Power List 2025

Introducing the Walpole Power List 2025

We reveal the 50 inspirational individuals whose creativity, leadership and skill is set to define the direction of the British luxury sector over the coming year in the Walpole Power List 2025
27th Jan 2025
Power List 2025 Introducing the Walpole Power List 2025

The annual Walpole Power List celebrates creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership across the variety of roles at all levels that exist in the British luxury sector, from Sustainability Manager to Chef, Editor-in-Chief to Winemaker, and Cutter to Creative Director. Beyond job titles, each honouree on the Walpole Power List 2025 stands out for their commitment to delivering the extraordinary products and experiences at the heart of a sector now worth £81bn to the UK economy and which supports almost half a million jobs across the country.

"Behind our sector’s five-year growth of 69% is an industry powered by creative, ingenious leaders and a talented, determined workforce," says Walpole CEO, Helen Brocklebank. "Our annual Power List pays tribute to the breadth of brilliant talent that finds its home in UK luxury and celebrates a sector that truly values its people and nurtures long-term, sustainable jobs nationwide. Congratulations to everyone on this year’s list."

Following a peer-to-peer nomination process, this year’s final 50 were selected by a panel of DEI and luxury sector experts, including: Richard Cooke, Cluster Managing Director, UK for Rocco Forte Hotels; Gillian de Bono, former Editor of FT How To Spend It; Sue Fox, President, UK & Ireland for The Estée Lauder Companies; Jamie Gill, Founder of The Outsiders Perspective; and Daniel Peters, Founder of (Fashion) Minority Report.

> Scroll down to see all the names (listed in alphabetical order) on the Walpole Power List 2025

 
 
 
 

 

James Amos  

Managing Director, Boodles  

Since James Amos became Joint Managing Director of his family’s company Boodles in March 2024, the business has gone from strength to strength – sales are currently up almost 20% for the year. Specialising in marketing, Amos was the driving force behind the brand’s recent partnership with The National Gallery during its 200th anniversary, which inspired the Boodles high jewellery offering for the year, The National Gallery Collection, which has since become the fastest selling collection in the brand’s history. Amos has also been instrumental in Boodles’ involvement with both the Chelsea Flower Show and the Boodles Boxing Ball, a biennial charity fundraiser. 

Tom Athron 

CEO, Fortnum & Mason 

Since he joined Fortnum & Mason at the end of 2020, Tom Athron has led a quiet revolution at the three-centuries-old institution. His tenure has seen the strengthening of its food and beverage offering, the physical evolution of its storied flagship on Piccadilly in London (including an entirely new kitchen demonstration space) and giving the brand newfound global relevance in a tough retail market. Before joining Fortnum & Mason in December 2020, Athron was Chief Financial Officer at Waitrose, Group Development Director at the John Lewis Partnership and COO at Matches Fashion – perhaps the perfect apprenticeship for the top job at this British icon. 

Stefano Arata 

Design Director, Fitzdares 

Having graduated in Industrial Design at the Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milano, Stefano Arata turned to graphic design in the mid-1980s, working for TIME magazine in New York as an Assistant Art Director. Moving to London in 1995, he first worked on special projects for the Daily Telegraph and the Independent before veering towards magazines and books. His designs are timeless, even when radical in nature. Arata developed the Fitzdares brand from inception in 2006, and has since designed all print and digital material, as well as gifts and products from game sets to leather goods, scarfs and neckties. 

Nate Bigger 

CEO, MONPURE 

Nate Bigger is the visionary CEO of MONPURE, the leading scalp and hair health brand. Since its launch in 2020, MONPURE has won over 60 awards and was selected for Walpole’s Brands of Tomorrow mentorship programme scheme in 2023. Growing up at global fashion shows backstage, Bigger witnessed the harsh impact of hair styling on models’ identity, giving him a deep commitment to long-term hair health solutions. Blending ethical practices with a relentless drive for quality, redefining beauty standards and sustainable growth he ensures MONPURE’s lasting impact as a real trailblazer in the beauty sector globally. 

Richard Brendon 

Founder & CEO, Richard Brendon 

This year, Richard Brendon has led his eponymous ceramics and glassware business through a challenging market for luxury brands with determination and dynamism. As well as continued commercial success, this year the brand won both a King’s Award for Enterprise in the export category and the Luxury in the Making honour at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2024. These both acknowledged Brendon’s commitment to manufacturing his bone china in the UK and the brand’s focus on regenerating high-skilled jobs in Stoke-on-Trent. In addition, 2024 also saw the brand secure hospitality distribution partners in the USA, Singapore and the Middle East.  

Wayne Bruce 

Head of the Bentley Environmental Foundation & Chief Communications and DEI Officer, Bentley Motors 

In April 2024, Wayne Bruce took on the role of Head of the Bentley Environmental Foundation, while maintaining his existing position as Chief Communications and DEI Officer at Bentley Motors. His leadership follows a successful first year for the Foundation, redefining its strategy with a focus on sustainability that extends beyond product to include people and the planet. Under his guidance, the Foundation won the AutoTrader Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award in June 2024. For 2025, Wayne aims to solidify Bentley’s position as a leader in environmental sustainability, enhance partner engagement, and continue fostering innovation, corporate volunteering and career development initiatives. 

Nicola Butler 

Managing Director & Owner, NoteWorthy 

Nicola Butler has spent her career championing British luxury craftmanship, culturally important venues and cherished national institutions – introducing them to her discerning groups of visitors to the UK through NoteWorthy. Integral to Butler’s work is the contribution that NoteWorthy brings to local charities and historic venues in the regions in which the business operates. By including NoteWorthy experiences in their travel itineraries, guests directly benefit the destinations they visit. From the Iveagh Trust in Dublin to the Guard’s Museum in London, the NoteWorthy Conscious Travel programme delivered over £700,000 to charitable organisations in 2024 to help the preservation of history and support these causes. 

Andrea Callender 

Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Alexander McQueen 

Andrea Callender has overseen the implementation of inspiring, people-focused work at Alexander McQueen that has seen the whole organisation evolving its culture to become more inclusive. Callender has had an extensive career in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, working historically with organisations to enable them to define a compelling vision for their work with this agenda, and to implement action plans to achieve their aims. She has supported The Outsiders Perspective for over two years, giving up her time to share her experiences with candidates on the programme, and helping this groundbreaking initiative to develop its offering to engage with the wider fashion industry. 

Arnaud Champenois 

Senior Vice President - Global Brand and Marketing, Belmond (LVMH) 

Since he joined Belmond in 2016, Arnaud Champenois has repositioned the brand's image, created a contemporary visual language and tone of voice, and brought the timeless essence of Belmond's properties to life to make it one of today's most desirable travel brands. In 2024, Champenois introduced the inaugural Belmond Photographic Residency, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to supporting emerging photographers, and spearheaded the ‘Recipes & Wanderings’ book series in collaboration with Apartamento, combining regional culinary traditions with artistic perspectives from renowned tastemakers. In short, Champenois has cemented Belmond’s reputation as a luxury brand that offers extraordinary experiences while actively contributing to global cultural dialogue. 

Dharmini Chauhan 

Chief Information Officer, Mulberry 

Dharmini Chauhan joined Mulberry as Chief Information Officer towards the end of 2023 and has been integral in driving forward significant improvements in technology, transformation and data. Already a deeply valued member of the Executive Committee, Chauhan will shortly take on a broader scope as Mulberry’s Chief Operating Officer. During her 25-year career in technology across multiple industries, she has been an advocate of attracting more diverse talent and fostering an inclusive culture in the workplace. Alongside her day-to-day responsibilities, Chauhan has been integral in driving forward the company’s DEI agenda and has participated actively with The Outsiders Perspective. 

Natalie Cobb-Mahmood 

Director of Sales and Marketing, Beaverbrook and Beaverbrook Townhouse 

Natalie started working at Beaverbrook as Events Manager six years ago, looking after corporate, social and wedding events for the hotel and members club. After this, Cobb-Mahmood moved to her current position Director of Sales & Marketing, overseeing the opening of Beaverbrook Town House in London, the award-winning marketing campaign for the hotel’s ‘Love is in the Air’ Hot Air Balloon Dining experience and the opening of The Village and private residence at the countryside property. Cobb-Mahmood has developed the global sales and marketing strategy for the brands, and used entrepreneurial spirit to work closely with stakeholders to increase awareness of Beaverbrook. 

Jo Dancey 

Global Brand President, Jo Malone London   

In 2024, Jo Dancey spearheaded many firsts for Jo Malone London, all of which showcased her commitment to innovation and driving equity at scale. Exceptional projects included the fragrance and lifestyle house’s campaign collaboration with Paddington™, which sold out globally (and won the Creative Collaboration honour at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2024), the signing of actor Tom Hardy as the face of Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, and the brand’s sponsorship of GQ Men of the Year 2024. Whilst her career to date is impressive, it is Dancey’s resilient, kind and inclusive approach that makes her a truly exceptional leader. 

Helena Dickie 

Director of Operations, ALR Music  

In the past five years, ALR has doubled in size and now employs 26 full-time staff, and between 350 and 500 freelance musicians each month to perform at luxury events and venues across the world. In the last 12 months alone, turnover has increased by 28% and the brand’s first satellite office has been opened in New York City, USA. Dickie has been at the forefront of this expansion, constantly and calmly problem-solving. She is an inspiring leader, an innovative thinker and has an extraordinary work ethic which helps drive the business forward every day.  

Alex Dilling

Chef/Proprietor, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal 

Alex Dilling discovered his admiration for food at a young age, developing a palate for European cuisine through travel. His culinary journey began under the legacy of Alain Ducasse at Adour in New York, USA, before moving to Caviar Russe, where Dilling found his love for caviar, which remains one of his most celebrated ingredients. Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal London, the chef’s first standalone restaurant, opened in Hotel Café Royal in September 2022. It received not one but two Michelin stars within its first year of opening, one of only 27 restaurants in the country to achieve this honour. 

Josh Donaghay-Spire 

Head Winemaker & Operations Director, Chapel Down 

Josh Donaghay-Spire has been a winemaker at Chapel Down for 15 years and Head Winemaker at the vineyard for the past eight years. During that time, he has not only been instrumental to the success of Chapel Down, but also the wider English wine industry. Much-respected within the trade, it is down to his talent and dedication that Chapel Down continues to secure the highest international wine accolades (in 2024, the house was awarded an astounding five trophies for its wines). A founding member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, Donaghay-Spire represents the ambition of this exciting new wine region. 

Torsten van Dullemen 

General Manager, Area Vice President & Group Director of Sustainability, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

This year, Torsten van Dullemen has led several impactful sustainability initiatives, such as introducing ‘No-Bin Tuesdays and Fridays’ in the staff canteen to reduce food waste and overseeing the installation of Naked Energy’s VirtuHOT solar heat technology on the hotel’s rooftop, which will reduce carbon emissions by 7.3 tonnes. Another of his achievements this past year has been eliminating 99.9% of single-use plastics across hotel operations, instilling a culture of sustainability throughout the organisation. By leading with purpose, Van Dullemen empowers his team to make conscious decisions that benefit guests, the community, and the planet, proving that sustainability and luxury can seamlessly coexist. 

Neil Georges 

Managing Director of Events and Hospitality, Cowdray

Neil Georges joined the Cowdray Estate in 2020. Since assuming the role of Managing Director of Events and Hospitality in April 2024, he has worked tirelessly to enhance the offering of Cowdray by bringing his expertise, warmth, passion and dedication to the running of the Cowdray Estate Events Businesses. This has been seen in the first-class hospitality and events he and his team have executed in the HNW international market, that brings many overseas clients to Cowdray. Georges has also worked collaboratively with a number of partners across the Walpole membership to promote both brands effectively. 

Giles Gordon 

Chief Marketing Officer, House of Creed

Having joined the House of Creed in 2020, Giles Gordon has been instrumental in the brand’s extraordinary evolution. Founded in 1760 in England, over the past two years, Gordon has steered Creed seamlessly through its acquisition by Kering Beauté, utilising an exceptional strategic vision. The result has been the solidifying of House of Creed’s position as a leader in the ultra-luxury artisanal fragrance sector. His successful expansion of the marque into China and APAC has achieved remarkable growth. Gordon’s expertise in defining the brand’s identity across retail, digital, and product channels continues to elevate awareness and desirability worldwide. 

Liz Healey 

Director of Communications and Brand Partnerships, The Peninsula London 

As Director of Communications and Brand Partnerships, Liz Healey was integral to the announcement of the opening of The Peninsula London in September 2023 and the subsequent media buzz over the following year. This included a 360-communication strategy including hosting global media and industry friends, and celebrating with milestone events such as the BAFTA Fundraising Gala, The King’s Trust ‘Invest in Futures’ dinner, and the hotel’s incredible Grand Opening Party in June 2024. Healey was also integral in creating unique partnerships for the hotel throughout the year working with brands such as McLaren, Yinka Ilori, Olivia von Halle and the British Fashion Council. 

Silmiya Hendricks  

Commercial Director, Iconic Luxury Hotels

Over the past two years as Commercial Director, Silmiya Hendricks has prioritised strengthening brand awareness for the Iconic Luxury Hotels Collection with a dynamic communications and commercial strategy. This has included implementing refreshed brand positioning for each property, carefully crafted to enhance visibility among key target audiences, alongside a strategic emphasis on driving digital and direct customer bookings. Hendricks has actively collaborated with Walpole members such as Laurent-Perrier, Saatchi Gallery, MONPURE, The Bicester Collection and Vivien Sheriff. These initiatives have been underpinned by a focused effort to enhance team productivity, effectively positioning the organisation for long-term growth and success. 

Donna-Marie Johnson 

Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager – Global, CHANEL 

Donna-Marie Johnson is a steady and valuable voice in the challenging landscape of the luxury industry. As a DEI leader, she knows how to bring people along the journey and understands how to inspire and influence by example. With 15 years of experience working at CHANEL across both brand and corporate roles, she assumed the position of Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager – Global in 2023. In this position, she has developed innovative diversity and inclusion strategies and programs that align with the company’s global vision and framework, identifying opportunities for improvement and consistency, and measurements to effectively report on progress. 

Uwern Jong 

Experientialist®-in-Chief, OutThere

Since the pandemic, Uwern Jong has steered OutThere into becoming the leading voice of inclusivity in luxury and experiential travel for a global audience who identify with the brand’s core values of ‘diversity discovery and discernment’. The print and digital media brand has grown exponentially, increasing its team, frequency, readership and revenue to match. Recently, Jong relaunched OutThere’s Experientialist® Awards (which raised £15,000 for tourism-related, community-driven charities and not-for-profits in 2024) and pioneered the landmark ‘Icons of Inclusion’ thought-leadership event, which focuses on diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in tourism and luxury travel, highlighting actionable steps to create real change in the industry. 

Roslyn Keet 

Design Director – Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, David Collins Studio 

Celebrating her twentieth anniversary at David Collins Studio this year, Roslyn Keet guides the company with her sophisticated and finessed understanding of colour and texture, materiality and craft. Her exceptional taste ensures a consistent level of refinement across all The Studio’s projects, and her global network of relationships with artists, artisans and craftspeople enables her to manifest superb collaborations. Following The Studio’s Butterfly Mark accreditation in December 2023, Keet has played a pivotal role in the Studio’s ESG work. Her milestone tenure, combined with her pivotal role in delivering ground-breaking projects, exemplifies her profound impact on the luxury design industry.  

Thomas Kochs 

Managing Director, Corinthia London 

Thomas Kochs has strategised prestigious partnerships that will ensure Corinthia London remains relevant in the capital’s ever-growing, and ever-competitive, luxury hospitality landscape. These include the impending introduction of skincare brand Augustinus Bader as a new spa partner, the relaunch of the Northall restaurant, and the opening of new restaurants by renowned chefs Tom Kerridge and Francesco Mazzei in 2025 – not to mention masterminding three TV programmes for the hotel as well as an extensive refurbishment of the suites. Kochs is a passionate committee member of the Gold Service Scholarship, which aims to nurture the UK's emerging front-of-house talent in food and beverage. 

Stacey Langham 

Head of Corporate Partnerships: Luxury and Business Innovation, Royal Academy of Arts  

In her role as Head of Corporate Partnerships: Luxury and Business Innovation at the Royal Academy of Arts (RA), Stacey Langham brokers relationships between global luxury brands and globally recognised artists. As an experienced fundraiser in the arts and with strong commercial knowledge in both the not-for-profit and private sectors – gained through roles at ArtReview and EMAP Elan – Langham intimately understands the demands of the creative process, the needs of a luxury brand, and how to marry the two seamlessly. Her modest demeanour belies her extraordinary skills as negotiator and powerful ambassador for the arts. 

Curtis Latouche 

Head of Global Logistics, dunhill 

With almost 15 years of experience in the fashion industry - the past decade of which were earned in the luxury sector – Curtis Latouche has excelled in leading various departments at dunhill. A shining talent, rising through the ranks demonstrating a broad know-how and extensive capabilities, he has shown an unwavering commitment to the brand and the Richemont group. Since 2023, he has been the driving force in re-establishing and revitalising the global logistics and operations strategy for the 132-year-old British men’s luxury house. Latouche is an ardent supporter of DEI and innovation within the luxury industry, and is already an active mentor to the next generation of future leaders. 

Helena Lee 

Features and Special Projects Director, Harper’s Bazaar 

As Features and Special Projects Director of Harper’s Bazaar, Helena Lee brings the worlds of art and culture together with the world of luxury. She edits the annual supplements The Ultimate Travel Guide and Bazaar Art, which celebrates women in the art world, and has led partnerships with brands such as Tiffany & Co and Audemars Piguet. In February 2020, Lee founded the platform East Side Voices to raise the visibility of those of East and Southeast Asian heritage in Britain. Her book of the same name, exploring British ESEA identities, was published to critical acclaim in January 2022. 

Megan Libbey 

Global Head of Luxury, William Grant & Sons 

In an era where luxury brands must continuously evolve to meet the highest standards of excellence, Megan Libbey has sought to ensure that William Grant & Sons continues to raise its standards. In her role as Global Head of Luxury, Libbey has led aspirational partnerships and initiatives including the largest collaboration the group has ever undertaken, with Glenfiddich and Aston Martin F1. Additionally, Libbey played a crucial role in launching The Balvenie 50 with Harrods’ private clients in the past year and launching the group's latest brand, Wildmoor, showcasing her commitment to diversifying the luxury whisky landscape. 

Alexandra Llewellyn 

CEO & Creative Director, Alexandra Llewellyn  

Alexandra Llewellyn not only crafts high-quality commissions of the world’s most extraordinary backgammon boards, luxury games and handmade pieces of furniture, but also governs her business in a sustainable way, caring for her team and her suppliers, and constantly working on improving the environmental impact of the operations. In the past year, Llewellyn was commissioned to create a series of bespoke projects promoting traditional British heritage crafts including the Reflecting Backgammon Set for Homo Faber, the Celestial Chess & Backgammon Set for The Vault by Robb Report, and the Blue Marine Backgammon Set, which raised €55,000 at auction for marine conservation projects. 

Alexandra McCauley 

Chief People Officer, Burberry  

An astute business leader with an outstanding skillset, Alexandra McCauley is a warm and inclusive leader who truly understands the value of the people of an organisation. She is a calm influence in any room whilst remaining focused on the task ahead and ensuring she is driving progress and demanding excellence. McCauley has been a longtime supporter of The Outsiders Perspective (starting with her previous role at Chanel), and the organisation firmly believes that, as Chief People Officer at one of Britain’s most globally recognised brands, she will be a driving force in steering the ship at Burberry over the coming years. 

Angela Montebello 

Sustainability Manager, The Hari   

Angela Montebello deserves recognition for her comprehensive commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. In her role as Sustainability Manager, she has made remarkable strides in integrating sustainability into The Hari’s operations. This has garnered impressive recognition, including the venue retaining Silver EarthCheck Certification for the second year running and ranking as the seventh most sustainable hotel in the world in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards. Most recently, the hotel has started running on 100% renewable electricity thanks to her leadership. These milestones are key steps in Montebello’s wide-reaching sustainability strategy for The Hari of bringing the hotel closer to Net Zero. 

Martyn Nail 

Culinary Director, The Dorchester 

Previously the Executive Chef of Claridge’s for 36 years, Martyn Nail joined The Dorchester as Culinary Director in 2023 to oversee all aspects of culinary operations and the development and management of the entire culinary team. Over the past year, under his guidance, this team has secured numerous honours at both national and international competitions, ensuring the hotel recruits and nurtures incredible gastronomic talent. Nail’s achievements over the past year also include stewarding world-class events at The Dorchester including the Roux Scholarship Awards, Walpole British Luxury Awards and the Condé Nast x Cartier Divali party.     

Alistair Nimmo 

Head Cutter & Managing Director, Edinburgh, Kathryn Sargent Bespoke Tailoring

Over the past year, Alistair Nimmo has achieved remarkable milestones for Kathryn Sargent Bespoke Tailoring. Taking his world-renowned Savile Row training to Scotland, Nimmo has played a pivotal role in the successful opening and establishment of the house's new atelier in Edinburgh. He has exceeded expectations in building a thriving local and international client base within the first year, showcasing his ability to connect with discerning clients and businesses. Nimmo is advancing the art of bespoke tailoring by applying his craft skills to traditional Highlandwear garments, whilst also confirming Scotland’s position on the global map for excellence. 

Dr. Jack Oclee-Brown 

Vice President of Technology, KEF 

Dr. Jack Oclee-Brown leads the global R&D team at KEF, based at the company’s birthplace in Maidstone, Kent. His relentless drive to enhance the high-fidelity performance in KEF’s speaker products and systems has led to the development of numerous award-winning technologies that help deliver detailed, immersive sound experiences to people’s homes the world over, such as MAT™ (Metamaterial Absorption Technology) and Uni-Core® driver technology, which remain unmatched by other competitors. His consistency in both quality of output and innovation ensures Dr. Oclee-Brown is respected and celebrated by his peers as both a key voice, and key contributor to acoustics academia. 

Grace Oh 

Chief Marketing Officer, Neal's Yard Remedies

Recently joining Neal’s Yard Remedies as the wellbeing brand’s new Chief Marketing Officer, Grace Oh brings over 17 years of global beauty experience. A L'Oréal veteran, she led marketing for luxury brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl's, and more recently consulted for Charlotte Tilbury and Gisou. Oh has already started to shape the global brand strategy, and her ability to blend strategic insight with emotional intelligence and precision has been crucial in navigating complex market challenges, positioning her as a key driver for the next phase of Neal’s Yard Remedies. 

Meredith O’Shaughnessy  

Global Head of Brand Experience, Aston Martin

Meredith O’Shaughnessy is an award-winning experiential architect and brand strategist. In 2023, O’Shaughnessy was appointed as Aston Martin’s Global Head of Brand Experience to spearhead the auto-maker's luxury brand-building experiential strategy for new and existing customers. At Aston Martin, O’Shaughnessy has already created a series of brand experiences and activations through initiatives and events, including pop-ups in London’s Burlington Arcade to celebrate the car manufacturer’s historic connection with James Bond and global launch moments at the Marina Militare in Venice, Italy, as well as a series of customer moments at sporting events ranging from horse racing to Formula 1. 

Kate Reardon

Editor-in-Chief of The Times Luxury & LUXX, The Times

Over the last 30 years, Kate Reardon has brought a pioneering spirit to the world of luxury publishing. Reardon’s keen eye for the desires of her readers has helped shape LUXX into a magazine that’s sophisticated, thoughtful, and aspirational – underscored by an understanding that the most meaningful way to engage with them is to speak to their intellects rather than their wallets. Under her leadership in the last year, LUXX has launched e-commerce, with a specialised team focusing on the magazine’s commercial growth – experiencing a 52% annual increase in revenue across its digital platforms and an annual growth of 10.4% for print. 

Sam Riches

Director of Sales and Marketing, The Savoy

As the driving force of the sales and marketing efforts of The Savoy, Sam Riches takes a future-proofing approach in everything he does at this storied, 135-year-old hotel. Since he took on the role in 2022, Riches has shifted perceptions of The Savoy, ensuring that the hotel stays relevant for today's discerning target market. He has led a positioning piece for The Savoy over the last 18 months that seeks to reintroduce it as London's original luxury hotel. What's more, Sam is an inspirational leader, motivating his 30-plus team of experts and empowering them to be the best in their roles. 

Dominique Roberts 

Brand Strategy Manager, Range Rover 

After 12 years in the luxury automotive sector working at brands including Bentley and Aston Martin, Dominique Roberts moved to Jaguar Land Rover in 2022. Initially joining Range Rover product strategy and since transitioning to Range Rover brand strategy, Roberts has helped to define the future direction of the brand’s automotive portfolio, outlining reactions to customer and industry trends for 2030 and beyond. She has also led a community of over 300 graduates through an innovation journey to support the evolution of the JLR House of Brands products, services and experiences – an initiative that will evolve the company’s way of working for years to come. 

Lizzy Rudd

Chair, Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Lizzy Rudd started her career at Berry Bros. & Rudd in the marketing team, where she supported the international growth and reputation of its renowned whisky brand Cutty Sark. In 2017, she took on the role of Chair and has been instrumental in evolving the long-term brand vision, guiding the direction of the company for future generations. Always forward-looking, the business recently launched its international auctions offering, opened its first Spirits Shop in St James’s, and invested in the joint acquisition of Hambledon Vineyard in Hampshire. Rudd is an advocate of business as a force for good, especially regarding land regeneration and community initiatives. 

Eliot Sandiford

Vice President of Public Relations and Partnerships, The Set Collection

As Vice President of Public Relations and Partnerships at The Set Collection (the hotel group of which Walpole member Hotel Café Royal is a member), Eliot Sandiford has led initiatives that redefine guest experiences and amplify the brand’s global impact. His strategic oversight of global PR efforts has driven coverage in top publications like Vogue and The New York Times, amplifying the brand’s reach. With an eye for innovation and a commitment to sustainability, including meaningful collaborations with the World Wildlife Fund, Sandiford continues to shape The Set Collection as a beacon of excellence in luxury hospitality. 

Nirmal Sethia 

Chairman & Founder, Newby Teas

Nirmal Sethia founded Newby Teas in 2000 with a mission to revive the art of tea in hospitality, and to preserve its culture and history. A key part of this mission was in creating fine, hand-picked teas from prime-season harvests – all profits from which go to his charity, the N.Sethia Foundation. Sethia also had a vision to create an educational and experiential space for Newby Teas to complement the exquisite Chitra Collection, the company’s 3000 pieces of historic teaware. This was brought to life in 2024 with the creation of the luxurious Newby Tea Lounge and Boutique in Clerkenwell in London. 

Krishma Singh Dear 

Head of Design, Edwardian Hotels London

Krishma Singh Dear’s portfolio showcases her ability to create harmonious spaces that both excite and inspire. She is currently leading the reimagining of The May Fair in London, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the luxury scene. With dramatic Art Deco influences, archival pieces and touches of glamour, she is weaving a narrative of timeless elegance at this new destination hotel, infused with a modern playfulness that creates memorable moments for guests. Innovative, authentic and timeless, Singh Dear's work exemplifies the future of British luxury. Her ability to tell stories through spaces cements her as a driving force in the UK hospitality sector. 

Christopher Sleigh 

Owner & Creative Director, Sleigh's UK & Ireland 

As the owner and Creative Director of Sleigh’s UK & Ireland, Christopher Sleigh has been instrumental in driving the strategic growth of this luxury destination management company. Under his leadership, the business has significantly expanded its network, cultivating strong relationships with suppliers and international agencies. By identifying new gaps to be filled and recruiting exceptional talent, he has developed a high-performing team characterised by its collaborative ethos and professional excellence. Regularly pushing beyond conventional boundaries, Sleigh’s UK & Ireland remains committed to delivering bespoke, authentic luxury travel experiences that consistently surpass client expectations. 

Marius Tegneby 

Head of Global Luxury and Corporate Communications, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Marius Tegneby joined Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in March 2024 after 20 years working in the automotive industry in Northern Europe. He has always been fascinated by the stories behind brands and, at Rolls-Royce, he is happy to be part of a team of communicators who tell exactly those stories, created by the craftspeople and artisans working literally next door in the marque’s workshop in Goodwood. It is in the balance between corporate and personal that he finds his greatest joy. Tegneby’s career highlights over the past year are the inauguration of the brands’ Private Offices in New York City, USA, and Seoul, South Korea. 

Joe Turner 

Managing Director, Downey

Joe Turner has been championing the balance of creativity and luxury throughout his quarter of a century at Downey – his immense knowledge, dedication to luxury, and passion for the marriage of design and print is absolute. Within the last 12 months specifically, he has collaborated with the representatives of multiple royal families to produce stationery for their weddings, assisted a key British luxury client with their global rebrand, and produced a full catalogue of printed collateral for a leading aviation brand's primary client event in Italy. A true driving force for British craftmanship and the luxury industry. 

Alex Unitt 

Partnerships Director, Harrods

With over 17 years of experience in media, marketing, and commercial strategy, Alex Unitt joined Harrods in 2020 as Partnerships Director. In this role, he leads all marketing and communications planning with partner brands. This is both revenue-generating and a core function of how Harrods markets its proposition as the world’s leading department store. The partnerships team is also responsible for driving integrated corporate partnerships, ranging from financial (including the exclusive Harrods AMEX card) to hospitality and leisure, with multiple projects running with airlines and hotels. In addition, Unitt is one of the directors responsible for leading the overall Brand Experience Division within Harrods.  

Claire Vallis 

Group Design Director, Sanderson Design Group

As Group Design Director, Claire Vallis is an exemplary leader who celebrated her remarkable 30-year anniversary at Sanderson Design Group in 2024. Today, she oversees six consumer brands in the group. Her recent work in digitising the group’s vast archive (cataloguing 65,000 objects dating back to the 17th century) is a monumental achievement that has provided unparalleled access to the heritage of the group’s brands, enabling new projects that build on centuries of creativity. Notably in the past year, Vallis has demonstrated her dedication to sustainability, aligning Sanderson Design Group’s products with the ‘Zero by 30’ target and leading an impending secret garden project. 

Geoffrey Williams 

Global Vice President, Colleague Attraction and Inclusion, Burberry

Geoffrey Williams is an exemplary leader in diversity, equity and inclusion who in June 2024 was also given the responsibility of shaping talent acquisition at Burberry during a period of change. Last April, Williams shared his expertise and experience at the Walpole British Luxury Summit 2024 as a part of a panel on the subject of diversity as a business imperative at the Walpole British Luxury Summit 2024. An award-winning leader and regular collaborator with The Outsiders Perspective, Williams is a person who believes that this industry can and must do better when it comes to its people. 

Phillip White

Chief Executive, Gordon & MacPhail

Phillip White joined Gordon & MacPhail in 2024. Since then, he has been focused on leading the company to evolve its luxury whisky offering by increasing its engagement with Ultra High Net Worth consumers in key global markets including the USA, the Middle East and Asia, working closely with carefully selected partners and retailers. White is passionate about driving change through culture and putting the customer at the centre of company thinking. He is also a member of the Scottish Whisky Association Council as well as a number of local bodies in the Speyside area of Scotland aligned with Gordon & MacPhail's community values. 

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