International News - Top directors set to leave Gucci

Luxury goods retailer Gucci faces uncertain times after top directors Tom Ford and Domenico De Sole announced they will leave next year.

President and chief executive De Sole and creative director Ford have been credited with an impressive turnaround at the fashion house, but do not intend to extend their contracts beyond April next year.

Part of the Pinault Printemps-Redoute stable, Gucci reported strong trading last month. The uplift fuelled hopes that the post-September 11 luxury goods slump is coming to an end.

PPR chairman Serge Weinberg will oversee a new committee charged with appointing the duo's successors.