Hilary Weston who helped transform Selfridges has died

Wife of the late W. Galen Weston and mother of Galen G. Weston and Alannah Weston Cochrane, Hilary Weston was deputy chair of department store business Holt Renfrew, and a director of Brown Thomas & Co and Selfridges.

At Selfridges, she played a central part in energising the retailer following its acquisition by the Weston family. She worked with Alannah on the brand’s repositioning and renovation of its landmark store and was closely involved with initiatives such as the Wonder Room, the Shoe Galleries, and the Brasserie of Light.

Her family said: “From her early days working as a fashion model to support her widowed mother and younger siblings, to her decades as a distinguished business leader, philanthropist and public servant, Hilary lived a life of deep and far-reaching impact.”

Galen G. Weston said: “Our mother lived with unwavering devotion to her family and a belief in the power and importance of community and service. Brilliant, brave, companionate and beautiful, she brought a touch of magic to everything she did in her decades of public service, philanthropy and her remarkable business career. Her greatest joy was the life she created for her family and friends – filled with warmth, love and fun.” 

Alannah Weston Cochrane said: “Our mother’s elegance and high standards were matched by her warmth and sense of humour. She loved a challenge and brought her innate creativity and style to everything she did.

“But it was her vision, coupled with her enormous capacity for hard work, that made her a great female leader. Her insight, wisdom and strength, as well as her belief in individuals, made almost anything possible.”