Welcoming new leadership to the Digital Chapter

Published on April 14, 2026

Welcoming new leadership to the Digital Chapter!  We’re pleased to announce Elaine Parr (IBM) as the new Co-Chair of the LEAD Network Digital Chapter.

 

With deep industry expertise across Consumer Products and Retail, Elaine steps into this role at a critical moment; as technology continues to reshape our sector and the need for inclusive leadership becomes even more urgent.

 

Elaine said: "I couldn't be more chuffed to take over the co-chair of the Digital Chapter and work alongside the very best example of industry top women talent in Sonam Mod. I have a lot to live up to following in the footsteps of two of the best male allies I know, Neil Robertson and Wayne Peacock. Right now, there's no better time to be in Tech in Consumer Products and Retail  but that comes with its challenges not least the worsening gender gap in areas like AI. We have work to do."

A big thank you to Neil Robertson (McCormick) for his leadership and impact: from the Digital Chapter to the CIO Roundtable. We’re glad he’ll continue to stay closely involved.

 

Other news

AI & Gender Gap: Access, Representation and Trust at Risk

April 14, 2026
AI & Gender Gap: Access, Representation and Trust at RiskNew insights from McKinsey, Deloitte, Stanford, and others highlight a growing gender divide in AI — from lower encouragement and access to tools, to declining representation in tech roles and research, and a persistent trust gap in GenAI adoption. Without action, these trends risk widening existing inequalities and embedding bias into the s

New study pinpoints root causes holding women back in CPG and Retail

May 5, 2026
The Built for All: Rethinking Career Advancement in Retail & CPG report drew on responses from over 500 industry professionals and identifies three systemic barriers at the heart of the problem: the Silence Tax, the Negotiation Penalty, and the Caregiving Trade-Off.