As a member of Co-op Retail Executive, Helen is responsible for developing and leading the people strategy for over 70,000 colleagues in stores, logistics and support centres. She is also a member of Co-op Group HR Executive Team. Helen also undertakes the role of NED on the board of Housing For Women; both a housing association and a charity, providing homes and related services to empower women to make the most of the opportunities they have.
Helen has been involved in a number of large change roles including the integration of ASDA within Wal-Mart and also led strategic projects including the creation of a Global Diversity strategy for Aviva. After 6 years as Retail HR Director at Sainsbury’s, in 2012 she was appointed to the role of Central Retail Director where her accountabilities included Profit Protection, Facilities Management, Planning and Response and the Simple Stores team responsible for improving ways of working and store profitability.
Helen has a degree in Politics, is a qualified member of the CIPD and is a visiting fellow of The University of Birmingham Business School.