Jo Whitfield will succeed Andy Higginson as BRC chair on 2 October 2025. Higginson has been the chair since September 2023.
Whitfield, who is taking over as BRC chair at a time when the UK retail sector faces potential impacts from various UK government policies, has 25 years of experience in the retail sector. Her career includes notable positions at Matalan, the Co-operative Group, and Asda.
Currently, Whitfield holds roles as non-executive and audit chair at Asda and as non-executive and chair of ethics committee at Factory International, which oversees the Manchester International Festival.
Whitfield also founded and chaired the Grocery Girls not for profit network and served as an advisor and retail sector lead for the Women’s Business Council.
Her advocacy efforts alongside the BRC have been pivotal in driving legislative changes aimed at enhancing safety measures for retail workers.
Whitfield said: “Retail is an incredibly valuable industry, employing over 3m people who support their families through their work.
“Retailers are at the heart of communities, and we’re acutely aware of the many government policies currently under consideration that could either support or hinder our industry. This is a critical moment for us all and now more than ever, we need a strong, united voice. I look forward to working closely with Helen and the team to ensure the interests of our industry are championed and protected.”
BRC also announced the appointment of Eve Williams as the non-executive director of the BRC board.
Williams’ background includes executive positions in marketing and customer engagement at eBay UK and Asos.
In 2023, she took on the role of VP and general manager for eBay UK’s operations and has contributed to various boards including the eBay Foundation and committees within the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA).
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Jo and Eve join the board as we deal with multiple public policy headwinds and more to do on big issues like climate change, inclusion, and creating the right environment for growth and investment. I know how passionate they both are on these areas and particularly on people so it’s great to welcome two more women to our board and our first female chair.”
The BRC represents a significant portion of UK retail, with membership encompassing over 200 retailers and brands, along with numerous smaller retailers through association members.
