LONDON – Walpole, the British luxury business lobby, has named Fortnum & Mason chief executive officer Tom Athron its new chairman.

He will succeed Michael Ward, long-time managing director of Harrods, who will step down Tuesday after serving the maximum tenure of nine years as chair.

Ward will contiune to play a key role in Walpole in the newly created advisory role of president emeritus. He will also remain president of the European Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance, the group that brings together all European luxury associations under one umbrella, until January, when Walpole’s two-year rolling presidency ends.

“Over what has been an exceptionally turbulent nine years for business, I am incredibly proud of the role Walpole has played in shaping public perceptions of British luxury and in championing the sector. Thanks to this work, our industry is now well positioned for continued recognition and growth,” said Ward.

Athron said he looks forward to “working closely with chief executive [officer] Helen Brocklebank, the board, and our members to continue advancing Walpole’s mission to promote, protect, and develop the British luxury sector, both in the U.K. and internationally.”

“On behalf of the board and our members, I would like to thank Michael Ward for his outstanding contribution to the organization and for the passion and energy he has brought to everything Walpole does,” added Athron, who prior to joining Fortnum & Mason in 2020 held various senior roles at Matchesfashion and John Lewis.

Established in 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason, Fortnum & Mason is the oldest department store in London. It’s now owned by Wittington Investments Ltd, which is majority-owned by the Garfield Weston Foundation and has a majority stake in Associated British Foods, parent of Primark.

Walpole has more than 250 members spanning the fashion, automotive, hospitality and design industries. Walpole said its members, which include Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Fortnum & Mason, and Rolls-Royce, collectively contribute 81 billion pounds annually to the U.K. economy.

The organization also offers a Brands of Tomorrow program that supports start-ups, and has issued the British Luxury Sustainability Manifesto, “ensuring the U.K. remains a leader in both excellence, and responsible practices.”