John Ayton

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]

John Ayton
Born1962/1963 (age 57–58)[1]
NationalityBritish
EducationOxford University
OccupationBusinessman
Spouse(s)Annoushka Ducas
Children4

Early life

Ayton graduated in modern history from Oxford University in 1983.

Career

After university, Ayton worked in corporate law in London and Hong Kong.

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
  1. 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.
  2. "John Ayton MBE". Archived from the original on 13 August 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  3. Doyle, Emma (11 July 2011). "Annoushka Ducas visits Manchester's to launch new collection into Harvey Nichols". Drapers. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  4. "John Ayton – Links of London". Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  5. Doherty, Kate (3 January 2012). "Annoushka Ducas and John Ayton awarded MBEs". Retail Jeweller. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  6. "Consumer-focussed Piper Private Equity tries on Orlebar Brown for size". Growthbusiness.co.uk. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  7. Hurley, James. "Mr Hare backed by Links of London founder". Telegraph. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  8. 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.
  9. "Entrepreneurs: The London coffee chain blending cool and high quality". Evening Standard. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  10. "Bremont Boutique Launch Party, Mayfair 17th July 2012". Bremont Watch Company. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  11. "John Ayton to carry Olympic torch". Archived from the original on 31 March 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  12. Doherty, Kate (14 May 2012). "Annoushka Ducas and John Ayton accept MBEs from Queen at Buckingham Palace". Retail Jeweller. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  13. Blackhurst, Chris (15 May 2015). "Annoushka Ducas: Links of London founder sparkling again with second retail success". Evening Standard. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
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