The Great British Businesswoman Awards interviews Roisin Currie – CEO of Greggs
As we prepare for this year’s Great British Businesswoman Awards we’ve set up a great panel of judges to help us select the winners – based on their experience, and mission to celebrate the best women in business.
The Great British Businesswoman Awards brings together and celebrates the women who are changing the face of business across the United Kingdom – and having judges like Roisin on board who have worked incredibly hard to get where they are today, we’re able to celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the best businesswomen in a number of industries.
Roisin began her career at Asda where she spent 20 years, latterly as Retail People Director and then Distribution People Director. Roisin joined Greggs in 2010 as Group People Director and later became Retail and Property Director before being appointed as Chief Executive on 17 May 2022.
Roisin is also Chair of the Employers Forum for Reducing Re-offending, a voluntary role working with the Ministry for Justice and New Futures Network.
Roisin’s career is one to inspire, and we’re honoured to have her on board as one of our judges.
We caught up with Roisin to discuss her experience as a businesswoman, what these awards mean to her, and what we can expect from her in the future.
Throughout your career so far, have you noticed any significant changes in regards to women in business and the development of this topic?
“I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career to work with colleagues – both male and female – who’ve been incredibly supportive. At times, when needed – I’ve been given a gentle nudge and assurance that I can take on challenges and succeed. This is something I want to extend to others I work with – who need that little extra confidence to do brave things. And this is an attitude I’ve increasingly seen from others who I work with, which is hugely encouraging for the future of women in business.”
What does it mean for you to be a part of this awards programme, and what made you want to be a judge/ why do you believe you are a good fit?
“I’m honoured to be part of this awards programme. I’ve been privileged to have received fantastic support throughout my career from both men and women and this is something I’d like to extend to other women in business who may be starting out or establishing themselves in their profession.”
Why do you believe it is important to continue to celebrate women in this way? And why would you encourage people to enter this awards programme?
“I feel passionately about supporting women to develop their careers and truly believe that by celebrating each other’s successes, we can encourage and inspire more female leaders in future.”
What do you hope, and predict for the future of women in business, in both your industry and others?
“I am hopeful for the future of women in business. Although we’ve still a way to go to have more women at the top of businesses, many companies, like Greggs, are investing in the training and development of women earlier on in their careers to strengthen the pipeline.
“With flexible working and the option to work from home now much more commonplace since the pandemic, this will help support more women progressing to senior leadership positions.”
As well as the future of other women in business, we’d love to hear a bit more about what you’re doing at the moment and what we can expect to see next from you?
“Greggs announced our new 5-year strategic plan in October 2021, so I’ve been keeping very busy working alongside my team on delivering our vision to ensure that Greggs is a destination for every mealtime for our customers. Changes such as opening later into the evenings, maximising our digital technology to make things easier for both our colleagues and our customers, and continuing to launch new food options and ways to shop with us, will all help us to achieve our strategic growth plan.
“I officially put on my Chief Executive hat on the 17 May at our AGM, and so our Interim Results in early August will be my first time announcing our financial results to our shareholders and the market.”
Lastly, If you had one piece of advice for those women within the business world, what would it be?
“There are a few pieces of advice that I have been given and still resonate with me today that I’ll share:
- Focus on your strengths and excel at those, they are your best attributes
- If a door opens, walk through it, believe you can and you will
- Finally, the path is not always clear or indeed easy and disappointments are likely but those will be the times when you learn the most so embrace them, take the learning and keep moving forward.
Most of all though, I’d say make sure you find a role you enjoy and are working with people that you trust and get the best from each other – this will enable you to be the best version of yourself and you’ll add the most value to whatever you do.”
