Speakers

Chris Allen, Director of Sustainability, Decathlon

Decathlon UK’s Director of Sustainability and Head of Circular Economy Chris Allen has over 15 years’ experience across retail, commercial and sustainability leadership. For the past four years, he has led sustainability efforts, specifically driving circular economy initiatives. Previously, as Head of Outdoor, he shaped strategy and customer experiences. With a degree in Sport Engineering, Chris is passionate about sustainability, outdoor adventure and making sports more accessible through responsible business practices. 

Ed Ayton, Ethics & Sustainability Advisor, Abel & Cole

Karl Arpon, ESG Engagement Manager, Kingfisher 

Karl Arpon is an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Engagement Manager who specialises in corporate sustainability reporting, data analytics and stakeholder engagement.  

At Kingfisher plc, Karl manages the company’s ESG investor engagement programme alongside the Investor Relations team and oversees the delivery of sustainability disclosures in line with key ESG rating agencies like MSCI, Sustainalytics and ISS. Karl co-manages the delivery of Kingfisher’s Responsible Business reporting suite which includes the company’s annual sustainability report.  

Prior to joining Kingfisher, Karl worked at CDP to develop and manage its accountability framework to enable sub-national governments to disclose on their climate change and forest management efforts. 

Natasha Fry, Head of Sales, Mer UK

Natasha joined Mer as the Head of Strategic Accounts following Mer’s acquisition of Elmtronics in April 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience of working with fleets.  

She is responsible for managing the relationships between Mer and some of the UK’s largest private sector organisations, including several FTSE 250 businesses.  

Natasha’s mission is to enable the transition of large EV fleets by ensuring that no stone is left un-turned when EV charging infrastructure is critical to the operation. She is passionate about providing expertise and advice to businesses at every stage of their electrification journey. 

Terry Gardner, Account Director, Acopia

With over 14 years at Acopia, Terry Gardner leads new business development while also driving retail strategy, innovation, and key account success. His deep experience in the retail sector and passion for solving complex challenges have made him a trusted advisor to some of the UK’s most recognisable brands. 

In 2015, when a national charity approached Acopia to help streamline their procurement, Terry identified the opportunity to create a digital solution—what would eventually become MyAcopia®: their ‘industry-leading’ procurement portal. 

Terry’s hands-on approach and industry insight have helped transform procurement processes for clients including Barnardo’s, Oxfam GB, ProCook, Saltrock, Aldo and Dobbies Garden Centres. He continues to shape bespoke solutions that deliver real-world results—always with a focus on efficiency, impact, and innovation. 

Daniel Jenkins, Head of Colleague Development, Timpson Group

Daniel has worked for the Timpson group for nearly 17 years. He has spent most of his career in field leadership roles, especially in post-acquisition environments where Timpson Group prioritise cultural change and ensure they inspire colleagues so they can be the best that they can be. Daniel describes himself as a passionate people person and believes it’s important to be kind and remember that leadership is ultimately about communication. Daniel is now the head of colleague development for the Group and his role is to ensure every colleague has the ability and resources to reach their full potential.

Cathy Moscardini, Head of Sustainability, Depop

Cathy Moscardini is Depop’s Head of Sustainability, joining the business in 2021. She is responsible for the development and delivery of Depop’s Impact Goals across net zero, circularity, sustainable operations and marketplace DEI.

During her time at Depop, she has focused on quantifying and communicating the real impact of resale – proving that buying second-hand clothing is not just a trend, but a fundamental driver in reducing fashion’s environmental footprint.

Cathy joined Depop from Given London, where she held the position of Senior Sustainability Strategist and led the development, integration and delivery of sustainability strategies for a range of businesses. Prior to that, Cathy spent four years at a global management consultancy, helping clients to achieve their commitments to responsible business practices and behaviours.

Michelle Parczuk, Chief People Officer, Avon 

Bio and headshot coming soon.

Emma Reynolds, Global Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Mars Food

As Global Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Mars Food & Nutrition, Emma Reynolds sits on the Global Food & Nutrition Leadership Team and leads Corporate Affairs for the segment. Home to a portfolio of global food brands including Ben’s Original, Dolmio, MasterFoods, Kevin’s Natural Foods, and Seeds of Change, Mars Food & Nutrition is guided by its purpose to make food tasty, accessible and healthy – Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow.  

Under Emma’s leadership, the Corporate Affairs team is responsible for promoting and protecting Mars Food & Nutrition’s corporate reputation and building connection with our brands through earned media; driving the business’ purpose-led performance; shaping policy and regulatory environments around the world; driving leadership for the segment on industry topics including health and sustainability; and delivering strategic business communications to its Associates. Emma is also a member of Mars, Inc’s Global Corporate Affairs Leadership Team. 

Prior to joining Mars in 2023, Emma worked at Vodafone UK heading up Communications, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, leading campaigns to tackle digital poverty, reform the regulatory and policy environment, and promote the reputation of the business. Prior to Vodafone, Emma worked at AB InBev in a number of Corporate Affairs leadership roles, and at Tesco, as Government Affairs Director.

Amy Whidburn, Sustainability Director, Pets at Home

Since joining Pets at Home as Sustainability Director in 2020, Amy has spearheaded the company’s sustainability strategy, including the creation of the ‘Better World Pledge’. This pledge is built around three strategic pillars: pets, people and planet, which together represent their mission to create a better world for pets and the people who love them. Prior to her current role, Amy led sustainability strategies at some of the UK's largest retailers including Mothercare, Sainsbury’s, Argos and Home Retail Group.

Her strategy at Pets at Home has earned external recognition, including the prestigious Retail Week Responsible Retailer of the Year 2023. Pets at Home has signed up to a science-based carbon emissions reduction, has a 2040 net zero commitment, convenes its suppliers in driving emission reduction and plays a leading role in the BRC’s Climate Action Roadmap.

More recently, Amy has been instrumental in Pets at Home’s investment in driving innovative sustainability initiatives, including Meatly – a cultivated meat start-up. Earlier this year, Pets at Home and Meatly launched the world’s first cultivated pet food product, marking a significant leap forward in the future of sustainable pet food. 

Jessica Long, Head of ESG, Holland & Barrett 

With nearly 20 years’ experience across research, consultancy and commercial insights, Jessica has worked cross sector in driving sustainability initiatives, with a focus on making sustainability sustainable commercially. Her career has spanned Africa, Asia, South America and the UK, including advising heads of state and working within the House of Lords. 

Jessica launched Ipsos’ first Climate Change and Sustainability pillar, and later led its ESG consulting practice through Strategy3, helping some of the world's largest corporate multinationals build and optimise their sustainability strategies. 

She is passionate about connecting insights and shaping strategy to help organisations make informed, future-focused decisions. Highlights include speaking at COP26, winning the 2024 MCA Award for work in double materiality, and contributing to global thought leadership. 

Jessica is Head of ESG at Holland & Barrett, supporting the business in delivering long-term health for people and planet.   

Hannah Cornick, Head of Sustainability and Social Impact, Danone UK & Ireland

Hannah is Head of Sustainability and Social Impact for Danone UK & Ireland where she is responsible for embedding the company’s Impact Journey strategy and managing the delivery of Danone’s environmental sustainability and community impact programmes.  She is passionate about supporting business growth with purpose and engaging consumers on sustainability. Prior to joining Danone, Hannah led CSR and sustainability strategies for BT/EE and Tesco.