Walpole chief exec steps down

Walpole chief executive Julia Carrick has stepped down from her role after 13 years at the luxury brands trade body, as she looks to “new challenges within the luxury arena”. Carrick, who joined Walpole in 2000, will continue a close relationship with

Walpole as she has been confirmed as the group’s first global ambassador and member of the Walpole Advisory Council.

During her time at Walpole, Carrick has been credited with transforming the luxury trade body and building the membership from 27 to 180. In the thirteen years she has been in charge, she has spearheaded a number of major campaigns for the luxury industry, most recently on easing visa restrictions for Chinese visitors.

Walpole searches for new boss

Commenting on her departure, Ben Hughes, chairman of Walpole British Luxury said: “On behalf of the Board, I want to express my sincere thanks to Julia, not only for her tireless work and commitment to the industry but also for an outstanding programme of events and numerous initiatives that she has created and driven forward during her tenure. In doing so, she has helped ensure that Walpole represents the very best interests of the British luxury industry.

“I respect Julia’s decision to hand over the reins and am delighted that her close relationship with Walpole will continue into the future.”

Carrick said: “I am honoured to have been able to play a part in developing Walpole into the major British luxury body it is today and to have worked so closely with such wonderful, thriving and innovative member companies and brands.

“However after 13 years I feel now is the right time for me to progress new challenges within the luxury arena. I am looking forward to continuing to support the team at Walpole, through my new role as a Global Ambassador.”

The search for Carrick’s successor is currently underway and Walpole said “an announcement will be made in due course”.

Image: Julia Carrick