Study Shows UK Retailers Boost Female Board Representation to Almost 50%

UK retailers have made remarkable strides towards achieving gender equality in the boardroom, with the number of women nearing parity, as indicated by a recent study.

The proportion of female board members has risen to 47%, up from 32% in 2021, as reported by the British Retail Consortium and executive search firm The MBS Group in their publication on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, the outlook is less promising for other demographic groups. Minority ethnic representation on boards is merely 8%, a decline from 12% in 2024. The report suggests that there is room for retailers to enhance their performance at the executive level.

Read: SA listed companies still lack gender parity at board level

British retail has traditionally battled an image dominated by males and instances of misconduct. This year, Primark CEO Paul Marchant resigned following an investigation into his behavior toward a female employee.

Nearly 90 companies, including Tesco Plc, Greggs, health and beauty retailer Boots, and fashion brand Burberry Group Plc, have endorsed the BRC’s diversity and inclusion charter, which aims to track retailers’ progress on vital metrics such as eliminating bias in recruitment processes.

According to the report, companies have invested more resources into training future leaders, appointed diversity and inclusion experts, and enhanced support for women undergoing menopause.

Notable leaders such as Greggs Plc CEO Roisin Currie, who has spearheaded rapid expansion for the bakery chain, and Ocado Retail Ltd. CEO Hannah Gibson have received recent recognition from King Charles III.

“Retailers should take pride in the significant efforts made to ensure that more women have a seat at the executive table,” said Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC. “With women comprising over half of retail customer bases, their perspectives are essential for success.”

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