Since joining the business in 2021, Wendy has been a driving force behind THG’s environmental progress. She’s led critical work on packaging, waste, and recycling, while helping to embed sustainability into long-term strategy across our brands and sites. We sat down with her to discuss THG’s sustainability strategy, the challenges of sustainable leadership, and what she envisions for the future. 
 

What first sparked your interest in sustainability as a career? 

I was working at Iceland Foods before joining THG, firstly in social media and then internal communications. While I was there, a secondment opportunity came up in the sustainability team. I took it - and it opened up a whole new world. I got involved in a wide range of projects: carbon reduction, food waste, packaging, and social impact initiatives. 

What appealed to me most was the variety and the sense of purpose. I’m a naturally frugal person, so reducing waste and using resources wisely aligns with my values on a personal level too. It felt like a natural fit. 

What drew you to THG in particular? 

The scale and ambition of THG really stood out. When I joined in 2021, the business was expanding rapidly, and that energy was really exciting. What I love about working in sustainability is knowing your role has impact - but at THG, the reach is amplified because of how many brands, suppliers, and customers we touch. You can drive positive change across a massive footprint. 

How did you find the transition into a leadership role? 

I was ready for it. I’d had some amazing managers in the past and was really inspired to take the best of what I’d learned from them and shape my own leadership style. 

My favourite part of the job is supporting others - helping people achieve their goals, develop new skills, and find opportunities to grow their careers. That people element is really fulfilling. 
 

What have been some of your biggest achievements at THG so far? 

One standout moment was publishing THG’s first THG x Planet Earth sustainability strategy in 2021. At the time, there were only two of us in the team, so it was a huge amount of work, especially in such a tight timeframe, but also a really proud achievement. We set the tone and ambition for what sustainability could look like at THG, and developed a framework that led onto further achievements in the following years as the team grew.  

 
Looking back, how did you know that sustainability was the right long-term fit? 

Honestly, I didn’t at first! I started out in social media and then moved into internal comms because I missed writing long-form content. When the sustainability secondment came up, I gave it a go - and found I really enjoyed the project side of it. 

The thing that really kept me in it was the purpose. You get to work on things that matter- whether it’s environmental protection or social impact - and you’re contributing to something that’s bigger than any single product or campaign.  

Working in sustainability often means juggling long-term goals with short-term business needs. How do you approach that? 

It’s definitely a balance. Sustainability is essentially the process of continuing on - it’s about making sure the business is still here and relevant 10, 20, even 30 years from now. We have to adapt to environmental and societal shifts to stay sustainable - not just in a green sense, but in a commercial one too. 

We work toward long-term targets, but break them down into smaller goals to stay focused. It’s about future-proofing, not just reacting to the now. 
 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a sustainability leader? 

Say yes to opportunities. Sustainability covers so many areas - carbon, waste, supply chains, communities, packaging - and if you’re curious and proactive, there’s so much you can get involved in. 

Some of the people on our team came from internal roles where they simply asked to help or shadow a project. That initiative really matters. 

Also, don’t let imposter syndrome get in your way. You might not look like everyone else in the room, but if you’ve worked hard and know your stuff, you do deserve to be there.  

 
How can businesses better support those who are underrepresented in leadership? 

Representation really matters. As a woman, a person of colour, and a new mum, I’ve experienced moments where I didn’t see people like me in leadership roles. That’s why networks are so important. 

THG does a great job with this - we’ve got communities for women in business, the Black Community, LGBTQ+ employees, parents, and more. These networks create safe spaces and shared experiences. Coming back from maternity leave, the Parents Network made a big difference. It helps knowing others are in the same boat - even sleep-deprived, high-performing ones! 

Having supportive managers has also been vital. I’ve been lucky to have people who believed in me, pushed me, and gave me the confidence to grow. That kind of support can make all the difference. 

What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? 

There’s always a trade-off. We are a commercial business first and foremost, and that means navigating the tension between cost and conscience. Sometimes doing the right thing for the planet costs more up front - but we believe it pays off in the long term. 

The challenge is bringing people with you on that journey. We’re not just reacting to today’s demands - we’re building a company that can thrive in the future. 

What are your hopes for THG x Planet Earth - this year and beyond? 

THG x Planet Earth’s vision is to leave the world a better place than we found it. I hope that the company continues to stay ambitious and keeps doing the right things for our people, our planet and the future of THG.