UK Retail Boardrooms Near Gender Parity as Women Make Significant Gains

• In terms of gender equality in boardrooms, UK retailers have made great strides  
• The percentage of women on retail boards rose from 32% in 2021 to 47% in 2024  
• The British Retail Consortium and The MBS Group's report contains the conclusions 

According to a recent report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and executive search firm The MBS Group, UK retailers have made great strides toward attaining gender balance at the board level, with women now making up 47 percent of board members, up from 32 percent in 2021. 

The report emphasizes ongoing difficulties in broader diversity, notwithstanding the progress made in gender representation. Minority ethnic representation on retail boards has decreased from 12 percent in 2024 to 8 percent currently. Diversity at the executive level is still something that needs to be improved. 

The retail industry has been working to address these problems, which have historically been criticized for male-dominated leadership and instances of misconduct, such as the recent resignation of Paul Marchant, the CEO of Primark. The BRC's diversity and inclusion charter, which focuses on monitoring progress and removing bias in hiring practices, has attracted nearly 90 significant companies, including Tesco, Greggs, Boots, and Burberry. 

Notable female executives who have spearheaded change in the industry include Roisin Currie, CEO of Greggs, and Hannah Gibson, CEO of Ocado Retail. King Charles III recently recognized both for their contributions. 
 
According to Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, "retailers should be proud of the progress made to ensure more women have a voice in leadership." "Women make up over half of retail customers, so their insight is essential to business success."