Walpole names new chief executive

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 6, 2017

Walpole, the elite group representing Britain’s luxury brands, has announced that its CEO Michelle Emmerson is stepping down after four years in the role.

She will be succeeded by Helen Brocklebank with immediate effect. Brocklebank is a specialist in luxury media brands, having worked at Hearst magazines including Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar. She spent 10 years at the latter, where she developed several initiatives including the multi-platform brand extension ‘Bazaar At Work’ for Omega and partnerships with Bentley.

She also delivered projects with Dior, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Moët et Chandon, Rémy Martin, Wedgwood, and Hermès. Most recently, Brocklebank established a content consultancy for luxury brands working predominantly with retail and media clients, including Liberty and Boat International.

She said: “Thought leadership and representation at the highest possible level will continue to be a priority, whether it be in the complexities of international trading arrangements, the nuances of intellectual property, or the benefits of the free movement of people and the importance of diverse teams.

"We will create high impact initiatives that showcase the world-leading quality of British luxury, promoting its exceptional goods and services and bringing its people to the fore – the makers, the craftspeople, the creatives, the entrepreneurs and the emerging talent.”