The Fashion Retail Academy in London has made a significant appointment by naming Lord Rose as its first patron.
- This strategic move aims to enhance industry connections and provide new opportunities for students.
- Lord Rose brings decades of experience from his illustrious career in the retail sector.
- The Fashion Retail Academy continues its mission to prepare students for successful careers.
- The academy boasts a robust track record of student success in employment and further education.
The Fashion Retail Academy, a specialist college based in London, has appointed Lord Rose, former CEO of Marks & Spencer, as its inaugural patron. This prestigious role is designed to boost the institution’s industry connections and open up additional opportunities for its students as it approaches the opening of a new campus at Electra House on Moorgate in September.
Lord Rose, who officially carries the title Baron Rose of Monewden, embarked on his career with Marks & Spencer in 1972, starting as a management trainee. His career journey took him to the Burton Group in 1989, where he rose to the position of CEO by 1994. A return to Marks & Spencer followed in 2004, where he served as CEO until he assumed the chair of the British Fashion Council, a position he held until 2008. His contributions to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility earned him a knighthood, and in 2014, he was elevated to the House of Lords. His achievements were further acknowledged in 2018 when he received Drapers’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
Founded in 2005 by major retail players including Marks & Spencer, Next, Tesco’s F&F, and Arcadia Group, the Fashion Retail Academy has been instrumental in training over 13,000 students for entry-level positions in fashion retail. The academy prides itself on an impressive statistic, with 89% of alumni securing employment or continuing education within six months after completing their courses.
Lord Rose expressed his excitement and commitment to his new patron role, stating, “I am honored to become the first patron of the Fashion Retail Academy. The academy plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry by equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. I look forward to continuing to support the Fashion Retail Academy’s mission and helping to inspire the next generation of fashion retail professionals.”
Kim Longman, the chair of the Fashion Retail Academy, highlighted the significance of Lord Rose’s appointment, emphasizing that his unmatched experience and dedication to nurturing young talent align perfectly with the academy’s goals. This appointment marks a noteworthy advancement for the academy as it seeks to enhance its impact on the fashion retail sector.
Lord Rose’s appointment as patron symbolizes a forward-thinking step in strengthening the Fashion Retail Academy’s industry ties and student opportunities.
