The boss of Harrods is to step down subsequent yr from the group which represents Britain’s luxurious items business – one among plenty of roles he could have relinquished since allegations emerged about years of abuse perpetrated by the Knightsbridge division retailer’s former proprietor.
A recruitment course of is beneath approach to discover his successor, with an announcement anticipated within the new yr.
Mr Ward, who has run Harrods for shut to twenty years, stepped again from a job on the board of the Royal Ballet in September, shortly after the size of Mohamed al Fayed’s abuse grew to become obvious.
The division retailer chief apologised within the autumn, saying: “We failed our colleagues and, for that, we’re deeply sorry.
“As someone who has worked at Harrods since 2006 – and, therefore, worked for Fayed until the change of ownership in 2010 – I feel it is important to make it clear that I was not aware of his criminality and abuse.”
Harrods was purchased by Qatar Holding in 2010 for about £1.5bn, making it one of the important abroad acquisitions by Gulf buyers.
Mr Ward took over as Walpole chair in 2016, which means he should stand down subsequent yr, in line with the group.
A not-for-profit organisation, Walpole has greater than 250 members and promotes the luxurious items sector in Britain and internationally.
A Walpole spokesperson stated: “Having served the maximum tenure allowed; Michael Ward will step down in 2025 at the end of his current term as Walpole Chair.”
