// Ocado Retail chief executive Mel Smith CBE has been shortlisted for the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards due to its phenomenal growth under her stewardship and her efforts during the pandemic
//Smith was awarded a CBE in late 2020 for her services to retail and for keeping the nation fed throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns
Ocado Retail chief executive Mel Smith CBE has been shortlisted for the 2022 Bold Woman Awards by Veuve Clicquot.
Smith has been shortlisted for the prize due to the phenomenal growth of Ocado Retail under her leadership, with sales jumping 40% since she was appointed in 2019 to lead the £1.5 billion joint venture between M&S and Ocado.
She has also impressed judges due to her leadership across the pandemic. Smith was awarded a CBE at the end of 2020 in recognition for her service to the retail sector and efforts to keep food on the tables during the pandemic.
Smith joins Royal Academy of Engineering chief executive Dy Hayaatun Silliem CBE and Roni Savage, the founded and managing director of engineering and environmental firm Jomas Associates on the shortlist for the awards, which was revealed today on International Women’s Day.
Previous winners of the award include iconic architect Dame Zaha Hadid and Oxford vaccine developer professor Sarah Gilbert.
READ MORE: International Women’s Day: Nine female-owned retailers making waves
Smith said: “On this International Women’s Day I look back at all the women and men who have been pivotal in my career and thank them for their support, guidance and allyship.
“To my Ocado Retail colleagues, I am so proud of the work we do every day, delivering fantastic services and products to our customers. My nomination today is a reflection of all of your incredible achievements.
“I believe in the power of curiosity, bringing my best self, and daring greatly. I hope that resonates and inspires the next generation of female and indigenous leaders in retail and beyond.”
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