Conversation with Liz Jewitt-Cross: The Case for HR at the Top Table

Why It Matters

Strategic HR leadership directly influences retail growth, M&A success, and the ability to scale in a rapidly changing market.

Key Takeaways

• Future HR advises boards on retail transformation and people strategy.
• HR must act as commercial partner, not just admin function.
• CEO‑HR alignment drives successful M&A and growth initiatives.
• Capability gaps and siloed leadership hinder scaling in retail.
• AI, data, and agile org design reshape retail HR post‑2026.

Pulse Analysis

The retail sector is at a crossroads where people strategy is no longer a back‑office function but a core engine of performance. Liz Jewitt‑Cross’s career, spanning senior HR roles at Sainsbury’s, New Look and other omnichannel giants, illustrates how a commercially‑focused HR mindset can break down silos and align talent with business objectives. This shift mirrors broader industry movements, with professional bodies and business schools embedding strategic HR modules to prepare leaders for a data‑driven, outcome‑oriented future.

A decisive factor in successful transformations is the partnership between CEOs and HR leaders. When HR sits at the top table, it can translate strategic intent into clear role definitions, capability roadmaps, and governance structures that prevent the overload and misalignment often seen in rapid growth or turnaround scenarios. Jewitt‑Cross points out that the most impactful changes—whether scaling operations or navigating M&A—stem from cohesive leadership teams that treat people experience as a commercial lever rather than a compliance checkbox.

Looking ahead, technology will accelerate HR’s strategic impact. AI‑enabled talent analytics, predictive workforce planning, and integrated digital platforms are turning people data into actionable insight, allowing retailers to anticipate skill gaps and adapt organisational design in real time. Coupled with an emphasis on agility and next‑generation employee experience, these tools empower chief people officers to act as true business partners. Events like Retail HR Central provide a forum for sharing best practices, ensuring that the retail industry can harness this evolution to drive sustained growth and resilience.