Executives from Mars, Frasers Group, Dr Martens, Sainsbury’s, Never Fully Dressed and more have become ambassadors for Retail Week’s Be Inspired programme, pledging to inspire and connect those working in retail to fulfil their career aspirations.

Geoffrey Williams

Dr Martens global head of diversity and inclusion Geoffrey Williams

Retail is challenged right now and therefore a challenging industry to work within – in 2021 staff need access to career support and development to help them navigate this changing landscape.

Lucy Aylen

Never Fully Dressed founder and chief executive Lucy Aylen

Today, Retail Week is proud to announce that 23 industry executives have joined its Be Inspired programme as ambassadors, pledging to give their time, skills, support and direction to further the careers of retail staff and help drive inclusivity across the sector.

Fiona Dawson

Mars Foods global president of multisales Fiona Dawson

These leaders, who span FMCG and retail businesses, take the Be Inspired ambassador pool to 139 incredible names. They will support the programme in its goal of encouraging everyone, whoever they are and whatever their background, to fulfil their career aspirations.

Launched in 2016, the Be Inspired programme offers a rolling series of virtual workshops, content, mentoring, a Senior Leadership Academy and a dedicated conference.

Ambassadors play an integral part in the programme acting as the link to connect those working within the industry with those who can help propel their careers and unlock their ambitions. 

Meet the latest Be Inspired ambassadors

  • B&Q people director Andy Moat

  • Coty ecommerce director (US and global Amazon) Carolyn Mierl 

  • Dixons Carphone chief supply chain officer Lindsay Haselhurst 

  • Dr Martens global head of diversity and inclusion Geoffrey Williams

  • Frasers Group consultant John Williams

  • Graze chief executive Joanna Allen

  • Hema global learning and development, international HR Sam MacGregor

  • Levi’s vice-president for northern Europe Lucia Marcuzzo

  • Made.com and Morrisons non-executive director, and Hush non-executive chair Susanne Given

  • Mars Foods global president of multisales Fiona Dawson 

  • My Wardrobe HQ chair Jane Shepherdson CBE

  • Never Fully Dressed founder and chief executive Lucy Aylen

  • New Look people director Charlotte Collins

  • Papier operations director Lana Jackson

  • People Tree managing director Melanie Traub

  • Pets at Home group business improvement director and member of the executive team Nigel Fletcher

  • Pets at Home director of talent Su Waters

  • Reiss chief digital officer Sally-Anne Newson

  • Rituals marketing director Rachel Walsh

  • Sainsbury’s Bank chief executive Jim Brown

  • Trouva founder Mandeep Singh 

  • Watches of Switzerland group finance director Caroline Browne

  • Watches of Switzerland director of investor relations and corporate affairs Allegra Perry

Be Inspired logo

Now, more than ever, a sense of togetherness is what we need in retail. To become a Be Inspired ambassador and help those in the sector, please contact daniela.rizzo@retail-week.com.

To find out more about Retail Week’s Be Inspired programme and the work it does to build a more balanced and inclusive industry click here.