John Ayton

John Ayton MBE, is an entrepreneur and investor in the luxury industry,^[1] former co-founder of both Links of London with Sarah Robinson and Annoushka, English jewellery label founded in 2009.^[2]

Biography

Ayton graduated in Modern History from Oxford University in 1983, subsequently practicing corporate law in London and Hong Kong.

Leaving the legal profession in 1995, he served on the Advisory Board of Halston Borghese Inc., a U.S based cosmetics company. Here he was responsible for restructuring their Japanese and German operation.^[3]

In 1990, together with his wife, jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas, Ayton co-founded Links of London along with Sarah Robinson – a global luxury jewellery brand with sales of over £50m. In July 2006, they sold the company to Folli Follie SA.^[4] In October 2007, Ayton stepped down from the company.^[5]

In July 2009, Ayton with his wife Annoushka Ducas launched English jewellery brand Annoushka Jewellery.^[6]

Investment and mentoring

Ayton has invested at the earliest stage in emerging luxury brands including Bremont Watch Company,^[7] Orlebar Brown,^[8] Mr Hare,^[9] and Boticca.com.^[10]

He also acts as a mentor and advisor to the founders, and is chairman at both Bremont^[11] and Mr Hare.^[12]

Ayton is the founder and chairman of Walpole Brands of Tomorrow. Since 2007, he has been mentoring and supporting British emerging talent within the luxury industry. Ayton is also on the board of directors at Walpole.^[13]

Ambassador

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.^[14]

Awards

In the 2012 New Years Honours List, Ayton was awarded an MBE for his services to the UK jewellery industry.^[15]

References