GroceryAid is proud to announce a line-up of top executives from across the grocery industry for its flagship D&I in Grocery LIVE! event, designed to unite the sector to accelerate a truly diverse and inclusive industry.
As the very first CEO to join the panel in the history of the change-making event, Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s, will offer strategic insights from the retailer’s inclusion strategy. Simon’s involvement demonstrates how diversity and inclusion (D&I) objectives align with commercial goals at the highest executive level. He will be joined by Amit Chitnis, CCO of Ocado Retail, who will dive into the commercial benefits of prioritising D&I, showcasing the opportunity to drive measurable business results.
The panel will also feature innovative entrepreneurs who are redefining inclusivity in retail. Heather Jackson, CEO and Co-founder of GenM, will share insights on meeting the overwhelming demand from 15.5 million menopausal women in the UK through the MTick certification. The trusted symbol for menopause-friendly shopping empowers women to search, source and shop with confidence. Marisa Poster, Co-founder of PerfectTed, will discuss how personal neurodivergent challenges led to creating Europe’s first matcha green tea energy drinks, as featured on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, providing crash-free caffeine alternatives that serve underrepresented consumer needs.
Taking place on 26 September 2025, this year’s panel discussion titled “Is progress under threat? The business case for D&I in the Grocery industry” will challenge the grocery sector to maintain momentum and set the benchmark for inclusivity, not just as a moral imperative, but as an essential commercial driver.
D&I in Grocery LIVE! will be opened by Rami Baitiéh, CEO of Morrisons and President of GroceryAid. He will start the inspiring and thought-provoking day by highlighting the crucial role all attendees play in continuing to accelerate progress toward a truly diverse and inclusive grocery industry.
Felicity Bexton, D&I in Grocery LIVE! Steering Group Chair & Category Buying Manager at Tesco, comments: “The panel reflects GroceryAid’s commitment to demonstrating how leading in D&I can position the grocery sector ahead of others in innovation, customer engagement and financial growth. The discussion will take attendees on a journey that acknowledges the current economic and societal environment while showcasing how embedded inclusive business practices drive both commercial success and enhanced customer satisfaction.
“The fact that the panel is comprised of so many senior grocery leaders and changemakers highlights the importance of D&I as a business priority. It demonstrates that inclusive practices are not just the right thing to do – they’re essential for business success,” continues Bexton.
D&I in Grocery LIVE! takes place on 26 September 2025 at the InterContinental London – The O2. Book at diversityingrocery.co.uk/di-in-grocery-live
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