Latest news with #TomAthron
Fashion United
3 days ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Walpole names Fortnum & Mason CEO as chair
Luxury trade association Walpole has named Tom Athron as its new chair, a role he will take up from July 1. Athron, who currently serves as chief executive of Fortnum & Mason, will succeed Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, who is stepping down after finishing the maximum tenure of nine years. Ward will continue on in the newly created advisory role of president Emeritus. In a statement, Athron said of his appointment: 'It is a privilege to take on the role of chair at Walpole. I look forward to working closely with chief executive Helen Brocklebank, the board and our members to continue advancing Walpole's mission to promote, protect and develop the British luxury sector both in the UK and internationally.' Athron has helmed Fornum & Mason since December 2020, prior to which he served as chief operating officer at MatchesFashion, where he led the global scaling of the business. He had also spent 13 years at John Lewis Partnership, where he held several senior positions, including on the main board. His appointment at Walpole comes at a turbulent time for the UK's luxury sector, which has faced impact from the pandemic, the removal of VAT-free shopping, Brexit and other supply chain disruptions. In the organisation's latest report, 'Trading with Europe', it was stated that while the sector is projected to reach 125 billion pounds by 2028, fashion and accessories from the UK experienced a 64 percent decline in exports to the EU. Walpole thus called on the UK government to mitigate such impact by initiating a number of strategies, including the introduction of a new digital labelling scheme, to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention on Rules of Origin, secure a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement and bring together freight companies to create consistency in trade rules.
Fashion Network
3 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Tom Athron is new Walpole chair as Michael Ward becomes president emeritus
Walpole has named Fortnum & Mason CEO Tom Athron as its new chair, succeeding Harrods MD Michael Ward who moves to a new advisory role. The body that represents British luxury brands said Ward steps down 'after serving the maximum tenure of nine successful years as chair' but clearly isn't cutting his close ties to the group as he takes on a newly created advisory role as president emeritus. Athron has led luxury-foods-focused Fortnum & Mason since December 2020 and before that was COO at Matchesfashion. He also spent 13 years at the John Lewis Partnership. One of his roles there was group development director on the main board, founding its innovation arm, JLP Ventures. He takes up his additional job this week and said it's a 'privilege' to take on a task to 'promote, protect, and develop the British luxury sector, both in the UK and internationally'. Meanwhile, Ward added: 'Over what has been an exceptionally turbulent nine years for business, I am incredibly proud of the role Walpole has played in shaping public perceptions of British luxury and in championing the sector. Thanks to this work, our industry is now well positioned for continued recognition and growth. My warmest congratulations to Tom, I am delighted he has agreed to take on the role of chair and sincere thanks also go to Walpole's board and to [CEO Helen Brocklebank]. I am honoured to become president emeritus and to continue supporting the upward trajectory of both Walpole and the sector as a whole.' Ward also remains president of the European Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance (ECCIA), the group that brings together all the European luxury associations under one umbrella. That role runs until January 2026 when Walpole's two-year rolling presidency ends.
Fashion Network
3 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Tom Athron is new Walpole chair as Michael Ward becomes president emeritus
Walpole has named Fortnum & Mason CEO Tom Athron as its new chair, succeeding Harrods MD Michael Ward who moves to a new advisory role. The body that represents British luxury brands said Ward steps down 'after serving the maximum tenure of nine successful years as chair' but clearly isn't cutting his close ties to the group as he takes on a newly created advisory role as president emeritus. Athron has led luxury-foods-focused Fortnum & Mason since December 2020 and before that was COO at Matchesfashion. He also spent 13 years at the John Lewis Partnership. One of his roles there was group development director on the main board, founding its innovation arm, JLP Ventures. He takes up his additional job this week and said it's a 'privilege' to take on a task to 'promote, protect, and develop the British luxury sector, both in the UK and internationally'. Meanwhile, Ward added: 'Over what has been an exceptionally turbulent nine years for business, I am incredibly proud of the role Walpole has played in shaping public perceptions of British luxury and in championing the sector. Thanks to this work, our industry is now well positioned for continued recognition and growth. My warmest congratulations to Tom, I am delighted he has agreed to take on the role of chair and sincere thanks also go to Walpole's board and to [CEO Helen Brocklebank]. I am honoured to become president emeritus and to continue supporting the upward trajectory of both Walpole and the sector as a whole.' Ward also remains president of the European Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance (ECCIA), the group that brings together all the European luxury associations under one umbrella. That role runs until January 2026 when Walpole's two-year rolling presidency ends.
Fashion Network
3 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Tom Athron is new Walpole chair as Michael Ward becomes president emeritus
Walpole has named Fortnum & Mason CEO Tom Athron as its new chair, succeeding Harrods MD Michael Ward who moves to a new advisory role. The body that represents British luxury brands said Ward steps down 'after serving the maximum tenure of nine successful years as chair' but clearly isn't cutting his close ties to the group as he takes on a newly created advisory role as president emeritus. Athron has led luxury-foods-focused Fortnum & Mason since December 2020 and before that was COO at Matchesfashion. He also spent 13 years at the John Lewis Partnership. One of his roles there was group development director on the main board, founding its innovation arm, JLP Ventures. He takes up his additional job this week and said it's a 'privilege' to take on a task to 'promote, protect, and develop the British luxury sector, both in the UK and internationally'. Meanwhile, Ward added: 'Over what has been an exceptionally turbulent nine years for business, I am incredibly proud of the role Walpole has played in shaping public perceptions of British luxury and in championing the sector. Thanks to this work, our industry is now well positioned for continued recognition and growth. My warmest congratulations to Tom, I am delighted he has agreed to take on the role of chair and sincere thanks also go to Walpole's board and to [CEO Helen Brocklebank]. I am honoured to become president emeritus and to continue supporting the upward trajectory of both Walpole and the sector as a whole.' Ward also remains president of the European Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance (ECCIA), the group that brings together all the European luxury associations under one umbrella. That role runs until January 2026 when Walpole's two-year rolling presidency ends.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business
THE UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business. The upmarket store currently has four UK stores that are all based in the capital. 2 2 Fortnum & Mason was established 318 years ago in 1707 and was founded by William Fortnum, a footman for Queen Anne, and Hugh Mason, his landlord. The pair started operating from a small store in St James Market and a spare room in Mason's house. The store quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products, appealing to the tastes of the affluent and aristocratic clientele. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Fortnum & Mason expanded its offerings, becoming a purveyor of fine foods, wines, and spirits. Currently, Fortnum & Mason has stores in Piccadilly, St Pancras station, the Royal Exchange in Bank and in Heathrow Terminal. But now the upmarket department store is thinking about venturing outside of the capital. The retailer said earlier this year that it was no longer seen as a 'Christmas focused' business as shoppers were snapping up its luxury food products to 'stock their own larders' throughout the year. The retailer's chief executive Tom Athron told The Telegraph that he would be interested in having branches 'up the spine of the country'. He said the business would look at sites in a 'beautiful location' with 'beautiful architecture'. 'This isn't about ubiquity. But there are other locations across the country where we think that Fortnum could offer both retail and restaurants, where it would be relevant. The Viking Centre: Britain's first American-style mall faces demolition "And we're looking at those now,' Athron said. The news comes as the retailer says there is a surge in demand for its luxury teas, biscuits and jam. The store underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007, celebrating its 300th anniversary with a rejuvenated look that honoured its storied past. History of Fortnum & Mason Fortnum & Mason was established 318 years ago in 1707. It was founded by William Fortnum, a footman for Queen Anne, and Hugh Mason, his landlord. The pair started operating from a small store in St James Market and a spare room in Mason's house. The department store eventually set up shop at its current location at 181 Piccadilly. One of Fortnum & Mason's earliest claims to fame was its invention of the Scotch egg in 1738, a portable and filling snack ideal for travellers. The store quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products, appealing to the tastes of the affluent and aristocratic clientele. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Fortnum & Mason expanded its offerings, becoming a purveyor of fine foods, wines, and spirits. It was also during this period that the store became renowned for its hampers, which were meticulously curated and became a staple of British festivities and picnics. These hampers were often sent to British troops during times of conflict, providing a comforting taste of home. By the Victorian era, Fortnum & Mason had firmly established itself as a symbol of British luxury. The store's association with the royal family was further cemented when it was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. This distinguished honour recognised Fortnum's as a supplier of goods to the royal household, a tradition that continues to this day. The 20th century saw Fortnum & Mason adapting to the changing times while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition. During both World Wars, the store remained open, offering solace and a sense of continuity to Londoners. Post-war, the store further diversified its range, introducing new departments and expanding its international reach. In more recent years, Fortnum & Mason has continued to evolve, embracing modernity while preserving its heritage. The store underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007, celebrating its 300th anniversary with a rejuvenated look that honoured its storied past. Today, it offers a wide array of products, from gourmet foods and fine teas to exquisite homewares and beauty products. It offers a wide array of products, from gourmet foods and fine teas to exquisite homewares and beauty products. is set to open more shops. Earlier this year ASOS also revealed plans to relaunch a Topshop website. .
