John Ayton
John Ayton | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1962 or 1963 (age 61–62)[1] |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Oxford University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse | Annoushka Ducas |
| Children | 4 |
John Ayton MBE (born 1962/1963), is a British businessman and investor in the luxury goods industry,[2] and the co-founder of Links of London and Annoushka, an English jewellery brand founded in 2009.[3]
Early life
Ayton graduated in modern history from Oxford University in 1983.[citation needed]
Career
After university, Ayton worked in corporate law in London and Hong Kong.[citation needed]
Leaving the legal profession in 1995, he was on the advisory board of Halston Borghese Inc, a US-based cosmetics company, responsible for restructuring their Japanese and German operations.[4]
In 1990, together with his wife, jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas, Ayton co-founded Links of London, a jewellery brand with sales of over £50m. In July 2006, they sold the company to Folli Follie SA.[5] In October 2007, Ayton stepped down from the company.[4]
In July 2009, Ayton and Ducas launched English jewellery brand Annoushka Jewellery.[5]
Investment and mentoring
Ayton has invested at the earliest stage in emerging luxury brands including Bremont Watch Company,[4] Orlebar Brown,[6] Mr Hare,[7] Boticca.com,[8] and Grind & Co.[9]
He also acts as a mentor and advisor to the founders, and is chairman at both Bremont[10] and Mr Hare.[7]
Ayton was the founder of Walpole Brands of Tomorrow and its chair and a director until 2014. Since 2007, he has been mentoring and supporting British emerging talent within the luxury goods industry]].[4]
Other
Ayton and wife Ducas were ambassadors for Team 2012, the campaign to support British athletes in their quest for medal success in the London Olympics. The campaign raised over £18 million.[11]
Honours
In the 2012 New Years Honours List, Ayton was awarded an MBE for his services to the UK jewellery industry.[12]
Personal life
Ayton and Ducas live in a Georgian cottage in Pimlico, London, since 2007, having previously lived in Notting Hill.[1] They also have a seaside house in Bosham, West Sussex.[13] They have four children.[13]
References
- ^ a b Stockley, Phillippa (1 November 2017). "Charmed:inside the home of Links of London founder Annoushka Ducas - a Pimlico cottage remodelled into a Georgian jewel". Evening Standard. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ "John Ayton MBE". Archived from the original on 13 August 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
- ^ Doyle, Emma (11 July 2011). "Annoushka Ducas visits Manchester's to launch new collection into Harvey Nichols". Drapers. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
- ^ a b c d "John Ayton – Links of London". Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
- ^ a b Doherty, Kate (3 January 2012). "Annoushka Ducas and John Ayton awarded MBEs". Retail Jeweller. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
- ^ "Consumer-focussed Piper Private Equity tries on Orlebar Brown for size". Growthbusiness.co.uk. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b Hurley, James. "Mr Hare backed by Links of London founder". Telegraph. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ Corder, Rob (16 May 2011). "John Ayton named as backer for Boticca.com". Professional Jeweller. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
- ^ "Entrepreneurs: The London coffee chain blending cool and high quality". Evening Standard. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- ^ "Bremont Boutique Launch Party, Mayfair 17th July 2012". Bremont Watch Company. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
- ^ "John Ayton to carry Olympic torch". Archived from the original on 31 March 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
- ^ Doherty, Kate (14 May 2012). "Annoushka Ducas and John Ayton accept MBEs from Queen at Buckingham Palace". Retail Jeweller. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
- ^ a b Blackhurst, Chris (15 May 2015). "Annoushka Ducas: Links of London founder sparkling again with second retail success". Evening Standard. Retrieved 17 January 2020.