Judges



Interview: Sean Ghouse

22 November 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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 >

Entry advice from DEI Expert & Judge Yemi Akisanya

11 April 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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

11 April 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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

25 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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: Krisi Smith, Bird & Blend Tea Co.

18 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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

18 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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

7 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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

7 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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 

7 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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

7 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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

7 March 2023 by Natalie Fresen
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 >