Michael Ward

After Mohamed Al Fayed, nobody has been more proprietorial about Harrods than its managing director Michael Ward.

After roles at Lloydspharmacy and private equity firm Apax, Ward joined Harrods in 2006. His polishing up of the famous department store helped Fayed attach a £1.5bn price tag when the store was sold to Qatari investors in May.

Ward is expected to play a pivotal part in ensuring Harrods keeps up the momentum under its new ownership, bringing essential continuity and examining new strategies. One idea thought to be under consideration is the opening of Harrods shops overseas, including Shanghai.

Ward has maintained Harrods’ luxury credentials by frequently revamping, ensuring it delivers on its promise to upscale shoppers for whom the Knightsbridge shop is a destination.