Holland & Barrett has appointed Michelle Boothroyd as Chief People Officer as the retailer continues its international transformation. The appointment was announced on September 21, 2026, following Boothroyd’s move from Grainger. She brings extensive experience across strategic HR leadership, organizational development, and cultural transformation. Her new role covers the company’s people strategy across its international markets.
People Strategy Supports Holland & Barrett’s Transformation
Boothroyd previously served as Chief People Officer at Grainger for more than four years. Earlier in her career, she held senior HR positions at Nationwide Building Society, Santander, NatWest Group, Howden Insurance Brokers, and Virgin Atlantic. Her experience spans financial services, property, retail, and other large organizations.
Building Culture and Workforce Capability
At Holland & Barrett, Boothroyd is responsible for developing the people capabilities supporting the retailer’s continued transformation. The company operates more than 1,000 stores and franchises across international markets. Its workforce includes approximately 7,800 colleagues across its retail and corporate operations.
Boothroyd has emphasized listening to employees, investing in their potential, and creating opportunities for professional growth. She has also highlighted the importance of building a workplace where colleagues feel supported, empowered, and confident. These priorities form part of her approach to developing the organization’s culture.
Her appointment follows the departure of Maria Anderson, who previously served as Chief People Officer. Anderson led the HR function through a significant period of transformation before handing responsibility to Boothroyd following a planned succession process.
Connecting People With Business Growth
Holland & Barrett has been investing in stores, digital operations, and its wider customer proposition. The retailer has also been expanding its technology capabilities and international operations. These changes create workforce requirements across retail, digital, supply chain, customer experience, and corporate functions.
Boothroyd’s background in organizational transformation provides experience relevant to these developments. Her previous roles involved supporting organizations through structural changes while developing talent and leadership capabilities.
The company’s current transformation also places greater emphasis on connecting its customer proposition with employee experience. Boothroyd has described the opportunity to bring Holland & Barrett’s focus on helping customers live better into its approach toward colleagues.
Her appointment therefore places workforce development within a broader organizational transformation agenda. As Holland & Barrett continues developing its physical and digital operations, its people function will support the capabilities required across those areas.
Boothroyd’s arrival adds an experienced senior HR leader to the company’s executive structure. Her responsibilities combine culture, talent, organizational development, and workforce strategy. The role gives her responsibility for helping build the people capabilities needed as Holland & Barrett continues its next phase of international growth.
