In September, Cranfield University published its influential ‘Women to Watch’ report. Included was Dr Helene Roberts, the CEO of Chesterfield’s iconic and much-loved Robinson plc. Rebecca Erskine met Helene to find out what this accolade means to her as she reflects on her first year in post.
A GAP YEAR as a holiday rep may have been an unlikely trigger of interest in Materials Science – but a chance encounter in Greece proved exactly that for Robinson’s first female CEO. As Helene explained: “I had always enjoyed the human aspects of science at school and the impact we all have on our planet. Careers advice being as it was in the Eighties, I hadn’t considered how this could translate into a career. It was only through a conversation with a manager from Jaguar plc during my year out after A-levels that my eyes were opened to the opportunity. “I resolved to do what I would recommend any young person to do – I went to see for myself. As is still the case today, Swansea University’s reputation in Material Sciences was formidable. From my first visit, I felt instantly at home. My original plan to study Politics and Economics was soon shelved in favour of a Materials Engineering Degree and a PhD in Polymer Science.” Helene’s career started with M&S, initially as a materials technologist based in Hong Kong before a seven-year tenure as Food and Drink Head of Packaging…