Helen Milford

Helen has over 35 years of experience in the retail industry. She began her extensive career as a Pharmacist after studying and graduating from the University of Sunderland. She has executive-level experience with blue-chip retail businesses including Boots, Asda, Argos, and Sainsburys. Most recently, she worked with Marks and Spencer, where she was Retail Director until September 2023. 

Helen is a passionate advocate of inclusion and diversity and was the Executive sponsor of the gender and equality network at Marks and Spencer, and the Co-Executive sponsor of the LGBTQ+ network at Sainsburys. 

Helen is a Non-Executive Director for Hays Travel and a Business Advisor for the Age UK Trading Committee. She is delighted to be back living in the North East after spending 25 years away.

Helen joined the Board of Governors in May 2025.