Gemma Lacey_Director of Sustainability & Communications_Southern Co-op

A businesswoman from Bognor, Gemma Lacey, who has spearheaded sustainability at a Portsmouth-based Southern Co-op, was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Solent University, Southampton last week.

Director of sustainability & communications at Southern Co-op Gemma said: “I’ve had the opportunity to support the University’s department of Business & Law over the years and it has been a privilege to inspire and create our responsible and sustainable business leaders of tomorrow. 

“I am extremely proud to receive this very special honour and to also join other business leaders on the University’s Business Advisory Board.”

With over 25 years’ experience in sustainability and a passion for championing responsible business, Gemma leads sustainability for Southern Co-op - a regional independent co-op.

Gemma has led the development of Southern Co-op’s ambitious science-based climate targets and delivery plan, along with the Society’s wider sustainability strategy, which was recently recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she is also responsible for the communications, brand, press and customer engagement functions.

Prior to this she led sustainability for leading organisations, including John Lewis Partnership, KPMG and The Body Shop.

Gemma is a board director for community radio station Express FM based in the heart of Portsmouth and recently became a member of Solent University’s Department of Business and Law Business Advisory Board.