WEALTH October 9, 2026 0 Comments

Inside Dublin’s LEAD Network Summit: 600 Retail Titans Spill the Secrets That Could Explode Your Profits in 2024

Ever wonder what happens when over 600 sharp minds from Europe’s retail and consumer goods world descend on Dublin for a couple of days? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about swapping business cards or sampling local treats. This year’s LEAD Network annual conference wasn’t your average gathering—it was a powerhouse of ideas and action aimed at shaking up leadership norms and carving out a truly inclusive future. With delegates flying in from more than 35 countries, the vibe was unmistakably electric as conversations ranged from AI and workplace culture to career leaps and the ever-important quest for gender equity. And then there was the unmistakable wisdom of Mary Robinson, whose keynote reminded us that this industry touches millions daily and holds incredible sway in pushing equality forward. If you think leadership diversity is just talk, this event proved it’s a movement—with CEOs signing commitments and companies like Beiersdorf smashing gender parity goals ahead of schedule. Curious how this all ties together? Let’s dive in. LEARN MORE

More than 600 professionals from across Europe’s retail and consumer goods sector gathered in Dublin this week for the 2026 annual conference of the LEAD Network.

Delegates from more than 35 countries attended the two-day event at the RDS Convention Centre on October 6 and 7, which focused on inclusive leadership and creating more equitable workplaces.

The conference, held under the theme All In: Shaping An Inclusive Future, brought together industry leaders to discuss issues including artificial intelligence, workplace culture, career progression and gender equity.

Former Irish President and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson delivered a keynote conversation on equality and inclusive leadership.

“The retail and consumer goods industry touches the lives of millions of people every day and has an important role to play in advancing equality,” Robinson said.

“Women must be equally represented in leadership and have an equal voice in the decisions that shape our workplaces and our societies.”

More than 50 industry leaders contributed to sessions during the conference, including John Amaechi OBE, PepsiCo VP of Marketing Umi Patel and Musgrave Group CFO Andrew Keating.

The event also saw Rosa Carabel Di Paola, CEO of Grupo Eroski, and Beatriz Santos, Commercial Director and LEAD Network Advisory Board member, sign the organisation’s CEO Pledge on gender equity and inclusive workplaces.

Beiersdorf was named Best in Class for achieving global gender parity in leadership 18 months ahead of its target.

Awards were also presented to individuals from The Coca-Cola Company, Morrisons, IBM and Ingredion for their contributions to diversity, inclusion and the LEAD Network.

Allyson Zimmermann, CEO of LEAD Network, said the Dublin conference demonstrated the “extraordinary energy and commitment” to creating more inclusive workplaces.

“LEAD Network now has more than 30,000 members across Europe and beyond,” she said.

“That growing community gives us an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one another and accelerate progress across the retail and consumer goods industry.”

LEAD Network is a non-profit organisation focused on attracting, retaining and advancing women in Europe’s retail and consumer goods sector.