Walpole appoints Harrods managing director as chairman

Walpole, the trade body for British luxury brands, has appointed Harrods managing director Michael Ward as its new chairman.

He has succeeded Financial Times deputy chief executive, Ben Hughes, who has decided to step down after four years.

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Ward has been a Walpole board director since November 2012 and from 2014 to 2016 represented Walpole members as president of the European Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance.

Walpole is an alliance of 170 of the UK’s luxury brands, including the likes of Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Rolls-Royce, Boodles, Harrods and Jimmy Choo.

Ward said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chairman at Walpole and I look forward to working closely with Walpole chief executive, Michelle Emmerson, the board and our members to continue to fulfil our mission to promote, protect and develop the British luxury industry both at home and overseas.”

Hughes added: “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.”