The UK’s Diversity in Retail and The MBS Group have launched the inaugural Role Models for Inclusion in Retail Index 2022 to highlight inspirational diversity and inclusion champions working hard to create more inclusive workplaces within retail.
The role models featured in this Index work across all areas of retail sector and have made it their priority to advocate positive change, and committing to robust diverse and inclusive practices within their organisations to create equitable work environments.
The Index features two lists:
- Role Models for Inclusion in Retail;
- Executive and Non-Executive Role Models, featuring more senior leaders advocating for change.
Role Models for Inclusion in Retail
This year’s Role Models for Inclusion in Retail (in alphabetical order), include:
- Michelle Bellamy, Lead Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Currys
- Anuradha Chopra, Deputy Manager, The Watches of Switzerland Group
- Melisa Clottey, Head of Food Technical, Selfridges
- Hannah Gallimore, Social Change Manager Central England, Co-operative
- Chloe Howe, Head of Trading & Implementation, Wickes
- Ben Jackson, Head of Store Operations, Wickes
- Sharlene John, Head of Recruitment, Selfridges
- Kerry Johnson, Store Manager, Sainsbury’s
- Mandip Kaur, Regional Manager, Currys
- Rutendo Mashiri, Project Analyst, Sainsbury’s
- Daniel Matthews, Print Designer, Joules
- Conrad Mckenzie, Security Manager, Selfridges
- Jonty Parry, Customer & Trading Manager, Sainsbury’s
- Parmesh Rajani, Head of Transfer Pricing, Kingfisher
- Nathan Robinson, Transport Operator, Waitrose
- Jade Starrett, Group Talent and Organisation Effectiveness Director, Kingfisher
- Sundeep Stewart, Store Manager Central England, Co-operative
- Louise Taylor, Senior Brand Manager, EG Group
- Ceira Thom, Head of Learning, John Lewis Partnership
- Paul Turner, Regional Manager, Currys
- Ashleigh Vinall, Head of Content and Design, Waitrose
- Crispin Burridge, Former Director of Workplace Delivery Services, Kingfisher
Executive and Non-Executive Role Models
Senior leaders who are advocating for change in retail (in alphabetical order), include:
- Liz Evans, Managing Director George at Asda
- Tim Fallowfield OBE, Company Secretary and Corporate Services Director, Sainsbury’s
- Emma Fox, CEO, Berry Bros. & Rudd
- Daksh Gupta, Group CEO, Marshall Motor Holdings
- Nikki Humphrey, Executive Director, People John Lewis Partnership
- Fiona Lambert, Managing Director, Jaeger Marks and Spencer
- Alex Loizou, Co-founder & CEO, Trouva
- Fraser Longden, Chief Operating Officer, Wickes
- Manju Malhotra, CEO, Harvey Nichols
- Elizabeth Messud, Group General Counsel, Kingfisher
- Andy Moat, People Director, B&Q
- Zarin Patel, Non-Executive Director, Pets at Home, Anglian Water, Post Office, HM Treasury and National Trust
- Deborah Proud, International Operations Director, WHSmith
- Liz Robson, Chief Technology Officer Central England, Co-operative
- Louise Stonier, Chief People and Culture Officer, Pets at Home
- David Wood, CEO, Wickes
EXCEPTIONAL DRIVERS OF CHANGE
Simon Roberts, CEO at Sainsbury’s congratulated all those who have been featured in the inaugural index. “As a founding member of Diversity in Retail, inclusion is something that all of us at Sainsbury’s are incredibly passionate about and this is such a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate these exceptional individuals who are driving change across the industry,” stated Roberts.
“The Index reminds us why it’s so important for the retail sector, one of the biggest UK employers, to have collective ambitious aims that allow us to carry the torch, using our platform to be a positive role model to other industries and create a ripple effect through our wider society,” Roberts continued. “Celebrating the trailblazers who are doing such amazing work across the retail industry goes a long way in driving long-lasting and widespread movement, creating a better, more inclusive future for everyone.”
PROMOTING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
According to Elliott Goldstein, Managing Director at The MBS Group, role modelling has been identified as one of the “most successful tools for promoting D&I in the workplace, by inspiring action from existing employees and encouraging diverse candidates to enter and progress through the sector”. “I am thrilled to be partnering with Diversity in Retail to launch this publication, which highlights role models from all walks of life and from all levels of retail organisations who are advocating for change within their companies and communities,” shared Goldstein.
The stories in the index “reflect the full spectrum of diversity that exists in the industry and the communities it serves,” added Goldstein. “We know that publications such as these have a significant and broad-reaching impact, and I’m confident that the Role Models for Inclusion in Retail Index will play some part in driving positive change in the retail community.”
ADVANCING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN RETAIL
Founder & Chair of Diversity in Retail Tea Colaianni agreed: “Role models lend empathy, their own lived experiences and have an invaluable perspective in helping guide others through career challenges and to overcome any reticence held about the ability to go as far as their talents and aspirations will take them. They also pave the way for profound and lasting change, challenging status quo, promoting inclusive initiatives, practices and policies that level the playing field for all.”
“In collaboration with The MBS Group, we have identified a group of individuals and teams who have made it their personal mission to ensure that everybody is given the same opportunities in the work environment while remaining true to themselves. We look forward to learning about the ambitions attained by others in the future as a consequence of learning from these role models and their dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion for the benefit of all,” concluded Colaianni.
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