees for Hartveld's heirs.

This decision highlights the panel's role in restituting cultural property lost during the Nazi era and acknowledges the Tate's cooperation in this process.

British Airways has announced a significant upgrade to its in-flight wine selection, particularly focusing on prestige cuvée English sparkling wines.

The airline will be the first to serve these top-tier English wines in its First cabin, partnering with renowned producers like Nyetimber and Gusbourne. 

Club World (business class) passengers will also see an enhanced selection of English sparkling wines, offered on a rotating basis. Furthermore, First class will feature the return of beloved Champagnes alongside new prestigious options. This initiative is part of British Airways' broader £7 billion investment in customer experience and involves specialised wine training for cabin crew.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has announced the appointment of Christophe Cherix as its next David Rockefeller Director, commencing in September 2025. 

Cherix, who has been with MoMA since 2007 and currently serves as The Robert Lehman Foundation Chief Curator of Drawings and Prints, will succeed Glenn D. Lowry after a six-month international search. 

MoMA's board members highlighted Cherix's curatorial expertise, understanding of the museum's collection, and steady leadership as key factors in their unanimous decision. 

Cherix expressed his commitment to supporting the museum's staff and its ongoing engagement with new art forms and diverse audiences as it approaches its centennial. Both the outgoing director, Glenn D. Lowry, and MoMA's board expressed their enthusiasm for Cherix's appointment and look forward to a smooth transition. 

Cherix's impressive exhibition history and his role in acquiring significant collections for MoMA further underscore his qualifications for the directorship.

Maurice Lacroix is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025 with the launch of the 1975 collection. 

This new range of automatic and quartz watches takes inspiration from vintage designs, specifically revisiting their Les Classique line from 1988, but incorporates modern aesthetics and materials.

The collection aims to deliver Swiss craftsmanship and high perceived value, a hallmark of the brand since its founding in 1975, a history that includes becoming a Manufacturer and releasing innovative models.

Available in various sizes, dial colours, and strap options with an easy exchange system, the 1975 collection embodies the brand's commitment to timeless style and innovation for contemporary wearers.

 Managing Director Stéphane Waser states the collection captures the essence of Maurice Lacroix and celebrates their 50 years of watchmaking.

Piaget highlights their Altiplano Skeleton High Jewellery watch, a limited edition timepiece demonstrating a fusion of their expertise in ultra-thin skeleton movements, gem-setting, and Métiers d’Art.

This new watch uniquely combines a diamond and sapphire-set skeleton movement with Grand Feu cloisonné enamel artwork by Anita Porchet, extending even to the back of the watch. Piaget's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and artistic innovation, embodied by their "Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire", is a central theme, positioning this watch as a testament to their heritage and daring spirit.

Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, scheduled for April 1st to 7th, will host 60 watch brands, including Bvlgari and six new independents.

The event will feature new product launches, ambassador appearances, and immersive experiences, with public access from April 5th to 7th. Attendees can expect personalised schedules, exclusive presentations, guided tours, and the innovative LAB showcasing future watchmaking.

Furthermore, events extend into the city, and watchmaking professions are highlighted through various initiatives, including the SwissSkills competition.

The Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, established to promote watchmaking, organises this flagship event.

Kering and Les Rencontres d’Arles are jointly announcing that Nan Goldin will receive the 2025 Women In Motion Award for photography, recognising her significant impact on the art form and her representation of women and marginalised communities.

The award ceremony will take place on July 8, 2025, during the Rencontres d'Arles festival, where Goldin will also present her work, including Syndrome de Stendhal. This award, initiated in 2019 by Kering, honours the careers of leading women photographers and supports the Rencontres d'Arles Collection.

Kering's Women In Motion programme, which began in cinema, has expanded to photography to address gender inequality in the arts.