By
Bloomberg
Published
June 24, 2025
UK retailers have made significant progress in advancing boardroom gender equality, with women now holding nearly half of all board seats.
According to a report published Tuesday by the British Retail Consortium and executive search firm The MBS Group, the proportion of female board members has increased to 47%, up from 32% in 2021.
However, the outlook remains less encouraging for other underrepresented groups. Minority ethnic representation on boards has declined to 8%, down from 12% in 2024. The report also noted that more progress is needed at the executive level.
The British retail sector has historically faced criticism for its male-dominated leadership and incidents of inappropriate behavior. Earlier this year, Primark CEO Paul Marchant resigned following an investigation into his conduct involving a woman.
Close to 90 companies, including Tesco Plc, Greggs, health and beauty retailer Boots, and fashion brand Burberry Group Plc, are signed up to the BRC’s diversity and inclusion charter. The charter aims to track retailers’ progress on key metrics, including efforts to eliminate bias in recruitment processes.
According to the report, companies have increased investments in training future leaders, appointing diversity and inclusion specialists, and offering enhanced support for women navigating menopause.
Notable figures include Greggs Plc Chief Executive Officer Roisin Currie, who has overseen the bakery chain’s rapid expansion, and Ocado Retail Ltd. CEO Hannah Gibson. Both were recently recognized by King Charles III for their leadership contributions.
“Retailers should celebrate the enormous efforts made to ensure more women have a seat at the executive table,” said Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC. “More than half of retail customer bases are women, so having their perspective is essential to success.”
FashionNetwork.com with Bloomberg