Fear of God Shakes Up Leadership, Eliminates CEO Role

Bastien Daguzan's Departure Signals a Shift in Fashion's Power Dynamics

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:29pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a collection of premium, geometric objects in muted, earthy tones arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the abstract concepts of corporate strategy, leadership transition, and the evolving identity of the Fear of God brand.The departure of Fear of God's CEO signals a shift in fashion's power dynamics, as the brand prioritizes its 'eternal vision' over traditional corporate leadership.Los Angeles Today

In a surprising move, luxury fashion brand Fear of God has announced the departure of CEO Bastien Daguzan after less than two years in the role. But the bigger story is that the brand is eliminating the CEO position entirely, signaling a shift in its leadership structure and a broader philosophical change in the industry.

Why it matters

Fear of God's decision to operate without a traditional CEO speaks to a growing trend in fashion where brands are prioritizing creative vision over corporate hierarchy. This move challenges the industry's reliance on individual personalities and suggests that some labels are seeking a more enduring, 'eternal' identity that transcends any single leader.

The details

Daguzan, who previously held roles at Kris Van Assche, Lemaire and Paco Rabanne, was brought in to help drive global growth and e-commerce excellence for Fear of God. Though his tenure was brief, the brand credits him with making important contributions. Fear of God's statement suggests the elimination of the CEO role is part of a broader effort to maintain the brand's 'eternal vision' under founder Jerry Lorenzo.

  • Bastien Daguzan was appointed CEO of Fear of God in 2024.
  • Daguzan is stepping down from his role in April 2026.

The players

Bastien Daguzan

Former CEO of Fear of God who is stepping down from his role after less than two years.

Jerry Lorenzo

Founder of luxury fashion brand Fear of God, which is eliminating the CEO position.

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What they’re saying

“We must prioritize our eternal vision over any individual leadership.”

— Fear of God

What’s next

The success of Fear of God's move to operate without a CEO will depend on how well the brand can maintain its momentum and creative direction under Lorenzo's leadership.

The takeaway

Fear of God's decision to eliminate the CEO role is a bold, provocative move that challenges traditional fashion industry hierarchies. It suggests a broader shift towards vision-driven brands that prioritize creative identity over corporate structure.