Helen Brocklebank is a name synonymous with British luxury, craftsmanship, and cultural excellence. As the Chief Executive Officer of Walpole, the official body representing the UK’s luxury sector, she has become one of the most influential figures shaping the identity of modern British luxury. Her journey from publishing to leading the nation’s most prestigious luxury consortium reflects a rare blend of creativity, leadership, and strategic foresight.
Under her guidance, Walpole has evolved into a powerful platform for brands that symbolise heritage, sustainability, and innovation. Through her focus on craftsmanship, storytelling, and responsible growth, Helen Brocklebank has championed the cause of British luxury in both domestic and international markets.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Before becoming the face of Walpole, Helen Brocklebank built her career in the vibrant world of publishing. She worked on some of the most respected magazines in the UK, including Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, and ELLE. This experience refined her understanding of style, storytelling, and the intricate relationship between creativity and commerce.
Working with leading editors, designers, and fashion brands, she developed a deep appreciation for narrative—the kind of storytelling that makes a brand unforgettable. It was during this time that she honed her ability to connect emotional experiences with aesthetic excellence, a skill that would later become central to her philosophy of luxury leadership.
Her transition from publishing to luxury branding was a natural evolution. After running a successful content agency for high-end clients, she was appointed CEO of Walpole in 2017. The appointment marked a turning point, both for her career and for the British luxury industry.
The Rise to Leadership at Walpole
When Helen Brocklebank took the helm of Walpole, she inherited an organisation with a rich legacy but facing new global challenges. The UK luxury industry was navigating the impacts of Brexit, changing consumer behaviour, and a rising demand for sustainability. Brocklebank’s leadership was defined by her ability to respond to these shifts with creativity and confidence.
She envisioned Walpole not merely as a trade body but as a voice for British excellence—a guardian of craftsmanship and an advocate for innovation. Her mission was to make British luxury not just admired but understood, not only consumed but cherished.
Under her leadership, Walpole grew to represent more than 250 of the UK’s most iconic brands—from heritage names like Burberry, Bentley, and Harrods to newer innovators redefining modern luxury. She created a cohesive narrative that united these brands under a shared vision: to make “British luxury” synonymous with quality, authenticity, and sustainability.
Championing Women in Luxury
One of Helen Brocklebank’s most celebrated initiatives has been the Women in Luxury programme. Recognising the gender imbalance at the executive level in the luxury sector, she launched this initiative to support and mentor women aspiring to leadership roles.
The programme provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and visibility for talented women in various luxury disciplines—fashion, hospitality, design, and retail. Through this work, Brocklebank has not only empowered women but also diversified the creative voices shaping the future of British luxury.
Her approach is not about tokenism; it is about cultivating leadership grounded in empathy, intelligence, and collaboration. She often describes women’s leadership as “transformational rather than transactional,” a reflection of her own inclusive management style.
Luxury with Purpose: Sustainability and Heritage
In an era where consumers demand more than just beauty or exclusivity, Helen Brocklebank has been a vocal advocate for “luxury with purpose.” She believes that true luxury must contribute to the greater good—preserving skills, protecting the environment, and nurturing creativity for generations to come.
Through Walpole’s Sustainability Manifesto, she has guided member brands to commit to responsible practices. The initiative focuses on three core pillars: protecting craftsmanship, reducing environmental impact, and promoting diversity within the industry.
Brocklebank often emphasises that sustainability in luxury is not a constraint but an opportunity for excellence. She encourages brands to see environmental consciousness as a hallmark of sophistication—a new form of desirability that appeals to modern, informed consumers.
Her leadership has inspired many British luxury houses to adopt sustainable materials, ethical supply chains, and transparent storytelling. Under her watch, sustainability has become not an afterthought but a central element of luxury identity.
Storytelling as the Heart of Luxury
Having begun her professional journey in publishing, Helen Brocklebank understands that stories are the lifeblood of luxury brands. Whether it is a century-old jeweller or a contemporary designer, she believes that every luxury product must tell a story of human ingenuity and artistic devotion.
She has often said that British luxury distinguishes itself through emotion—its ability to connect deeply with people’s values and memories. This philosophy has influenced Walpole’s communications and global campaigns, showcasing how storytelling transforms luxury into culture.
Through strategic partnerships and media initiatives, she has elevated the profile of British brands abroad, particularly in markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia. Her campaigns highlight not just products but the craftsmanship, heritage, and people behind them.
Building Global Bridges for British Excellence
Helen Brocklebank has played a pivotal role in promoting British luxury internationally. From trade missions in the United States to collaborations with European cultural institutions, she has positioned the UK as a creative powerhouse on the world stage.
Her diplomacy and vision have helped forge valuable partnerships between British brands and global markets. She has also worked closely with government departments to ensure that policy supports the growth of the creative and luxury sectors.
Under her leadership, Walpole has become an influential voice in discussions around trade, culture, and economic growth. Her representation of British luxury at global summits and trade fairs has reinforced the idea that luxury is not merely about wealth—it is about values, heritage, and identity.
Navigating Challenges: Brexit, Pandemic, and Beyond
Helen Brocklebank’s tenure as CEO has not been without challenges. The luxury sector faced significant disruptions due to Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain interruptions, store closures, and shifting consumer priorities tested even the most established brands.
Yet, her response was marked by resilience and optimism. She emphasised community and collaboration—encouraging Walpole’s members to share insights, support one another, and adapt together.
She launched digital forums and virtual events that allowed members to stay connected during lockdowns. Walpole also published research and reports that helped brands navigate changing market dynamics. Her ability to balance practicality with vision ensured that the industry remained focused not on survival alone, but on transformation.
As the world reopened, Brocklebank advocated for reinvention rather than mere recovery. She urged brands to leverage digital innovation, sustainability, and authenticity to redefine what luxury means in the 21st century.
Recognitions and Roles Beyond Walpole
Beyond her responsibilities as CEO, Helen Brocklebank holds several prestigious positions that highlight her influence across industries. She is an Executive Member of the European Cultural & Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), an organisation that represents Europe’s leading cultural sectors.
She also sits on the advisory council of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, reflecting her passion for the arts, and is part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Women in Business Committee, where she continues to advocate for gender equality in leadership.
Her thought leadership extends to conferences, interviews, and panel discussions, where she frequently speaks about creativity, sustainability, and the power of storytelling. Each appearance reinforces her position as one of the UK’s most respected voices in business and culture.
Personal Philosophy and Vision
Helen Brocklebank’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy, elegance, and excellence. She believes that luxury must evolve continuously, staying true to its essence while adapting to the world’s changing needs.
Her guiding principle is that luxury should never be superficial—it must create emotional value, preserve artistry, and reflect the human spirit. This philosophy has made her a role model for emerging leaders in business, design, and culture.
Colleagues often describe her as articulate, inspiring, and deeply committed to her mission. She leads with grace, yet with a clear sense of purpose and accountability. Her ability to merge creativity with commerce has turned Walpole into a model organisation admired globally.
The Future of British Luxury
Looking ahead, Helen Brocklebank envisions a future where British luxury continues to thrive by embracing innovation and inclusivity. She sees technology not as a threat to tradition but as a tool to amplify craftsmanship and creativity.
Her focus remains on nurturing young talent and ensuring that the next generation of artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs have the skills and opportunities to succeed. Initiatives like Luxury in the Making aim to train future craftspeople and safeguard heritage skills that define British excellence.
She also believes that the emotional connection between brand and consumer will define the next chapter of luxury. In her view, authenticity will always outshine extravagance, and purpose will matter more than possession.
Conclusion
Helen Brocklebank’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance. From the pages of glossy magazines to the boardrooms of Britain’s most distinguished brands, she has redefined what it means to lead with vision and integrity.
Through her stewardship at Walpole, she has turned British luxury into more than an industry—it has become a movement, rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling.
