Introducing the 2020 Walpole Legends, in association with Investec: High-profile figures who have led their business in a particularly supportive and inspiring way through the pandemic.

Ewan Venters, CEO, Fortnum & Mason

An experienced, focused and highly motivated CEO with outstanding leadership and visionary skills, Ewan Venters has led the famous Piccadilly destination to a succession of major achievements during his eight years in post. Under Ewan’s leadership, Fortnum’s has recorded record sales and profits, and have also expanded beyond their historic London home into new locations including prestigious stores in Royal Exchange, Heathrow Terminal 5, St Pancras Station and Hong Kong. Ewan has been passionate about the creation of innovative products and takes pride in promoting the Fortnum & Mason brand worldwide.

Thierry Andretta, Chief Executive, Mulberry

Thierry Andretta is Chief Executive of Mulberry.  Prior to joining Mulberry in 2015, Mr Andretta was CEO of Buccellati and Non-Executive Director at ACNE Studios and Sergio Tacchini.  He was previously Executive Chairman/CEO at Lanvin and Moschino, President Emerging Brands at Gucci Group with responsibility for Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Balenciaga, and Executive Chairman/CEO of Céline, part of the LVMH Fashion Group.  Mr Andretta has extensive experience across the luxury sector, with a focus on retail, digital, omni-channel and international expansion.

Anthony Romano, CEO, Church’s

Anthony Romano has had a varied and successful professional career spanning more than 30 years. He has held leading positions as a Chief Executive, Board Member or Investor in innovative start-ups to well-established heritage brands across the globe. His current role as Chief Executive of Church’s, a brand with more than 400 years of shoemaking history, has resulted in many changes to the heritage brand’s business model. His goal is to continue innovating the company, making Church’s a key player in the fashion and luxury world, and a highly relevant brand across a wide customer group–ensuring its continued success for years to come.

Demetra Pinsent, CEO, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty

Demetra Pinsent has been the CEO of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty since its inception in 2012. In this capacity, she has partnered with Founder Charlotte Tilbury to deliver record-breaking year-on-year growth across channels and geographies. Prior to this, she was a partner at McKinsey & Company where she co-led the European Luxury Goods Practice. Demetra has served as a Non-Executive Director for Capital & Counties and Belmond and is currently a Trustee of the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

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

Robert Whitfield arrived at The Dorchester in May 2017 to take up the role of Regional Director UK and General Manager. Formerly Regional Vice President and General Manager for Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii, Robert swapped his Hawaiian shirts and a beach view for sharp suits and a different pace of life on Park Lane to oversee operations and strategy at the renowned London hotel. His remit also includes Dorchester Collection’s other two UK properties, 45 Park Lane, London and Coworth Park, Ascot. Robert is highly regarded for an approachable management style and he believes that exceptional service derives from humility and caring for others.

Simon Cundey, Managing Director, Henry Poole & Co.     

Simon Cundey is a seventh-generation family member and the Managing Director of Savile Row’s first ever tailors, Henry Poole & Co., a business which is credited with the invention of the ‘dinner jacket’ in the 1860s.

Read the brochure here: Power List 2020 Brochure.