Tillman Talks: Michael Ward in discussion with Caroline Rush CBE.

Location: EB_M01

'The world of luxury fashion retail, as seen through the eyes of Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods since 2005, and former Chair of Walpole, the UK's luxury trade body.'

Join Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, in conversation with Caroline Rush CBE for a discussion on leadership, luxury retail and the changes shaping the fashion industry.

This is an interactive session, so bring your questions about retail, leadership, career development and the future of the fashion industry.

Speakers

Caroline Rush CBE is a former CEO of the British Fashion Council who has spent years championing emerging designers and helping British fashion grow on a global stage. Known for supporting creative talent and innovation, she brings valuable insight into leadership, entrepreneurship and building a career in the fashion industry.

Michael Ward began his career in chartered accountancy, training originally with Ernst and Young in 1980, before taking his first Group Finance Director position at Bassett Foods PLC in 1986 gaining an MBA during this time. In 1989 he was appointed Group Finance Director of H.P. Bulmer Holdings PLC, before moving into the retail space in 1994 as Managing Director of Lloyds Chemists PLC. After a period of senior directorship roles in retail, Michael was invited to join Harrods as Managing Director in 2005. During his time at Harrods, he has overseen programmes of huge growth and expansion both in the UK and globally within the brand, as well as the transition to new ownership by the Qatar Investment Authority in 2010.

Michael is a prominent figure in the realm of luxury, renowned for his influential contributions across the industry. He joined the V&A Corporate Advisory Board in August 2020, leveraging his expertise to contribute to the museum's strategic decisions. Additionally, he holds the position of Chairman at Knightsbridge Partnership, driving forward the Knightsbridge BID’s goal to transform Knightsbridge into the number one luxury retail and hospitality destination in London. Most recently, Michael was appointed as President Emeritus of Walpole, the prestigious official sector body representing the UK luxury industry, having previously held the position of Chairman for a decade.

Visitor information

Address:

London College of Fashion, 105 Carpenter’s Road, London, E20 2AR - how to find us. Watch this video on how to get to LCF from Stratford tube station on the stories highlights on Instagram. Stratford is widely connected, on both the Central and Elizabeth tube Lines as well as via overground train and bus services.

Accessibility information:

For full details on building access and facilities at London College of Fashion (Carpenter’s Road), please see our AccessAble guide: Access Guide.

If you have any specific access needs, feel free to contact us. Taxi drop-off is available for those with access needs; please see LCF’s website for more information.