Body Shop poaches Allied Domecq social policy director for CSR role

The Body Shop is creating a global corporate responsibility role to promote ethical values throughout founder Anita Roddick’s worldwide network.

The skin and body care retailer has poached Allied Domecq director for social and environmental policy Jan Buckingham to fill the newly created position of director of global values. She will join the Body Shop’s executive management team and reports directly to chief executive Peter Saunders.

Buckingham, who takes up the position next week, replaces director of values Steve McIvor, who had a UK-only remit. It is unclear if he will move to another role within the company.

It is thought Buckingham will interact with the Body Shop marketing department as part of the role. At Allied Domecq she was part of the corporate affairs department, but also managed the drinks giant’s external marketing review board, which dealt with issues including the positioning of alcoholic drinks and product placement. The board has now been disbanded by Allied Domecq’s new owner Pernod Ricard (MW October 27).

The Body Shop campaigns on social issues such as domestic violence, as well as environmental matters such as the ethical sourcing of palm oil.