When the LEAD Network launched in 2011, our bold vision was simple: build a community of change-makers championing gender equity in European CPG & Retail.

What started with a few committed leaders has grown into a vibrant network of 25,000+ professionals, representing over 65 partner companies from Musgrave Group (Ireland) and Eroski (Spain) to Diageo and IBM. Together, we have:

• Launched bold initiatives, including the CEO Gender Parity Pledge – signed by 50+ CEOs (L’Occitane, Nestlé, Coca-Cola Company) to close the gender gap
• Expanded across Europe – now 17 chapters, 90 annual events, from Bulgaria to France
• Hosted 13 conferences, from Düsseldorf to Budapest, with 800+ attendees
• Empowered 73% of members, who credit LEAD Network with professional growth

But beyond numbers, our greatest pride is the people behind them – mentees turned mentors, volunteers turned leaders, and professionals at all levels driving change every day.

It’s also a remarkable coincidence to share that our first and 25,000th members come from the same company, Mars, Incorporated. This is a testament to how far we’ve grown while staying connected to our roots.

The Beginning: Meet Our First Member

A special shout-out to Marja Dracmanis, our very first member. As a founding Charter Member, a Partner Ambassador at Mars Petcare Europe, Chair of the Partner Ambassador Committee, and host of our first Germany Chapter event, Marja’s leadership helped lay the foundation for LEAD Network’s growth.

When she joined, she said, “Could LEAD Network work in Europe? I thought – what a great opportunity for our industry. Even bigger than that – for our society to address the topics very close to my heart.” – Marja Dracmanis

Today, she reflects, “Over the years, we’ve evolved from a local focus on female leadership to a global, cross-cultural movement tackling equality, inclusivity, and diversity in many forms.” – Marja Dracmanis

Fast Forward to 2025: Member 25,000 & Counting

Meet Janine Diepenhorst, who joined Mars in 2022 and today works as a Data Steward in the Netherlands. Janine’s journey through LEAD Network has been one of learning, connection, and broadening perspectives. As she says:

“Complexities are in every business, and our connection to people is always the key—whether we’re talking about sustainability or digital innovation.” – Janine Diepenhorst

Next Stop: 50,000 Members

Join us at the Annual Conference on 8-9 October 2025 in Milan, Italy

• 50+ expert speakers, 20+ breakout rooms, 800+ leaders
• Sponsors include Campari Group, Coca-Cola, NIQ, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, McCormick, EY
• Register here.

Become an Official Partner

• 65+ leading companies in the CPG & Retail industry
• Regular CEO and CIO roundtables
• Thought leadership, mentorship, educational programmes, networking across 25K+ members for employees
• Learn more here.

Become a Member (it’s free!)

• 25K+ industry professionals across Europe and beyond
• 90+ free annual events
• Sign up here.

Become a Volunteer

• 400+ volunteers from leading strategy to driving the mission forward
• Register here.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or just joined, on behalf of everyone at the LEAD Network, thank you for your passion, your dedication, and your voice in advancing gender equity in European CPG & Retail.

Here’s to the next 25,000 – and we’re just getting started.