The Fashion Retail Academy is proud to work with a number of prominent figures from across the fashion and retail sector to help champion the work we do and broaden opportunities for our students.
OUR PATRON
In 2024, we were delighted to appoint our first Patron. Lord Rose is a longtime supporter of the Fashion Retail Academy, having been CEO of Marks & Spencer when it became one of the Academy's founding partners in 2005. In 2008, he was knighted for his work in the retail industry and he currently serves as the co-chief executive and chairman of Asda.
On the announcement of his appointment, Lord Rose said: "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."
AMBASSADORS
Ian McGarrigle
Founder & Chairman, World Retail Congress
Ian has over 35 years’ experience working within the UK and international retail sector as a journalist, editor, publisher and founder and Chairman of the World Retail Congress. He helped launch the leading UK trade publication Retail Week and developed a range of initiatives including the Retail Week Conference and the Retail Week Awards. Ian has written for a range of international titles and been a speaker at retail events around the world. Ian and the World Retail Congress have been supporters of the Fashion Retail Academy since its inception.
Martin Newman
Renowned Speaker, Author, Educator & Advisor to the retail industry
With over 40 years of experience working at the forefront of retail, e-commerce, and consumer-facing industries, Martin has led initiatives for some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Burberry and Harrods. He is a visionary leader who bridges the gap between businesses and their customers, driving sustainable growth through unparalleled customer focus. Martin’s leadership is widely recognised and his best-selling books, including 'The Power of Customer Experience' and '100 Practical Ways to Improve Customer Experience'.
Hash Ladha
Prominent Retail Leader & Former CEO of Jigsaw
Hash is an experienced CEO and board-level executive with wide ranging industry experience across functions including finance, IT, HR, design, buying and merchandising. A passionate leader and former CEO of Jigsaw, he is a strategist who has successfully created differentiated customer propositions, developed brands and has personally run integrated channels with an intelligent, customer driven, innovative and disrupter mentality and focus. He is an experienced leader who understands the importance of diversity and inclusion, who harnesses an open and honest culture.
Rokeya Khanum
Fashion Designer & Founder of Khanum’s
Rokeya is a British Bangladeshi fashion designer and founder of luxury fashion label Khanum’s. With a background in law and financial services, she launched her label as a side project before becoming an influential voice in purpose-driven fashion, aligned with her mission to reduce waste and reject fast-fashion norms. Her ethos combines accessible luxury with meaningful purpose, embodying resilience and creativity, and she advocates for compassion, kindness and care through clothing.
Liam Price
Global Ecommerce Director, AllSaints & John Varvatos
Liam is a seasoned fashion industry leader with a dynamic career spanning some of the UK’s most prominent retail brands, including John Lewis, Arcadia Group, Oasis, Warehouse, and FatFace. An alumnus of the Fashion Retail Academy, Liam became E-commerce Director at just 28 years old and has since held a number of senior leadership positions. He is currently the Global Ecommerce Director at AllSaints and John Varvatos, where he leads the digital and customer strategy. He has remained closely connected to the FRA throughout his career – mentoring students, participating in industry panels, and championing the FRA’s role in shaping the future of retail.
“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.”
Lord Rose
Patron and Founding Partner of the Fashion Retail Academy, Former CEO of Marks & Spencer, and Former Chair of the British Fashion Council
“I am delighted to have been invited to become an Ambassador for the Fashion Retail Academy. I have had the privilege of being involved with the FRA since its launch and seen first hand the amazing work that it does. Retailing increasingly needs skilled and talented people and the FRA has always responded to that by inspiring thousands of students who have gone on to shape and lead the industry.”
Ian McGarrigle
Founder and Chairman, World Retail Congress
“In my capacity as an Ambassador, I’m proud to partner with the Fashion Retail Academy to help inspire and empower the next generation of retail talent. The future of our industry depends on passionate, customer-focused people – and the FRA plays a vital role in equipping them with the skills and mindset to succeed.”
Martin Newman
Renowned Speaker, Author, Educator & Advisor to the retail industry
“Having worked with the FRA since 2020, it’s a privilege to be appointed an Ambassador. The Academy has come a long way since its creation and is a highly respected organisation in the industry, training, nurturing and creating the next generation of industry professionals and leaders. The teaching team, management team and of course the outstanding students are an inspiration. I’m very proud to help support the great work of such outstanding talent and an amazing organisation.”
Hash Ladha
Prominent Retail Leader & Former CEO of Jigsaw
“It’s an honour to partner with the Fashion Retail Academy as an Ambassador. I believe in the power of education, access and industry insight and I’m passionate about giving back to the next generation of creatives and future leaders. This partnership is about creating space, sharing knowledge and helping young talent build meaningful and impactful careers in fashion.”
Rokeya Khanum
Fashion Designer & Founder of Khanum's
"I’m proud to be an Ambassador for the Fashion Retail Academy because it allows me to give back to the place that helped shape my career. As an alumnus, it’s rewarding to stay connected and support the next generation of retail talent. The FRA gave me the skills to succeed, and now I’m honoured to help inspire, guide, and celebrate future retail stars as they begin their own journeys."
Liam Price
Global Ecommerce Director, AllSaints & John Varvatos