Lord Rose, former M&S CEO, appointed first patron of Fashion Retail Academy.
- His retail career began at Marks & Spencer in 1972 as a management trainee.
- Rose’s leadership at Burton Group and M&S highlighted his industry influence.
- The Fashion Retail Academy aims to enhance student opportunities with this appointment.
- The Academy has successfully prepared over 13,000 students for the fashion industry.
Lord Rose, whose full title is Baron Rose of Monewden, has been appointed as the first patron of the Fashion Retail Academy, a specialist college located in London. The former CEO of Marks & Spencer, Rose’s career in retail began at this retailer in 1972, where he started as a management trainee. After a period at the Burton Group, where he ascended to CEO in 1994, Rose returned to Marks & Spencer in 2004 as CEO, marking significant milestones in his career.
Lord Rose’s appointment as the patron is seen as a strategic move to boost the Fashion Retail Academy’s industry connections, particularly as it prepares to open its new campus at Electra House on Moorgate in September. By consolidating such ties, the Academy aims to create increased opportunities for its students, who are being trained to enter the fashion retail sector.
Since its establishment in 2005, the Fashion Retail Academy has been founded by industry giants including Marks & Spencer, Next, Tesco’s F&F, and the Arcadia Group. The Academy has trained over 13,000 students for entry-level roles in the fashion industry, with an impressive 89% of its graduates securing employment or pursuing further education within six months of course completion. This statistic underscores the significant role the institution plays in shaping future fashion retail professionals.
Lord Rose expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honoured 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.” This statement reflects his commitment to nurturing new industry talent.
According to Kim Longman, Chair of the Fashion Retail Academy, “We are thrilled to welcome Lord Rose as our first patron. His unparalleled experience and passion for nurturing emerging talent aligns perfectly with our goals. This appointment is a significant step forward for the Academy as we continue to evolve and expand our impact on the fashion retail sector.” This endorsement highlights the alignment of values and objectives between Lord Rose and the Academy.
Lord Rose’s appointment marks a pivotal advancement for the Fashion Retail Academy, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future fashion professionals.
