Margaret Casely-Hayford

Employee Ownership Ambassador

Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE is a well respected business and legal figure. Over a career spanning corporate law, retail governance, charity leadership, and public service, Margaret has consistently championed inclusive leadership, ethical business, and systemic change.

A former Partner at Dentons and Legal Director and Company Secretary at the John Lewis Partnership, she has influenced boardroom governance at some of the UK’s best-known institutions. Margaret has also held key positions as Chair of ActionAid UK, Chancellor of Coventry University, and Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe.

 

Through her work in education, the arts, and as an advisor to the Institute of Directors, she has consistently focused on embedding values-led governance and inclusive opportunity into the heart of British institutions. In 2018, she was awarded a CBE for services to charity and equality.

 

As a Valloop Ambassador, Margaret brings her sharp legal mind, corporate experience, and unwavering commitment to economic justice to support our mission to create 1 million employee-owners. She plays a vital role in helping shape conversations on fair transitions and the future of inclusive business.

Specialisms:

• Governance and legal oversight
• Inclusive leadership and board diversity
• Higher education and social mobility
• Strategic charity and public sector leadership