As Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, Karen is responsible for all UK & Ireland subsidiaries of

H&M. This includes overseeing around 7,000 colleagues, the operations of over 200 physical stores,

our digital platforms, and the development of the brand and growing customer base in one of H&M’s

most significant markets globally.

Karen brings over 25 years of experience at H&M to her role, beginning her journey on the shop floor,

she has held 14 roles across store operations, area management, and sales markets, most recently

serving as Sales Market Manager for the Nordics. Her career is marked by a deep understanding of

retail operations and leadership, and a proven ability to drive growth and transformation. Karen has

successfully led cross-functional teams to elevate customer experience across multiple regions

Charlotte Hardie is the Editor-in-Chief of Retail Week, the UK’s leading authority on retail industry news, analysis, and insight. With a career spanning more than two decades in business journalism, Charlotte has become a prominent voice in the retail sector. She is passionate about supporting diversity in retail leadership and driving meaningful conversations about the future of the high street, digital transformation, and the wellbeing of the millions of people working in UK retail.

Since taking the helm at Retail Week, Charlotte has continued the publication’s digital transformation, championing data-led reporting and strategic content that informs and empowers retail leaders. Under her leadership, Retail Week has expanded its reach and influence, launching initiatives focused on innovation, sustainability, and leadership within the sector. She also spearheaded the launch of its in-house content marketing agency Retail Week Connect, which creates campaigns that tackle critical issues facing retailers.