According to the Financial Times, the Gucci group over the next few weeks will see a new wave of, "departures of key figures." This in short succession after the highly publicised departures of Domenico De Sole and Tom Ford, respectively managing director and creative director.

In a stream of losing its creative talent, the most important new departure will be that of Toshiaki Tashiro, who currently is the head of Japanese retail operations. Japan being one of the biggest markets for the Group.

Also to leave are Renato Ricci, the head of group human resources and in a further blow, Lisa Schiek, who as worldwide director of communications controlled the personal image of Ford. The global director of group corporate communications, Tomaso Galli, has also resigned.

The departures come at a critical time for Gucci, which is being bought by France's Pinault Printemps Redoute retail company for $8.6 billion.