The second-annual Walpole Power List, naming 2020’s 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury – and held in association with Investec – has been revealed. Released to mark the day the 19th British Luxury Awards would have taken place, The Power List celebrates the inspirational individuals – the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury – within Walpole member brands who, despite enormous challenges throughout 2020, have continued to steer the sector to success.

“What does luxury mean in a time of necessity? Throughout this extraordinary year, that question has been answered many times over as British luxury has responded with courage, creativity and fortitude to the immense challenges of the pandemic. Sometimes it takes a crisis to show you what you’re made of, and the 2020 Walpole Power List is here to shine a light on fifty individuals who exemplify the exceptional calibre of those working in British luxury. There are testing times ahead, but with such talent to drive it forward, there is no doubt at all the sector will emerge stronger and fitter than ever before.”
Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole

The Power List is held in association with private capital experts, Investec:

“Never has connection, collaboration and community been so important. As a bank with a deeply rooted entrepreneurial history, the success of our founders was built on meeting with like-minded people, sparking ideas to solve challenges, create opportunities or propel themselves forward. Our partnership with Walpole is important to us and our clients as the value of working together is more important than ever in these unprecedented times.

“The launch of the Power List is an inspiring moment in what has been a year that we will never forget. 2020 has shone a spotlight on the power and importance of community, and Investec is grateful to have this opportunity to join in celebrating and supporting UK entrepreneurs and business leaders. Congratulations to all recipients.”

Eileen Redmond-Macken, Investec

The Power List winners have been recognised across the following nine categories:

Custodians – A new category for 2020, Custodians holds up the individuals who have progressed their brand’s sustainability goals during a particularly difficult year, in particular the Walpole Sustainability Manifesto pillars: leading the transition towards a circular economy; safeguarding environment and natural resources; guiding suppliers towards sustainable practices; and advocating equal and respectful working conditions.

Heroes – Refocused for 2020, this category celebrates the individuals who reached out to their community, and supported frontline workers, the NHS, or the national effort during the early stages of the pandemic.

Game Changers – Innovators within British luxury in pursuit of something new: where they lead, others follow.

Gurus – Individuals with extraordinary expertise in their respective fields.

Legends – High-profile figures who have led their business in a particularly supportive and inspiring way through the pandemic.

Rising Stars – The Ones to Watch.

Storytellers – The people at the heart of luxury who have created inspiring communications during the crisis.

Taste-Makers – Influencers with a great network who others look to for advice and inspiration.

Innovators – Those who have shown true innovation in product, service or management throughout the pandemic.

The Power List revealed:

The Taste Makers

Richard Carter, Director of Global Communications, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rachel Vosper, Founder, Rachel Vosper

Shelley Tichborne, Founder & Managing Director, Mou London

Jason Heward, Managing Director, Leica

Conor O’Leary, Managing Director, Gleneagles

Mats Klingberg, Founder, Trunk Clothiers

The Game Changers                                  

Dhavall Gandhi, Master Blender, The Lakes Distillery

Tom Marchant, Owner & Co-Founder, Black Tomato

Simon Mitchell, Co-Founder, Sybarite

Lucy Yeomans, Founder & Co-CEO, DREST

Farrah Storr, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK

The Gurus                                        

Mark Duguid, Managing Director, Carrier

Simon Glendenning, Managing Director, Dugdale Bros. & Co.

Stuart Johnson, Managing Director, Brown’s

Anna Bartle, VP Corporate Affairs & Co-Lead Sustainability , The Estée Lauder Companies

Alexandra Currie, Senior Head of Strategy & Project Management, Farfetch

Margaret Sweeney, Director of Business Development, G . F Smith

The Heroes                          

Kristina Blahnik, CEO , Manolo Blahnik

Knut Wylde, General Manager, The Berkeley

Jonathan Baker, Managing Director, Turnbull & Asser

Leanne Roberts-Hewitt, Managing Director and Kelly Yeomans, Business Development, Wildabout

Balthazar Fabricius & Chris Downham, Co-Chairs, Walpole Brands of Tomorrow

Simon Cotton, CEO, Johnstons of Elgin

The Legends                         

Anthony Romano, CEO, Church’s

Demetra Pinsent, CEO, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty

Ewan Venters, CEO, Fortnum & Mason

Robert Whitfield, Regional Director, UK & General Manager, The Dorchester

Thierry Andretta, CEO, Mulberry

Simon Cundey , Managing Director, Henry Poole

The Rising Stars                                         

Stephanie Foxley, Digital Marketing Manager, Garrard

Serena Riches, Senior Strategic Marketing Lead, The Royal Mint

Francesca Lindberg, PR Manager, The Hari

Charlotte Unsworth, Global Luxury PR Manager, William Grant & Sons

Amabile Guglielmino-Brady, Global Senior Brand Manager, Royal Salute / Pernod Ricard

The Story Tellers                                        

Samantha Strawford, Brand Communications Director, Belmond

David Kendall, Marketing & Communications Director, David Collins Studio

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige, Gordon & MacPhail

Zanny Gilchrist, Freelance PR & Marketing Consultant, Ettinger

Julia Record, Global Director of Communications & Partnerships, Dorchester Collection

The Custodians

Melissa Mullen, Vice President, General Manager UK & IR, Jo Malone London

Lucy Thornton, Head of Marketing, Innovation & Sustainability, JING Tea

Bernie de le Cuona, Founder & CEO, de le Cuona

Jocelyn Wilkinson, Responsibility Programme Director, Burberry

Debra Patterson, Quality Executive, The Savoy

The Innovators                               

Rachel Waller, Global Vice President Marketing, Digital & Innovation, Burberry

Linda Plant, Director of Strategic Relations, Edwardian Group, London

Tracey Greaves, Chief Commercial Officer, Goodwood

Beatrice Descorps, Global Vice-President, Molton Brown

Cate Moore, Global Director of Advocacy, Marketing Communications & eCommerce, William Grant & Sons

Joost de Kruiff , General Manager, Home Grown Club

Read the brochure here: Power List 2020 Brochure.