DEI: Leading the way at Sugro UK
Continuing our series on female leaders in the sector, Wholesale News turns the spotlight on Sugro UK, speaking with the women shaping the buying group’s strategy for the future
EMMA SENIOR
Managing Director
Prior to Sugro, I worked for Mondelēz in numerous roles and departments. The majority of that time was in sales and I was given the choice to work in the multiples or with independents. I chose the latter and have never looked back.
The area is complex with multiple route to markets, and is so exciting. You have the opportunity to engage with business owners, be truly creative and it brings real breadth to your career. Previously, it has been regarded as a ‘man’s world’, but I am thrilled to see that changing with more women working within wholesale.
Are female leaders visible enough?
No, probably not. I need to remind myself to be more out there, rather than immersing myself in the day to day. However, things are definitely improving and it’s fantastic to see more women in senior leadership roles across the whole industry, not just in wholesale.
My biggest challenge to date
Joining Sugro as their first female MD has undoubtedly been my biggest challenge and success combined. I didn’t have the classic CV of an MD, but I am delighted that the Sugro board saw past that at my interview.
It has certainly been a difficult time, with external factors impacting everything we do.
Resilience is a requirement of my role, but I am really proud of how the business is performing while facing those challenges.
What can be done to improve things?
We still need to inspire more women to join wholesale. It truly is a fantastic place to be and those women at the start of their careers need to feel that. We need to lead by example, shout about success and break down barriers.
My advice
Be proud of your own abilities and embrace what the channel has to offer. Don’t let fear or judgment cloud your view, and let your results speak for themselves.
TRACY MACKENZIE
Trading Controller
My career has taken a winding but rewarding path. I joined the wholesale industry aged 20, without realising it would become a career that spanned many years. Working in wholesale has been amazing. I’ve met fantastic people, discovered great brands and loved every moment of it, even during the challenging times of Covid and Brexit.
It’s an extremely fast-paced environment, which is what I enjoy most as no two days are the same.
Are female leaders visible enough?
If you had asked me this earlier in my career I would have said no, but I believe the world and the industry are changing. While there are many businesses led by men, women are now more visible across business platforms and the direction is more positive. Joining Sugro marked a significant and positive shift in my experience.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
Yes, early in my career, working in a male-dominated environment, progression did feel limited. Even with a degree in purchasing I didn’t always feel my ideas were heard and senior roles seemed out of reach.
My biggest challenge to date
Navigating change within an ever-evolving wholesale industry has been extremely challenging, but it has also provided invaluable learning opportunities. Facing these changes head-on has made me more knowledgeable, adaptable and capable, and I’ve come out the other side more experienced.
And my biggest success
Stepping outside my comfort zone. Earlier in my career, I was very shy and hesitant to put myself forward, but by consistently challenging myself, I’ve grown in confidence and capability, and this personal development has had a lasting positive impact on my career.
What can be done to improve things?
The sector would benefit from greater female representation in senior leadership and at decision-making level. Women bring valuable perspectives and expertise and it’s important that these are consistently heard and respected. While positive progress has been made, continuing to support equal opportunities will help ensure everyone’s talent is recognised and progression continues to be based on ability and experience.
My advice
Believe in your ability and don’t be afraid to share your ideas, ask questions and put yourself forward for opportunities.
SHRUTI SENAPATI
Business Development Manager
My knowledge of working for a retail employer provided me with a foundation, but I found my way into wholesale quite unexpectedly. I didn’t really understand how buying groups operate at first – how they bring independent wholesalers together to negotiate better terms and support their members – but I was drawn in by how intriguing and dynamic the sector was.
I really appreciate the scale and variety the sector offers as I’ve become immersed in it. I enjoy the ever-changing environment, working closely with others to build strong relationships and solve problems. The wholesale sector is highly collaborative and supportive, which also makes it motivating.
Are female leaders visible enough?
There’s still more to do to break down the barriers that limit progression. I’m fortunate to work alongside some incredible female leaders at Sugro, who are not only strategic and skilled but also approachable, supportive and forward-thinking.
Have you ever felt held back as a woman?
No, I’ve been given opportunities to lead projects, convey my perspective, work across teams, expand my skill set and the support from my fantastic colleagues has allowed me to grow.
My biggest challenge so far
Balancing family responsibilities with work demands agility, and adaptability is a challenge. Some days, deadlines, meetings and unexpected challenges can all come at once, overlapping with personal responsibilities and this can be overwhelming. By staying organised, defining clear boundaries and reaching out for support when I need it makes everything more manageable.
At the same time, practising patience with myself and recognising small achievements – both at work and at home – have allowed me to continue growing professionally while remaining present for my family.
My biggest success
It has to be taking full ownership of my work and the professional growth that has come with it. It has enabled me to take on demanding tasks, stay focused, build strong relationships through collaboration and deliver results that matter. I’ve made meaningful progress and I take real pride in how far I’ve come, knowing this is just the beginning of my development.
What can be done to improve things?
Shining a spotlight on women’s achievements and ensuring there are real opportunities for professional growth will help make the industry more attractive to women and emerging talent, and create a truly inclusive sector.
My advice
I used to believe that real experience only came with time, but I have learned the opposite: experience is forged through decisive action and standing by the choices you make. My advice would be to start now – no two days in wholesale are ever the same, and engaging fully from the start gives you the best chance to learn and grow as the industry evolves. Trust yourself, be eager to ask questions and seek out answers, and embrace every opportunity – these are the things that truly make a difference.
SUE HUBBER
Business Development Manager (South)
After a significant number of years on the supplier side of the fence, I finally realised the opportunity to work in the best market sector. Having initially worked in the health and wholefood wholesale sector, I could see the appeal in having access to business owners and key decisionmakers, enabling more action-focused discussions and more understanding of the end-to-end operation.
Joining Sugro has only escalated the appeal of this sector for me. It has been the busiest and most rewarding three years of my sales career. Sugro head office, members and suppliers are a great working network, with equal measures of giving and demanding support. Every day is a new challenge and learning opportunity. There’s no one fixed solution or path to follow due to the diversity of business requirements and market dynamics but a general willingness to realise opportunities together. Our leadership team and Sugro family have a depth of knowledge and great passion for the work we do, which makes a strong and positive environment to work in.
Are female leaders visible enough?
Within Sugro, yes. My awareness of women in wholesale has grown significantly from being part of Sugro. Wholesale was very much a male sector in my earlier career, which was one of the reasons I was so influenced to work elsewhere.
I feel wholesale now is progressing well in delivering opportunities for female leadership, and the results achieved by them will only continue to grow. We could do with more, of course, and for me the key is getting the message across to potential female leaders that there is much rewarding work to be done and this is the right sector to be doing it in.
What can be done to improve things?
The pace of encouraging the right people in and scale of the opportunity for women is visibly building. Communication of achievements for the sector from female leads needs to be bigger and more frequent.
My advice
Put all perceptions aside and come in with an open mind. Be confident of a growing female network who are delivering a difference and open to support new female faces and ideas. This is a dynamic sector that needs a diverse approach, conviction and people who believe in making a difference. There’s a great deal of challenge and reward to be had through working with others.
YULIA PETITT
Head of Commercial & Marketing
Prior to joining Sugro, I knew very little about wholesale and buying groups. From my first interview, I absolutely loved the people I met, which was the main reason I chose to join Sugro. I work with fantastic people inside and outside the business, and have made friendships for life.
I have been with Sugro for 13 years and during this time I have progressed from trading manager to head of commercial & marketing and I love my job and the wholesale industry. This channel offers amazing opportunities to build strong relationships with wholesalers and suppliers and to be part of its dynamic, fast-paced nature.
Challenges do not scare me; I get a real sense of accomplishment from solving problems, achieving targets and making a tangible impact on business success.
Are female leaders visible enough?
No, I don’t think that female leaders are visible enough. However, at Sugro we’re proud that we have a female MD as well as head of commercial & marketing, and our wider team is predominantly female.
My biggest challenge to date
This has to be moving from Eastern Europe to England 17 years ago. I left everything behind and started afresh with my career, including sitting my driving test and learning the language, all without the support of friends or family. I applied for so many jobs and would receive the same reply: no British work experience. It just took one person to believe in me, and sometimes that’s all it takes.
What can be done to improve things?
Women in this channel can face unique challenges, including a male-dominated culture, unconscious bias and challenges with work-life balance as well as career progression. We still need to address male-dominated workplace culture and unconscious bias, implement better flexible working options and family friendly policies, and create inclusive, supportive environments with line management support and mentorship both inside and outside the organisation.
My advice
Focus on building confidence, continuous learning and strategic networking. Embrace the unique perspective and skills you bring to the table and actively seek out opportunities for growth.
Diversity and Inclusion Emma Senior Shruti Senapati Sue Hubber Sugro UK Tracy MacKenzie Yulia Petitt