Richard Gillies
Board Mentor
Criticaleye
Richard is the former Chief Operating Officer at Simplyhealth, where he led a diverse transformation programme to increase pace, accelerate growth and improve performance.
With over 30 years’ experience leading organisations across retail, energy and construction, Richard specialises in strategy, change management, business development, sustainability and operational delivery. He has extensive experience in the development of transformational strategy and delivery of significant change; this includes new market development, cross-sector innovation, large-scale restructuring and capital development programmes, in both the commercial and third sector.
Richard has practical experience in the application of sustainability strategies to drive transformation and improve business performance. He was Group Corporate Affairs and Communications Director for Kingfisher plc and had a very successful career at Marks and Spencer Group plc, latterly as Store Development Director and then Chief Sustainability Officer – the driving force behind 'Plan A'.
As an Independent Director, Richard has previously worked across SMEs, PLCs, mutuals and public bodies in a broad range of sectors, supporting initiatives ranging from sustainability to business development. He was an Associate Partner at the Foundation LLP, a Director at BSR and an Advisor to Helistrat Management Services, Wirth Research and FES Lighting.
