Leading high street name honoured by GCU London
25 June 2012
GCU Principal Professor Pamela Gilles with Chancellor Lord Gus Macdonald and Derek Lovelock
ONE of the High Street’s most respected figures was recognised by postgraduate university GCU London today.
Derek Lovelock, Executive Chairman of Aurora Fashions, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award and an Honorary Professorship at the glitzy graduation ceremony, held at GCU London’s trendy Spitalfields campus.
Mr Lovelock has been a notable figure in the fashion industry since his tenure with Storehouse PLC where he spent eight years from 1984 to 1992.
He spearheaded and masterminded the creation of a fashion division that included brands such as Richards, Blazer, Jacadi and Anonymous, as well as being promoted to the board and given responsibility for Mothercare.
In 1992, Mr Lovelock was appointed CEO of the Clothing Division and a Board Director of Sears PLC, where he had responsibility for Wallis, Warehouse, Miss Selfridge, Richards, Adams and the Outfit. In 1999 he took over Oasis Stores PLC as Chief Executive, and grew the business to the Mosaic Group, a collection of 7 womenswear brands, before becoming CEO of Aurora Fashions at its creation in March 2009. Mr Lovelock has held the role of Executive Chairman since October 2009. His first his ever role in retail was working in his brother’s fabric shop.
Mr Lovelock received his award and Professorship from Professor Christopher Moore, Associate Dean and Chair in Marketing and Retailing, Glasgow School for Business and Society, and was presented with his award by Principal and Vice-Chancellor of GCU, Professor Pamela Gilles.
On receiving the prestigious award, Mr Lovelock said, “I’m honoured and delighted to be able to become involved and work with such a prestigious establishment. With the digital revolution these are very exciting times in fashion retail and this generation of students and graduates will be leading the way. For all major retailers, it is essential that we encourage and nurture future talent to continue this country’s expertise and success.”
Stephen Holt, head of GCU London, said it was an honour for the university to present this accolade to Mr Lovelock. He added: “Derek Lovelock has been a major figure in the fashion and retail industry for years and I have no doubt that a number of our fashion business and marketing students here at GCU London look up to him with a great deal of admiration and respect.
“It is very encouraging to see how far he has come in this industry since starting out as an assistant at his brother’s fabric shop. It is an honour to have him receive this award, and I am confident many of the students graduating will aspire to be the next Derek Lovelock.”
GCU London has earned an international reputation for the high quality of its fashion, marketing and retailing programmes, which equip students with the creative and practical skills that are vital for professionals working in fashion marketing and brand management. GCU London offers an MSc in International Fashion Marketing, and was the first university in the UK to offer a MBA in Luxury Brand Marketing.
