Get to know Ed Dragusin, Walpole's Corporate Affairs and International Executive

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. 

Connect with Ed on Linkedin

Contact Ed by emailing [email protected]