Harrods names new head of sustainability. Harrods has named Natalie Deacon as its new head of sustainability, Drapers can reveal. Deacon joins the luxury department store from her most recent role as executive director for purpose and sustainability at cosmetics company Avon, having worked at the business for a 20-year period (2005-2025). Drapers understands that Deacon joined Harrods last month, supporting the department store's "next phase of sustainability", as it looks to progress its ESG strategy and embed sustainability across its everyday operations. Harrods said Deacon's appointment reflects a "reinforced senior leadership focus" on its long-term ESG goals, something it hopes will benefit customers and colleagues alike. "Supporting this next phase, Harrods is delighted to announce the appointment of Natalie Deacon as head of sustainability," the department store told Drapers. The news follows the publication of Harrods' third annual ESG report, as first seen by Drapers. Harrods ESG report 2025 takeaways: * A decade of zero waste to landfill * Closed its median gender pay gap to 0.2% (against the UK average of 12.8%) * Greenhouse emissions down 9% year on year * 58 trained mental health first aiders * 569 charity days used by Harrods employees * £124,177 raised by employees for charity partners * Relaunch of Harrods' menopause policy - offering training and forums for colleagues * Launch of a domestic abuse policy and manager toolkit * New fertility policy - including paid fertility leave to support staff undergoing "key fertility procedures" * New "Partner Code of Conduct" to new suppliers Harrods managing director Michael Ward said he is "proud" of the progress the luxury department store has made across its ESG credentials, as it looks to "move forward" from the scandal of the late former owner Mohamed Al Fayed. "Luxury should be timeless, but it must also be responsible," said Ward. "By embedding sustainability across every part of our business, we are building a more resilient future for Harrods, our partners and the communities we serve, ensuring that luxury and responsibility continue to go hand in hand. "The Harrods of today is unrecognisable from Harrods under previous ownership, and we have worked hard to build a culture of trust and care."

Harrods appoints new chief operating officer. Harrods has announced the appointment of Andreas Efstathiou, currently the retailer's chief information officer, as chief operating officer, bolstering its leadership team. For the first time, Harrods is integrating all operations at the luxury store under one leader with Efstathiou's appointment. In his new role, he will be responsible for all wider store operations, including supply chain and store facilities, engineering and security. This follows the planned retirement of previous operations director James Healy and marks the next phase in the evolution of Harrods' Management Executive Committee (MEC). Recent senior leadership appointments include Mark Blundell as chief retail officer and Sarah Myler as chief brand and reputation officer. In 2025, the luxury store als hired Geoff Weaver as chief financial officer. The expanded MEC represents a milestone in Harrods' leadership strategy. The move, intended to broaden executive oversight and enhance the business's strategic capabilities, brings together senior leaders from across different critical functions. Michael Ward, managing director at Harrods said: "As Harrods evolves, our leadership structure must evolve with it to ensure we move with pace, continue to invest, and drive the lobal standard for luxury customer experience. "Our operations team have delivered landmark transformation like our 'Future Retail' programme." Ward described Efstathiou as "the ideal leader to step into this newly unified chief operating officer role. "As COO, Andreas will bring our end-to-end operations together under one leader for the first time, creating a more integrated, agile, and resilient Harrods." Efstathiou said of his appointment: "I'm delighted to take on the role of chief operating officer at such a pivotal moment for Harrods. Our operations are central to delivering the exceptional, seamless experience our customers expect.

The Macallan opens Harrods boutique. The Macallan has unveiled its first UK domestic boutique at Harrods, a stand-out retail destination showcasing the whisky brand's commitment to peerless craftsmanship and creative mastery in the heart of the capital. Located in the former Baccarat Bar and next to the Harrods Fine Wines & Spirits Department, the new boutique is now home to one of the most extensive ranges of the world's most valuable Single Malt Scotch Whisky available outside The Macallan Estate in Speyside. Products on offer include rare releases as well as limited edition expressions. As a special Harrods-exclusive release and to celebrate the opening of the new boutique, renowned Spanish painter and illustrator Javi Aznárez and long-time collaborator of The Macallan, has created a distinctive packaging design for The Macallan Rare Cask 2026. Limited to just 100 bottles and available only at Harrods, this collectible edition will be released on opening day at the boutique on a first-come, first-served basis. To complement the extensive product offering, a personalisation and gifting station allows guests to have their bottle purchase engraved with a name, date or inscription of choice and beautifully gift-wrapped. A multi-purpose space, the boutique also features a sampling bar and can transform into a fine dining space for private experiences, bringing the brand's Speyside home to guests through seasonal flavours inspired by The Macallan Estate. The boutique features artwork by acclaimed artist and designer David Carson and globally renowned pop artist Sir Peter Blake. Carson most recently created a striking new visual identity for The Macallan's Timeless collection. His new artwork for the boutique draws on the collection's visual language - red for European oak and white for American oak - with elements of wood and amber echoing the sherry seasoning and cask staves. Across four decades, Blake has woven The Macallan's history into collage - each work a chapter, each character a storyteller. In this piece in the boutique, figures from previous works return, to form one final gathering on the lawn of Easter Elchies House - the spiritual home of The Macallan. The boutique was designed in collaboration with internationally award-winning architect Jamie Fobert - whose work includes Venice's historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi and the National Portrait Gallery extension in London - and brings The Macallan's retail concept, Nurtured by Nature, to life. Immersive installations throughout the space invite guests to discover the mastery of whisky making and the brand's deep connection to nature, which has shaped The Macallan for over 200 years. Whilst botanical features and merchandising reimagine the brand's 485-acre Estate in Speyside. The space offers a carefully considered experience through sight, scent, touch and taste, that reflect The Macallan's Six Pillars - the foundations of The Macallan's character and spirit - with design touches woven throughout to reflect these principles and The Macallan's heritage. The opening of The Macallan Boutique at Harrods underlines The Macallan's continued dedication to delivering standout retail experiences for customers across the globe and follows the unveiling of a new boutique for The Macallan at Heathrow Terminal 5 in 2025. Jaume Ferras, Creative Director, The Macallan commented: "Opening its new boutique at Harrods marks a major milestone for The Macallan, expanding its presence in London and building on its ambitions of delivering standout retail experiences for consumers across the globe. "In partnership with Harrods, we have been able to push boundaries and curate an incomparable retail experience, bringing craftmanship and creativity to the fore. We look forward to welcoming guests from across London and beyond, and immersing them into the world of The Macallan." The Macallan Boutique at Harrods represents a new chapter in the brand's relationship with the Knightsbridge store. Previous activations within the renowned department store have included an interactive experience at Harrods to mark the release of a collection of whiskies created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise. Andre Lewis, Head of Buying - Food, Wine & Spirit at Harrods, commented: "We are thrilled to deepen our long-standing relationship with The Macallan through the opening of this exceptional new boutique at Harrods. Our customers come to us in search of the world's finest craftsmanship and most compelling luxury experiences, and The Macallan consistently delivers both. This boutique will offer an extraordinary opportunity to sample and purchase some of the rarest and most celebrated single malts, brought to life through a space that beautifully captures the spirit of the Speyside Estate. We look forward to welcoming whisky connoisseurs and curious visitors alike to discover this remarkable destination within our store." Brands news June 19, 2026