The former boss of online-only supermarket Ocado, Mel Smith, has won the Veuve Clicquot’s 50th annual Bold Woman Award in recognition of her “outstanding” leadership over the last three years.
Smith was praised for her “inspired” stewardship of Ocado Retail, which under her leadership became the UK’s fastest-growing grocery retailer.
She recently stepped down as CEO after spending three years at the company’s helm, having overseen the initial setup of a joint venture between Ocado and Marks & Spencer.
“For the last 50 years, Veuve Clicquot has celebrated trailblazing female leadership and we have shone a spotlight on some of the UK’s most inspirational leaders,” Veuve Clicquot president Jean-Marc Gallot said.
“The winners this year are no exception.
“Mel Smith and Mursal Hedayat [founder of Chatterbox, who won the Bold Future Award] each emulate the entrepreneurial daring of Madame Clicquot herself, but they also represent those characteristics we can expect to see from successful leaders in the coming years, from pushing boundaries and achieving tremendous growth to fostering better representation for women at all levels.
Smith added: “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.”
