Judges

The Judging Process in Retail Awards: What You Need to Know

Awards play an important role in the retail industry’s recognition system. Awards are a beacon of success and a symbol of industry genius in a fast-paced, highly competitive environment that values innovation and achievement. Retailers all over the world compete for retail awards, not only for their merit but also for the transformative impact theyRead more >

Interview: Nick Singh

Meet Nick, the Mid Market Manager from IKEA, who now joins our judging panel for the prestigious People in Retail Awards 2024. With a keen eye for talent and a deep appreciation for the power of recognition, Nick brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. His dedication to nurturing potential and celebrating success inRead more >

Interview: Tea Colaianni

Meet Tea Colaianni, an industry leader with over 25 years of experience in consumer-facing industries, including pivotal roles at Hilton Hotels and Merlin Entertainments. As the Founder and Chair of WiHTL and Diversity in Retail, Tea is dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive working environments, impacting 5 million global employees by 2030. Tea currently serves on multiple boards,Read more >

Interview: Gill Smith

Meet Gill Smith, the newest judge on the People in Retail Awards 2024 panel. With over 20 years in the FMCG sector, Gill’s journey from chartered accountant to Managing Director at The Perfume Shop showcases her passion for retail and talent development. As a trustee for charities and a board member at the Fragrance Foundation, Gill shapes industryRead more >

Interview: Phil Vickers, Charles Tyrwhitt

Meet Phil Vickers, the Director of HR at menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt and very much the driving force in shaping a workplace culture rooted in transparency and open communication. Phil brings expertise in HR, talent management, and organisational effectiveness. His commitment to positive workplace cultures aligns seamlessly with the awards’ ethos. What inspired you to become a judgeRead more >

Interview: Sean Ghouse

Meet Sean Ghouse, the UK Retail Director for Fortnum & Mason and a seasoned retail professional with almost 30 years of experience. Sean’s journey started part-time at Ciro Citterio on Regent Street while pursuing a BA in HR & Psychology. His rich career includes pivotal roles at Harrods, NikeTown London, Matches Fashion.com, and Dunhill’s flagshipRead more >

Interview: Rebecca Saunders

We talk to Rebecca Saunders, Director (Consumer & Retail) at Alvarez & Marsal about why she joined the People in Retail judging panel for the 2023 awards. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? I’m passionate about retail and having worked as a buyer, entrepreneur, and consultant inRead more >

Entry advice from DEI Expert & Judge Yemi Akisanya

Ahead of entry deadline, we talk to Yemi Akisanya for some further top tips on entering the People in Retail Awards: Focus on the customer: The most successful retail businesses put their customers at the heart of everything they do. Make sure your entry showcases how your company is putting customers first, whether through excellentRead more >

Top Tips from our Judges

Not long now to get your award winning entries for the People in Retail Awards in! With this in mind, we talk to our judging panel for some thoughts about entering and advice on acing those 2023 submissions:    First things first, Krisi Smith suggests that you “Play to your strengths and choose the entry typeRead more >

Interview: Kasey Swithenbank, Lush

We talk to Kasey Swithenbank, Head of Retail UK&I for Lush about why she has joined the People in Retail judging panel for the 2023 awards. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? “You don’t build a business, you build people and people build the business” said by ZigRead more >

Interview: Beth Samson, Investors in People

We talk to Beth Samson, People Director for Investors in People about why she has joined the People in Retail judging panel for the 2023 awards. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? I am delighted to be involved in the People in Retail Awards. Having startedRead more >

Interview: Krisi Smith, Bird & Blend Tea Co.

We talk to Krisi Smith, Cofounder of Bird & Blend Tea Co. about why she has joined the People in Retail judging panel for the 2023 awards. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? It’s great to finally see awards that celebrate the hard working awesomeRead more >

Interview: Graham Johnston, Donaldson Group

The TRB team is delighted to announce that Graham Johnston, Retail & Distribution CEO for Donaldson Group has joined the People in Retail judging panel for the 2023 awards.  Graham recently joined the Donaldson Group to bring together the retail, eCommerce and distribution businesses. He was previously the Senior Director for Omnichannel Customer Support &Read more >

Interview: Melanie Taylor, Milligan

As Director of Leasing and Commerce at Milligan Ltd, Melanie instigates and maintains relationships with brands and operators across projects. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? I have spent my career in and around retail.  My family were 4th generation retailers – sadly the lastRead more >

Interview: Aaron Chatterley, Indu

Aaron Chatterley launched Indu in January 2022 – the go-to teen face care brand. He previously co-founded beauty retailer Feelunique in 2005 which in September 2021 sold to LVMH/Sephora. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? I was invited 🙂 and then how could I refuse?Read more >

Interview: Glynn Davis, Retail Insider 

Glynn is a business journalist and editor of Retail Insider as well as providing consultancy and media advice to various companies. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? It’s always an honour and a great experience to contribute to industry awards. Why do you think theseRead more >

Interview: Ken Daly, JML

Ken is CEO of JML, the innovative consumer product group with global sales through retail distribution, ecommerce and TV home shopping. Ken joined the company in 1994. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? I have developed a great relationship with TRB and was keen toRead more >

Interview: Azmat Ali, Safestyle UK

Azmat leads development activities through his role as Strategic Projects Director at the home improvements retailer Safestyle. We talk to Azmat about being on the People in Retail Awards judging panel. Why did you choose to take part / be included in the People in Retail Awards? I’ve spent my entire career in this industry,Read more >