Walpole appoints Harrods' Ward new Chairman

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Feb 15, 2016

Michael Ward, the Managing Director of iconic British department store Harrods, has been named the new Chairman of UK luxury brands alliance Walpole with immediate effect.

The Walpole group consists of over 170 British luxury brands and aims to promote and protect British luxury. Among its members are Aston Martin, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Mulberry and Redman Whiteley Dixon. Ward isn't a new name for the alliance - he has been a Walpole board director since November 2012, and represented Walpole members as President of the European Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance from 2014-2016.

He will replace Ben Hughes, the Deputy CEO of the Financial Times, who is leaving the Chairman role at Walpole after four years.

Commenting on his appointment, Michael Ward said: "I am delighted to take on the role of chairman at Walpole and I look forward to working closely with Walpole CEO, Michelle Emmerson, the board and our members to continue to fulfill our mission to promote, protect and develop the British luxury industry both at home and overseas. On behalf of the board and our members, I would like to thank Ben for the significant contribution he has made to the organisation and for the passion and energy with which he has supported all that we do."

Ben Hughes, Chairman, said: "I’m very proud of all the results that have been achieved at Walpole which is now well positioned to support the development and growth of Britain’s luxury brands. I'm delighted that Michael Ward has agreed to take over the reins and I look forward to Walpole's continued success."

Walpole recently named its 2016 Brands of Tomorrow, who will receive mentorships from British luxury brands, including Thomas Pink, Harrods, Bremont, The Savoy, Rolls Royce and Alexander McQueen, over the coming year.