Berwick Bulletin: Retail & Leisure Leadership - November 2020

November 2020

Berwick Bulletin: Retail & Leisure Leadership

As we enter the final month of what has been a challenging year for many retail and hospitality businesses and their employees, it is important that we do not overlook the ‘good stuff’ that this awful crisis has taught us. We have seen a huge rise in innovation, collaboration, and partnerships. In addition, businesses are reassessing the way in which they work and how they ‘reset’ moving forward. This has been hugely beneficial in attracting talent by removing the geographical boundaries that previously existed. The issue of Diversity and Inclusion remains a strategic priority for our sector and we have been delighted to facilitate and support these conversations where possible.

So as we look forward to 2021, the Berwick Retail team would like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas!

Alka Gandhi
Head of Berwick Partners' Retail Leadership Practice

Diversity & Inclusion: Exploring obstacles and actions

We decided to speak to a number of CEOs, Chief People Officers and HR Directors from businesses that are already implementing and operating a successful D&I strategy, along with D&I specialists, consultants, and individuals that are in a minority group within their business, to understand the issues from all angles...
Read the full report here

Transformational Leaders: John Colley, Executive Chairman & CEO of Majestic Wines

John Colley, Executive Chairman and CEO of Majestic Wine shares his thoughts on leadership and the advice he has gained during his career. Having returned to Majestic Wine over a year ago, John has been instrumental in the turnaround of the business during the toughest time that retail has faced...Read more

Transformational Leaders: Talbot Logan, SVP of Brand Management at Ben Sherman (Marquee Brands)

In August, Menswear brand Ben Sherman announced a new global brand venture into Ben Sherman-branded gastropubs, barbershops, boutique hotel lounges and, potentially, apartments. This move into the world of Leisure & Property is in collaboration with Brands Lab International and is due to roll out from Autumn 2021.
Here, Talbot Logan talks about this interesting and bold brand strategy...
Read more

Racial equality in hospitality, travel & leisure – Encouraging conversation and heightening business performance

We were delighted to speak with Patrice Gordon-Mantey to explore Racial Equality; the effects of the pandemic, good and bad, to the need for change and commercial advantages. Patrice, a qualified Chartered Accountant, has held senior finance roles within British Airways, Royal Mail and latterly, Virgin Atlantic, where she is currently Head of Joint Ventures and Commercial Planning...
Read more

Futureproofing hospitality & leisure through digital adoption

The travel industry was turned upside down by the mass adoption of the internet and the emergence of digital-only providers - and has the battle scars to prove it. Successful, long-standing industry player TUI has invested heavily in digital innovation, to remain relevant and decrease their reliance on high-street travel stores. Here Katie McAlister, Chief Marketing Officer at TUI talks about their highly successful digital journey...Watch now

Leadership’s biggest concern: How to manage their people

Over the past two months, we have been speaking with Chief Procurement Officers across the globe, from a range of different sectors to discuss their leadership concerns during this next phase of the crisis. They discussed the concerns leaders have with re-engaging their teams, how management styles must change, and the mental fall-out after a period of isolation, health, and economical stress...R ead more