Walmart legend Judith McKenna and Sainsbury’s boss Simon Roberts have both taken home personal honours at the 2024 Retail Week Awards.
The former chief executive of the world’s largest retailer’s international division, Judith McKenna, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Retail Award at the ceremony at the Grosvenor House hotel in London.
McKenna said: “I am honoured to receive this award and to be recognised by an industry that I love.
“Over my 30-year retail career, I have met many people in retail and beyond who have supported me. It’s been an enormous privilege here in the UK at Asda and internationally with Walmart to work with so many amazing colleagues and leaders who have taught me so much and shared their love of retail with me. I owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of them.
“To be the first female leader to receive this award is particularly poignant as we approach International Women’s Day, so I’d like to take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of all the brilliant women who work in retail – on the sales floor, in the supply chain, in head offices and in boardrooms right across the globe. This one is for you.”
Roberts was named the Salesforce Retail Leader of the Year for his work getting the grocer back to growing its market share thanks to his ‘Food First’ strategy.
Roberts said: “I am so incredibly fortunate to be part of such a fantastic team at Sainsbury’s. Retail is a team sport and the thing that matters most to me is always the people I work with because a leader’s success is only ever the culmination of everyone else’s brilliant work.”
Other big winners on the night included Tesco, which won Best Retailer Over £250m, pet care specialist Jollyes won the Salesforce Best Retailer Under £250m, and fashion juggernaut Primark took home International Retailer of the Year.
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