Iceland and Waterstones’ bosses named in Queen’s birthday honours

Iceland managing director Richard Walker, Waterstones’ chief executive James Daunt, The Fragrance Shop chief executive Sanjay Vadera and Joules’ founder Tom Joule are among those honoured.

Walker was awarded an OBE for services to business and the environment, and follows in the footsteps of his father Malcolm who was knighted in 2017.

He tweeted that he was “shocked and hugely honoured” to be included in the list.

His said: “Shocked and hugely honoured to have been awarded an OBE for services to business and the environment in today’s Birthday Honours List – which I accept on behalf of the real business heroes: my 30,000 Iceland colleagues.”

Vadera, who leads The Fragrance Shop and also founded Per-Scent, received an MBE.

He said: “I’m very proud to have received this honour, particularly in the Queen’s platinum jubilee year. It’s a reflection of all the hard work that my family and all the colleagues we work with have put into the business over the years.

“It’s very satisfying to know we have made a valuable contribution to the economy and I’m also very proud that we’ve been able to share in that success and support wonderful children’s charities such as Rays of Sunshine through our Spray a Little Happiness Foundation.”

Daunt was awarded a CBE for services to publishing, while Joule was honoured with an OBE for services to business.

Farfetch chief customer officer Stephanie Phair was also named in the list. 

Phair, who is also chair of the British Fashion Council, received a CBE for services to fashion and technology.

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