Selfridges group MD Anne Pitcher nominated for Veuve Cliquot awards

Selfridges group managing director Anne Pitcher is among the finalists for a prestigious business awards ceremony which aims to celebrate female leadership.

The Veuve Clicquot Awards, which have been running since 1972, honour inspirational women with a track record of success.

Pitcher has been named as a finalist in the Bold Woman category along with Anne Boden, chief executive and founder of Starling Bank and Vania Leles, founder of Vaneles Diamonds.

Judges said Pitcher was recognised due to her innovation to grow the business in a tough retail market as well as her ongoing commitment to sustainability, while Leles was commended for her contribution to the diamond industry in such a short amount of time, pioneering the revolution of the ethical sourcing of gemstones.

Sian Westerman, a member of the judging panel, who is also co chair of the British Fashion Council Trust and a senior global adviser at Rothschild & Co, said: “This year’s nominees are some of the most determined and innovative women leading British business today.

“By boldly taking on challenges such as market turbulence and heavy industry competition, they are inspiring the next generation of female leaders to challenge convention and follow in their footsteps.”

The shortlist for the Bold Future Award, which celebrates innovative female entrepreneurship, are Michelle Kennedy, chief executive of Peanut; Celia Pool, co-founder of DAME; and Ella Goldner, co-founder of Zinc VC.

Pip Jamieson founder of The Dots Global and also a member of the judging panel, said: “Entrepreneurship is a challenging path to take; however, the availability of role models from all backgrounds like this year’s Bold Future Award nominees make a huge difference in inspiring women to take the leap.

“The shortlist demonstrates how the UK’s female entrepreneurs are not afraid to take on the big issues, and can achieve strong growth whilst keeping these values at the heart of their proposition.”

The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in London in May.