The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has appointed Jo Whitfield as Chair, succeeding Andy Higginson, who will step down at the end of his tenure on 2nd October 2025. The BRC represents over 200 UK retailers and brands, as well as thousands of smaller retailers through its trade association members.
Whitfield brings more than 25 years of retail experience, having held senior roles at Matalan, the Co-operative Group, and Asda. Most recently, she served as CEO of Matalan until October 2024 and currently acts as Non-Executive and Audit Chair at Asda. She also founded The Grocery Girls network, advised on the Women’s Business Council as Retail Sector Lead, and worked alongside the BRC to campaign for legal changes to better protect retail shopworkers.
On her appointment, Whitfield said she was honoured to join as the BRC’s first female Chair, describing retail as a vital industry employing over three million people. She emphasised that retailers play a central role in communities and highlighted the impact of government policies on the sector. She described the period as a critical moment, adding that a strong, united voice was essential to ensure the industry’s interests were championed and protected.
Whitfield will be joined on the Board by Eve Williams as a new Non-Executive Director. Williams previously held leadership positions in marketing and customer engagement at eBay and ASOS, before becoming VP and General Manager of eBay UK in 2023.
BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said Whitfield and Williams were joining the Board at a time when the sector faces significant policy challenges alongside priorities such as climate change, inclusion, and growth. She noted their passion for people and welcomed the addition of the organisation’s first female Chair.
Outgoing Chair Andy Higginson said his tenure had been marked by challenges for retail and stressed the importance of the BRC’s role in supporting the industry through policy changes. He described it as a privilege to work with the team and extended his best wishes to Whitfield and Williams in their new roles.
