British Beauty Council appoints David Walker-Smith as British Beauty Week ambassador

The British Beauty Council has named former Selfridges Executive Beauty Director David Walker-Smith as the ambassador for British Beauty Week 2023, taking place from 26-30 October.

Returning for its fifth iteration, British Beauty Week brings together brands, consumers, press and policymakers to highlight the influence of British beauty brands in the UK and overseas via a selection of in-person and digital events.

Leading the strategy for the upcoming five-day celebration, Walker-Smith will work with the British Beauty Council’s team to harness "The Power of Beauty".

"The council is excited to be working with Walker-Smith on the strategy for this year’s event given his extensive knowledge of beauty retailing and innovative approach to business," the British Beauty Council said in a statement.

Walker-Smith is the former Executive Beauty Director of Selfridges. In this role, he was responsible for creating The Beauty Workshop - in-store luxury tanning, nails, brow and hair services - as well as the retailer's popular beauty advent calendar.

Following this, Walker-Smith served as Managing Director of Fenwick. He has since advised Brown Thomas, Fortnum and Mason, Intu and Flannels, whilst also founding retail strategist Side by Side.

David Walker-Smith, newly announced ambassador of British Beauty Week, said: "I am extremely proud to be part of the British Beauty Council and can’t wait to create and deliver British Beauty Week in October with the team.

"We are set to make this year’s celebration the most representative, educational, and inspiring British Beauty Week to date. We can’t wait to see the industry come together to celebrate British beauty."