When did you join Walpole and how did you come to work here?
It doesn’t feel like four months have passed already, but I joined in October 2024, having previously worked in geopolitical research.
I will spare you the boring details, but I worked with companies expanding into new markets – particularly in Eastern Europe – and guided them through the intricate bureaucracies of post-Soviet regulatory environments. Before this, I worked in an MP’s office, supporting policy and casework with research and diary management, which built on my background in legal research.
What do you do at Walpole?
I support our rich Corporate Affairs work by overseeing the incredibly busy schedule of our Director of Corporate Affairs and International, Charlotte Keesing. I also manage Walpole's Luxury Leaders of Tomorrow programme, in partnership with London Business School. On the public affairs and communications front, I help with research and stakeholder engagement.
What’s your favourite aspect of the job?
It’s hard to pinpoint one single aspect, but the diversity of tasks I work on, and the people I engage with makes this one of the most rewarding and enjoyable jobs I have ever done. Waking up every morning, I remind myself what a fantastic sector I serve and what a brilliant team I am so fortunate to be a member of makes the job so easy to do.
The best place for a work breakfast in London is: Côte Brasserie – especially the one outside St Paul’s with the stunning view of the cathedral. I order eggs benedict with savoie ham and homemade hollandaise, served on a toasted muffin and topped with a mixed micro salad. Paired with a cappuccino – that has an unhealthy amount of sugar in it.
My office beverage of choice is: Yorkshire tea with a teaspoon of honey; no milk. Leaves should be infused in boiling water for exactly five minutes before squeezing and taking out.
The last thing I listened to on my commute was: I religiously listen to The Rest is Politics podcast on my commute. And if I’m not listening to that, or watching a randomly informative video, I’m usually reading a history or politics book. I cannot read fiction on public transport anymore because I have missed my stop far too many times now because I was so engrossed in the story.
The ultimate luxury under £25 is: I once found a whole set of vintage fine crystalware from a charity shop in the Cotswolds for under £25. Once you get into luxury charity shopping, there’s no turning back.
> Contact Ed by emailing [email protected]
