AF Blakemore is pushing ahead with its commitment to advance women in leadership with three new appointments.
It comes as the Spar wholesaler celebrates being ranked fifth among the UK’s 50 largest private companies for women in leadership in the FTSE Women Leaders Report 2026.
AF Blakemore said the ranking reflected its sustained investment in developing female talent and its ambition to reach 50% women in leadership by 2030.
Last month, it promoted Kelly Burrows to head of supply chain. She initially joined the business in 2017 as a logistics graduate and had worked her way up since in what remained a traditionally male‑dominated field, AF Blakemore said.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see AF Blakemore recognised in the UK’s top five and I’ve been fortunate to build my career here,” said Burrows.
“I’m proud to work in a business that invests in women and creates opportunities in areas like logistics and supply chain, where female representation has historically been low.
“This recognition reflects the progress we’ve made, and the potential we still have ahead.”
In December, former Co-op commercial buying manager Kerrie Viggars joined AF Blakemore as trading director for ambient. She also has experience as a senior buying manager for Asda.
Viggars’ appointment preceded Anna Hay’s hire as marketing and customer experience director in January. She had held a similar role at Poundland and Dealz and earlier served as advanced analytics director at Nielsen.
AF Blakemore CEO Carol Welch said: “Ranking fifth in the UK’s Top 50 private companies, and leading the grocery and convenience retail sector, is a strong endorsement of the progress we’re making.
“Kelly’s promotion and the appointment of Kerrie and Anna are clear examples of the talent and capability within our business. We remain focused on creating an inclusive environment reflective of our customer base, where everyone can thrive. This includes strengthening our pipeline and enabling talented women to build successful careers.”
AF Blakemore said it would continue to invest in programmes that support female progression, including Aspire, Management Excellence, mentoring and apprenticeship pathways.
The business has also strengthened policies around menopause, maternity and shared parental leave, and works with its diversity networks to ensure women feel supported and able to progress.
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