Features

Five minutes with Helen, our first female CEO

Here at New Look, we’re proud to champion women. Over 80% of our team across our stores and office is female and we’re always looking for ways we can better support them, from wellbeing allyship groups to leadership training and free sanitary products.

We’re also proud to have appointed our very first female CEO, Helen, last year. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we took five minutes with her to talk role models, #ThatNewLookFeeling and the one piece of advice she always lives by.

1.What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me, it’s about celebrating amazing women, especially those I’m surrounded by at New Look. I’m very proud to lead a business full of talented women – it wouldn’t be what it is today without their passion and drive.

International Women’s Day also serves as a reminder that we have some way to go in achieving true gender equality. That said, I feel optimistic, and we’ll be doing all we can to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness and take the action needed to drive gender parity.

2. What do you love most about working for New Look?

Spending every day working with our diverse and amazing team who pour energy into delivering #ThatNewLookFeeling for our customers. Each day brings a new development, challenge or brilliant idea – it’s a lot of fun!

3. What gives you #ThatNewLookFeeling?

Spotting people looking amazing in New Look! Nothing beats seeing a dress jump from design sketch to walking down the street or popping up on TikTok. When we’re out together as a team, be it at shops or events, we always count the number of New Look dresses we can see.

We’re all about making sure our customers feel like they absolutely *can* get the look – at an affordable price, in their size and with lots of styling inspiration. Our aim is always to offer feel-good fashion that’s exciting and inclusive – I’m proud that’s what we’re about.

4. Who was your role model growing up?

My mum. She was an amazing mother and a brilliant businesswoman, working around the clock to do both to the best of her ability. She was ground-breaking as a woman working in the marketing world, leading and inspiring a team of more than 60 people. She also gave me the confidence and freedom to express myself, think positively, set the bar high and trust my instincts.

5. Who inspires you today? 

People who show real kindness and strength in difficult times. I have a good friend who teaches children from all walks of life. The difference she makes in their lives is incredible, from providing a croissant when they’re hungry to helping them overcome learning difficulties. Living in a small town, we often see them flourish later in life and I’m proud of what she does for them. 

6. What are you most proud of?

It was while I was on holiday on maternity leave with my 3-month-old baby. I was on a beach and got a call to say I’d been promoted. It was so unexpected and really felt like a huge achievement. It was a game-changing moment for me.

Quick-fire questions

What item of clothing makes you feel like superwoman?

A great pair of heels (and don’t forget the red lippy!).

What was your first job?

It was at a small independent sports shop while I was studying. I worked with a group of men who knew very little about what women wanted to wear. That gave me the opportunity to buy for women from a very young age, which plays a big part in what I do today.

Favourite subject at school?

I loved and still love history. My favourite part was studying renaissance history for my A-levels, probably because it was accompanied by a vineyard visit in Tuscany!

One piece of advice you live by?

Always focus on things you’re good at and not the things you find more difficult. Your strengths are what you’ll be recognised for, and people will gravitate towards you because of them.

Favourite car singalong anthem? 

Anything by Oasis!

Guilty TV pleasure?

RuPaul’s Drag Race (I rarely feel guilty!).