In the latest New Year Honours list, Simon Roberts, the Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to the retail industry. Roberts, who has led the UK’s second-largest supermarket chain since 2020, has been credited with helping to turn around the grocer’s fortunes.
During his tenure, Roberts has steered Sainsbury’s through the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, while also improving the company’s market share. This has contributed to a rise of around three-quarters in the supermarket’s stock price.
However, Roberts’ leadership has not been without controversy. In 2025, he was accused of using “Orwellian” tactics by trialling facial recognition technology to combat shoplifting. He also oversaw a programme to cut 3,000 jobs as part of a £1 billion cost-cutting drive, while being paid more than £5 million in the company’s financial year to 1 March.
Despite these challenges, Roberts has been recognised for his contributions to the retail industry. He was a member of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s 2023 business council and took over as the President of the Institute of Grocery Distribution in 2024.
Elsewhere in the business sector, several other high-profile figures have been honoured. Alex Mahon, the former Chief Executive of Channel 4, has been made a CBE for her services to broadcasting and diversity. Richard Harpin, the founder of the home repair business HomeServe, has been knighted for his services to politics, while the former National Grid Chief Executive John Pettigrew has been made a CBE for his services to the energy industry.
In the defence sector, the former Chief Executive of BAE Systems, Ian King, has been made a CBE for his services to the transport and defence sectors. Gary Hoffman, the Chair of the online bank Monzo and the former Chief Executive of Northern Rock, has also been made a CBE for his services to the economy and sport.
The New Year Honours list recognises the contributions of business leaders across a range of industries, highlighting the important role they play in shaping the UK’s economic landscape.
