Walpole names new chairman

Walpole, the luxury trade body that represents some of Britain’s best-known luxury brands including Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo and Mulberry, has named Harrods managing director Michael Ward as its new chairman, with immediate effect.

Ward, who has been a Walpole board director since November 2012 and has represented Walpole members as president of the European Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance from 2014 to 2016, replaces Financial Times’ deputy chief executive Ben Hughes who is stepping down after completing four years as chairman of the luxury brands trade body.

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."

Walpole represents the interests of more than 170 luxury British brands, promoting, protecting and developing the industry, which it estimates as being worth 32 billion pounds to the UK economy. It also runs annual mentoring programmes Brands of Tomorrow and Crafted and the Programme in Luxury Management at London Business School.

Image: Walpole - Michael Ward