Business Honours highlight Sainsbury’s CEO

Published: 30 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Britain’s business community has received prominent recognition in the New Year Honours List, highlighting leadership during an era of economic disruption and social change. Senior figures from retail, energy, defence, technology, and finance have been acknowledged for their contributions to national resilience, innovation, and public service. At the centre of attention stands Simon Roberts, the chief executive of Sainsbury’s, whose stewardship of the supermarket giant has earned him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the retail industry.

Roberts has led Sainsbury’s since 2020, a period defined by unprecedented challenges for the retail sector. His appointment came only months before the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, which transformed shopping habits and placed enormous strain on supply chains. Under his leadership, Sainsbury’s adapted rapidly, expanding online capacity, supporting vulnerable customers, and maintaining essential services during lockdowns. These actions helped stabilise the company at a time when public confidence in food supply was critical.

Beyond the pandemic, Roberts has guided the supermarket through the prolonged cost of living crisis that followed. Rising inflation, higher energy prices, and pressure on household budgets forced retailers to balance affordability with sustainability. Sainsbury’s response focused on competitive pricing, streamlined operations, and investment in own-brand products. As a result, the company strengthened its market share while restoring investor confidence, reflected in a share price rise of approximately seventy-five percent during his tenure.

However, Roberts’ leadership has not been without controversy. During 2025, Sainsbury’s faced criticism for trialling facial recognition technology in selected stores to deter shoplifting. Civil liberties groups described the approach as intrusive, raising concerns about privacy and data protection. Roberts defended the initiative as a measured response to rising retail crime, arguing that staff safety and customer protection remained paramount. The debate highlighted broader tensions between technological innovation and ethical responsibility within modern retailing.

Further scrutiny followed the announcement of a major cost-cutting programme, including plans to reduce around three thousand jobs as part of a one billion pound efficiency drive. The decision sparked backlash from unions and campaigners, particularly given reports that Roberts received remuneration exceeding five million pounds in the company’s financial year to early March. Supporters countered that restructuring was necessary to secure long-term competitiveness in a challenging market environment.

Roberts’ influence extends beyond Sainsbury’s operations. He served on former prime minister Rishi Sunak’s business council in 2023, contributing industry perspectives to government policy discussions. In 2024, he became president of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, reinforcing his role as a leading voice within the food and retail sector. His honour reflects not only corporate performance but also engagement with wider industry development.

The New Year Honours List also recognises leadership within Britain’s energy infrastructure. John Pettigrew, former chief executive of National Grid, has been appointed a CBE for services to energy. Pettigrew led the organisation responsible for much of the UK’s electricity transmission network for nearly a decade. His tenure encompassed ambitious investment programmes aimed at supporting renewable energy integration and enhancing grid resilience amid the transition to net zero.

Pettigrew’s career at National Grid began in 1991 when he joined as a graduate, rising steadily through operational and executive roles. Colleagues have credited his long-term vision with modernising critical infrastructure while maintaining reliability. His departure in November marked the end of an era for a company central to Britain’s energy security.

In the defence sector, Ian King, former chief executive of BAE Systems, has also been appointed a CBE. King led Europe’s largest defence contractor for almost ten years until his retirement in 2017. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he oversaw complex international programmes and significant technological advancements. The honour recognises his contribution to both defence capability and transport innovation, areas closely linked to national security and economic strength.

Financial services leadership is represented by Gary Hoffman, chair of the online bank Monzo, who has been recognised with a CBE for services to the economy and sport. Hoffman is a familiar figure within British banking, having previously served as chief executive of Northern Rock. He was appointed during the 2008 financial crisis after the bank’s near collapse, tasked with stabilising operations during one of the most turbulent periods in modern financial history.

Hoffman’s public profile expanded further when he became chair of the Premier League from 2020 to 2022. His tenure coincided with intense scrutiny of football governance, including the controversial takeover of Newcastle United by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Critics questioned the league’s handling of ownership tests and transparency. Hoffman also faced criticism related to the failed European Super League proposal, which threatened to reshape elite football before collapsing under fan opposition.

Recent reports suggest Hoffman’s position at Monzo has come under pressure, with some investors calling for changes in leadership. Despite these challenges, his honour reflects a career marked by crisis management and engagement across finance and sport, sectors that play influential roles in British society.

The technology sector has also featured prominently in this year’s honours. Matt Brittin, former head of Google in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, has received a CBE for services to technology and digital skills. Brittin stepped down from his executive role at the start of 2025 and now serves as a non-executive director at Guardian Media Group. During his time at Google, he was instrumental in expanding digital education initiatives and supporting small businesses through technological adoption.

Recognition has extended to senior figures shaping the future of artificial intelligence and innovation. Pamela Maynard, Microsoft’s chief AI transformation officer, has been awarded an OBE. Her work focuses on helping organisations integrate artificial intelligence responsibly, balancing productivity gains with ethical considerations. In an era of rapid technological change, such leadership has been increasingly valued by policymakers and industry leaders alike.

Further OBEs have been awarded to Jonathan Hague, head of research and development at Unilever, and Peter Higgins, co-founder of menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt. Their honours acknowledge contributions to consumer goods innovation and entrepreneurship, sectors that support employment and export growth across the UK.

Collectively, the business honours within the New Year list reflect the diverse challenges faced by British industry. From navigating global pandemics and economic pressures to managing technological transformation and ethical debate, the recognised leaders have operated within complex environments. The honours signal an appreciation of resilience, adaptability, and public service alongside commercial success.

As Britain enters another uncertain economic year, the recognition of figures like Simon Roberts underscores the continuing importance of business leadership in national life. While debate around executive pay, technology use, and corporate responsibility persists, the honours list highlights the role of experienced leadership in steering organisations through turbulent times. For many recipients, the awards serve as both recognition of past achievements and a reminder of ongoing responsibilities to employees, customers, and the wider society they serve.