Female leaders: The Wholesale Group
In our series on female leaders in the sector, Wholesale News visited The Wholesale Group to find out more about the women that drive the group forward
CORAL ROSE
Managing Director, Foodservice
I left university and immediately joined Watson & Philip Foodservice as a marketing executive. I had never heard of wholesale, but my degree was in retail management and my focus was marketing, and combining that with food seemed a great idea. That was 32 years ago, and I’ve never looked back.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
Wholesale is very much driven by people rather than organisations but I can definitely say that over the past 30 years, I have experienced sexism as I often found myself the only, or one of very few, women at an event or seated at the board table.
I haven’t felt held back but only because there have been times I’ve had to ‘put my big girl pants on’ and overcome obstacles, especially when having to navigate the old boys’ network. If anything, having to work even harder to get noticed improved my drive and ambition as I was determined to succeed.
My biggest challenge so far
I have experienced several challenges through my career but my strategy for approaching these is to be confident in the facts and to acknowledge that even though the outcome may not be what I’d hoped for, or feel is fair, I can be proud of how I managed the situation.
Where can improvements be made?
Women in Wholesale has already achieved so much; I’m very proud that Elit Rowland asked me to come on board when it first started. This has led to female-focused coaching, mentoring, networking events and open discussion on subjects such as maternity and menopause, and I really hope that this continues to gain momentum.
There continues to be a need for female-only events to encourage and develop a stronger women’s network in wholesale. We also need to encourage women to speak up about the industry and the opportunities and challenges it brings to raise the profile further.
My advice
Have confidence in your own ability and seek and utilise the support of female and male allies. If you are a senior female in your organisation, proactively support the development of those in junior positions.
JESS DOUGLAS
Managing Director, People and Operations
After a career in journalism, I returned to the Cotswolds to raise my family and my mother, then MD of Confex, happened to be advertising for a role that matched my skills. I joined part-time in 2014 and worked my way up through a range of different roles including digital, marketing, events and HR before becoming joint MD alongside my brother Tom Gittins and Coral Rose.
Wholesale hadn’t been on my radar as a potential career, but I grew to love it as soon as I became immersed in it.
How has your wholesale experience been?
The wholesale industry is fast-moving and entrepreneurial, and I’ve been lucky to see Confex evolve into The Wholesale Group, now the UK’s largest delivered buying group. Our 50% growth since Covid and the merger with another group have been major milestones.
Are female leaders visible enough?
There’s no doubt that visibility has improved, but there is still a way to go. The Women in Wholesale agenda has been fantastic in giving women a platform, and I’ve enjoyed supporting that initiative, but we still need more representation at senior levels.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
I wouldn’t say I’ve been held back, but wholesale has historically been male-dominated. At times, I’ve had to work harder to prove myself as a woman and also a family business owner. That said, I’ve always found support within my family business, and I’m passionate about making sure women across the sector don’t feel barriers to progression.
My biggest challenge so far
Balancing family life with a growing leadership role has been a challenge. I started working part-time hours while raising my two young sons, so finding that balance between work and home has always been important – and not always easy.
Where can improvements be made?
More flexible working opportunities, stronger mentoring and a continued focus on visibility of women in leadership will all help. Highlighting success stories and creating networks where women can support each other I believe are key.
My advice
Never underestimate the value you can bring, whether this is in leadership, innovation or creating new ways of working. Build strong networks, seek out mentors and don’t be afraid to step into spaces that might feel male-dominated.
Wholesale is an exciting and entrepreneurial sector and I believe there is room for women to thrive and shape the future.
MAJA KULPA
Finance Manager
I moved into wholesale from the steel industry and found the opportunities it offered very appealing, especially as it was clear that there was genuine potential for me to grow my career. The sector is dynamic and fast-paced and I love working alongside my talented colleagues.
Since working in wholesale, I’ve been surrounded by strong, confident female leaders. At The Wholesale Group, two of the three managing directors are women which speaks volumes about the support for and visibility of women in leadership roles.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
I started my career in banking and I did feel that I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. In wholesale my experience has been positive, especially as I have benefitted from strong mentorship and support.
Where can improvements be made?
Mentorship programmes that empower women continue to be beneficial . I also believe that we should emphasise the commonalities between men and women rather than focusing on gender differences. Highlighting our shared strengths can foster an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed.
My advice
Believe in yourself and cultivate confidence in your abilities.
TABITHA HUNTER-SMALE
Wholesale Development Manager
My knowledge of wholesale was limited and I had no idea how many amazing career paths existed in this space until I was offered a maternity cover role at a buying group. I’ve always been someone who learns on the job and have never been afraid to try new things and eight years later, I’m still in wholesale.
At The Wholesale Group, gender doesn’t define opportunity. Our wholesale development team is an 50/50 split, and our wider leadership team is actually predominantly female.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
Strong women can be unfairly labelled as ‘pushy’, when strong men are seen as ambitious. Perceptions may be shifting, but there’s still work to be done.
Where can improvements be made?
Many of my friends have teenage children, and I often find myself championing wholesale as a career path to them, sharing graduate schemes and talking about opportunities. It’s still a path that isn’t widely promoted to college or university leavers, so I think the sector could do more outreach and storytelling to showcase what’s possible.
My advice
There are so many incredible women in this industry, so find a mentor. If there isn’t someone within your company, look beyond it.
LAURA BOLLAND
Foodservice Purchasing Manager
After completing a degree in marketing, and spending 15 years in retail food buying, I was familiar with wholesale and when the opportunity arose to join a buying group, I was eager to embrace it as a fresh challenge.
I love the relationship-building side of wholesale, as it’s a refreshing contrast to retail. I’ve learned so much and had the chance to work with some incredible individuals, including several inspiring women who have been incredibly supportive.
The environment is collaborative, and I’ve loved being involved in a wide range of projects. There’s a real openness to trying new things which has helped me grow professionally.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
When I first started my career nearly 20 years ago, I faced questions that men would never have been asked, such when I would be starting a family. After my twin girls were born prematurely, I was denied flexible or supportive working arrangements, making it incredibly difficult to progress, and I had to fight simply to return to work. There is no doubt that I’ve the need to prove myself at every level, which has impacted my confidence.
Since moving to The Wholesale Group, where I have supportive female leaders, my confidence and career progression have vastly improved. The Women in Wholesale network has been an invaluable source of support and connection, but there is still work to be done to ensure women are fully visible, included and empowered in this industry.
In a sector where relationships and reputation carry significant weight, being excluded from often male-dominated networking opportunities can hinder progression.
My biggest challenge so far
In the past I have struggled to feel genuinely respected and valued in the workplace. I have encountered barriers, particularly when returning after maternity leave or being told to ‘toughen up’ and not to be ‘overly sensitive’. I’ve also had my most positive working attributes reduced to comments about my choice of clothes and my appearance. These remarks were not only inappropriate but deeply undermining.
Trying to be assertive and have my voice heard without being labelled as ‘difficult’ has been a constant balancing act, and one that many women in the industry will recognise. Despite these challenges, I’ve continued to push forward and I’m proud of the resilience I have shown.
Where can improvements be made?
Within individual businesses, we must encourage leaders to challenge unconscious bias and foster environments where diverse voices are heard and valued. Businesses must prioritise building a culture of trust and support where all members of the team feel confident.
Oh, and it shouldn’t even need to be mentioned but we must have zero tolerance for sexist comments. Casual remarks and outdated attitudes must be addressed. Culture change starts with accountability.
My advice
Put yourself forward for leadership opportunities. Choose collaboration over competition. When we lift each other up, we create a stronger, more inclusive industry that everyone will benefit from.
Never be afraid to negotiate, challenge norms, or walk away from environments or individuals that don’t value you or align with your principles.
KIRSTY WINKEL
Retail Controller
I spent 10 years at Landmark in a variety of roles including Accounts, before moving into Trading. I then moved to Dhamecha Cash & Carry as buyer, covering all depots.
I initially joined Confex as Business Development Manager before progressing to different roles including my role with The Wholesale Group as Retail Controller.
Although my father spent 35 years at Wrigley’s, working with wholesale, my entry to the sector happened by chance and 17 years later, I’m proud to have built a career within such an evolving channel.
I’ve been fortunate to work in many well-respected businesses and alongside colleagues who’ve taught me a great deal. I’m naturally driven and have worked hard to progress, putting in the hours, taking on challenges and pushing myself forward.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
I don’t feel that being a woman has held me back. My career growth has been driven by determination, long hours and a willingness to put myself forward, even when it meant stepping outside my comfort zone. I’ve consistently focused on showing up, delivering results and proving my capability in every role I’ve taken on.
While challenges exist, particularly in a sector where female leadership is still underrepresented, I’ve found that resilience, visibility and a proactive mindset have been key to carving out my own path.
Are female leaders visible enough?
There seems to be a stronger presence of senior women on the supplier side compared to wholesale which raises questions about structural barriers within wholesale organisations. This lack of visibility not only limits women’s opportunities for mentorship and progression but also risks reinforcing outdated perceptions of leadership in the sector.
My biggest challenge so far
Just 18 months into my first trading role, I was made redundant. Faced with choices, I stepped into a buying role which proved to be the best decision I could have made. It gave me the opportunity to grow, prove myself and shape a career I’m incredibly proud of.
Where can improvements be made?
We need a stronger focus on visibility, mentorship and flexible career pathways while increasing the representation of women in senior roles would help create more relatable role models. Offering more inclusive leadership development programmes, addressing unconscious bias in promotion processes and supporting work-life balance through flexible working options could make a meaningful difference in attracting and retaining female talent.
My advice
Back yourself and be visible. Don’t wait to be invited into the conversation, put yourself forward, ask for opportunities and make your voice heard. Your perspective will always add value.
AMY THOMAS
Retail Development Manager
My background was insurance but when I joined the wholesale industry, I fell in love with it and the people, and I have never looked back. The past six years have been exciting, rewarding and full of opportunities. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone in all the right ways which has helped me grow professionally and personally.
Do you feel female leaders are visible enough?
I may be biased, but yes, because I’m looking up to them for inspiration.
Have you felt held back as a woman?
Thankfully, no. I’ve always felt encouraged and supported. The Wholesale Group really does back female progression, and our MDs have all given me the confidence to grab opportunities to progress.
Where can improvements be made?
Events such as Women in Wholesale are a great way to showcase how the industry actively supports women. Initiatives such as the mentorship programmes, which I took part in, and the Menopause Café also provide additional support and make the sector more accessible and appealing.
My advice
Always say yes to opportunities, even if they feel daunting.
