Former Marks & Spencer chief executive Lord Stuart Rose, now chair of Asda, has become the first patron of the Fashion Retail Academy.
Rose’s involvement comes as the specialist retail school prepares to move to a new London campus next month.
It is hoped that other high-profile industry figures will also become patrons, “enhancing the college’s industry connections and creating even more opportunities for students”.
While still in his M&S role, Rose was one of the academy’s founding partners when it launched almost two decades ago.
He 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 academy’s mission and helping to inspire the next generation of fashion retail professionals.”
Fashion Retail Academy chair Kim Longman said: “We are thrilled to welcome Lord Rose as our first patron. His unparalleled experience and passion for nurturing emerging talent align perfectly with our goals.
“This appointment is a significant step forward as we continue to evolve and expand our impact on the fashion retail sector.”
The academy was originally the brainchild of Sir Philip Green, who owned Arcadia at the time. Its creation was supported by some of retail’s biggest companies, including Next and Tesco.
It has since trained more than 13,000 students for entry-level roles in the industry. Some 89% of its students find employment or pursue further education within six months of completing their course.
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