‘I am a hypocrite’: Iceland boss Richard Walker on the retailer’s struggle to go green
We have been in the Iceland store for just 10 minutes, and Richard Walker, boss of the UK’s homegrown discounter, has already admitted to being “a hypocrite” who will not deliver on a pledge to remove plastic from its shelves next year.
Despite the self-criticism, the boyish Walker, 41, has an infectious enthusiasm for the business he literally grew up with: his parents founded Iceland with one shop in 1970, a decade before he was born.
Once known for its cheesy catchphrases, TV ads fronted by former pop star Kerry Katona and questionable pizza toppings, the group, which now has more than 1,000 stores, has won plaudits in recent years for removing palm oil from its own-label products and has already cut plastic use on own-label foods by nearly a third.
Walker says he is “filled with hope and optimism” about plans to carve out a more sustainable future for the family firm. In the Walker worldview, that sits comfortably alongside continuing expansion. Iceland’s more upmarket sister chain Food Warehouse, which has 153 stores, plans to open 30 more every year for foreseeable future. The Iceland boss is also testing out a new
Age 41
Family Married, two children.
Education Studied geography at Durham University and is a qualified chartered surveyor. Honorary fellow of University College London.
Pay Not disclosed. Iceland is a private company so pay is not a matter of public record.
Last holiday Cross-country skiing in Norway.
Best advice he has been given? From his father: “Never, ever, ever, ever give up.”
Biggest career mistake Not every property deal done by Bywater – the property venture he started before joining Iceland and where he is still chair – has been a winner. He says that things were very tough through the 2008-09
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