The programme, in association with Charles Russell, will complement London Business School’s MBA curriculum by offering a select group of students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience within the luxury sector. The students, chosen by a committee comprising London Business School faculty and senior executives from Walpole member brands, will be selected based on their potential and passion for the luxury industry.

As part of the programme, students will participate in a series of practitioner-led lectures developed in conjunction with London Business School’s marketing faculty. 

They will hear from leading luxury experts including: Mark Henderson, Chairman of Gieves & Hawkes; Gillian de Bono, Editor of Financial Times ‘How to Spend It’ magazine and Jonathan Ackeroyd, President and CEO of Alexander McQueen. The lectures will cover topics such as Luxury Fundamentals; the Creative Process; and Retail & E-tail Experience and Management, taking place during the second and third terms.

The students will also be mentored by a senior business leader from within the Walpole membership, and have the opportunity to work closely with member brands on their individual projects, giving them access to top names in the luxury industry. London Business School is also looking to develop a series of student internships to support students who would like to work in the luxury industry upon graduation.

“We are increasingly seeing more and more students who are interested in the luxury sector so this is a very exciting partnership for London Business School and an important addition to the MBA curriculum. London is the home of British luxury and our students will have a unique opportunity to gain access to some of the top brands in the industry”, said Gareth Howells, Executive Director MBA and MiF, London Business School.

The programme will be offered to London Business School’s first year MBA students launching on 22 October.

“As the British Luxury Industry becomes more and more significant – with its massive value to the economy and the “soft power” of Britain – it is critical that management skills are available to meet the demands of a complex, challenging but highly attractive business. 

"London Business School, itself a Walpole member, is a natural partner for Walpole to launch the joint Programme in Luxury Management. We have a stellar cast of supporters – this is going to be an exceptional opportunity to build on one of the best MBA programmes in the world” said Mark Henderson, Board Director at Walpole British Luxury & Chairman of Gieves & Hawkes.

"We are absolutely delighted to besupporting the ‘Luxury Management’ programme and look forward to being involved with this exciting initiative as it develops", said Edward Craig, Head of Retail and Leisure, Charles Russell.

Walpole