Former Irish President Mary Robinson to speak at LEAD Network conference
This years theme is 'All in: Shaping an inclusive future'
Print23 September 2026
Leading Executives Advancing Diversity (LEAD) Network has confirmed that Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson will take part in a keynote conversation at this years LEAD Network’s Annual Conference, which will take place in Dublin on 6 and 7 October 2026.
According to the non-profit advancing gender equality and workplace inclusion across Europe’s consumer goods and retail industry, this years theme is ‘All in: Shaping an inclusive future’.
More than 600 senior leaders, professionals and industry experts from leading retailers, manufacturers and consumer goods companies across Europe are expected to attend.
‘Major milestone’
LEAD Network noted that it has reached a major milestone of 30,000 members, as membership growth continues to accelerate.
More than half (54%) of its members have joined since 2023.
Founded in 2011, LEAD Network now brings together 30,000 professionals from more than 80 countries, supported by 65 partner companies and more than 430 active volunteers.
Growth is also being seen across different generations and markets. Millennials remain the largest membership group, while Gen Z is becoming an increasingly important part of the community.
LEAD Network has also seen particularly strong growth through its NextGen and Impact3M communities, while membership has expanded in markets including Ireland, Italy and Bulgaria.
Commenting, Allyson Zimmermann, CEO of LEAD Network, said: “Reaching 30,000 members is an important milestone, but what excites me most is the growing momentum behind it.
“It took us 4.5 years to reach our first 15,000 members and only 3.3 years to welcome the next 15,000.
“For me, that reflects a growing appetite across our industry for connection, development and meaningful action to create workplaces where everyone can contribute, grow and thrive.
“We also know that focused action can make a difference. Our Gender Diversity Scorecard shows that the proportion of women in senior executive roles across the companies we track has increased from 25% in 2017 to 39% in 2025. That is real progress, although there is clearly further to go.”
Free membership
LEAD Network offers free membership to professionals working across the consumer goods and retail sector, providing access to resources, networking, leadership development and more than 100 events each year, connecting people from NextGen through to C-suite level.
“Our industry has a unique opportunity to lead. We serve a diverse global consumer base, employ vast numbers of talented women and have an influence that extends across supply chains, communities and cultures,” Zimmermann continued.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we want our members to bring others along. LEAD Network is built by its members, for its members. Every new voice strengthens our community and brings us closer to a more inclusive future.”
‘Measurable progress’
LEAD Network’s work includes its Gender Diversity Scorecard, which tracks women’s representation in senior executive roles across leading consumer goods and retail companies.
It also includes its CEO Gender Equity Pledge, through which more than 50 industry CEOs ‘have committed to measurable progress towards gender equity’.
Membership of LEAD Network is free and open to everyone working in the consumer goods and retail sector.
All LEAD Network events are free to attend apart from the Annual Conference.
Read more: LEAD Network Ireland Chapter launch LEAD People of the Year Awards 2026
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