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We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of alumna Anoushka Harris, who has been selected for edie’s prestigious 30 Under 30 class of 2025.
Currently serving as the Sustainability Manager within ABF’s Grocery Group, Anoushka supports nine distinct businesses in translating high-level environmental and social ambitions into practical, impactful delivery. From leading initiatives like the Jordans Farm Partnership to navigating complex global supply chains and evolving ESG regulations, her work is at the forefront of corporate sustainability. In the following interview, Anoushka reflects on her career journey, the importance of embedding sustainability into core business strategies, and how the curiosity and confidence she developed at RMS for Girls helped shape her professional path.
We caught up with Anoushka recently, and you can read our interview below.
What was your immediate reaction when you found out you were selected for edie’s 30 Under 30 class of 2025?
I felt genuinely surprised and incredibly grateful as my boss and colleagues nominated me without telling me. It was something I had always aspired to be a part of to grow my network, so I was delighted. Sustainability is often a behind-the-scenes role, so it was affirming to have the work recognised. It also felt like recognition not just of me, but of the collaborative efforts across the businesses and teams I work with.
What specific initiatives or work do you feel led to your nomination and selection?
I think my work translating sustainability ambition into practical delivery played a key role—particularly leading complex projects early in my career, supporting multiple FMCG businesses at group level, and helping embed ESG into strategy, governance, and supply chains. My focus on regulation readiness, Scope 3, and supplier engagement, alongside beyond-compliance initiatives like the Jordans Farm Partnership which you will see on Jordans cereals, alongside my work related to rice and spices has been central.
How do you anticipate that being part of this group will impact your career or future projects in sustainability?
I see it as an opportunity to broaden my perspective, challenge my thinking, and build a strong peer network. Learning how others are tackling similar challenges will strengthen my approach and help accelerate impact across future projects.
What is one area of sustainability you’re particularly keen to learn more about from your peers?
I’m especially keen to learn more about innovative approaches to Scope 3 emissions reduction and supplier engagement—particularly how others are driving meaningful change in complex, global supply chains.
How did you first become interested in a career focused on sustainability?
Of course through doing my Geography A-Level!! I then went onto Leeds University where I studied a BSc in Sustainability and Environmental Management. I chose to specialise in the business pathway, as I was keen to understand how sustainability principles can be embedded into real-world organisational decision-making. This allowed me to develop practical skills in strategy, stakeholder engagement, and implementation within a corporate context. My interest really crystallised during my dissertation comparing sustainability strategies in food businesses. That work helped me see how sustainability decisions directly shape supply chains, products, and long-term resilience.
What does your current role entail, and what is the most rewarding or challenging aspect?
As Sustainability Manager within ABF’s Grocery Group, I support nine businesses in developing and delivering sustainability strategies. My role bridges group-level ambition with practical delivery, working closely with senior leaders to align priorities, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful progress across multiple brands. The most rewarding part is seeing practical change happen. The biggest challenge is balancing evolving regulation and differing levels of ESG maturity while maintaining momentum.
In your view, what is the single most important action businesses need to take right now?
Businesses must embed ESG into core strategy and procurement decision-making from the outset, rather than treating it as an add-on. This enables better products, stronger supplier relationships, and more resilient businesses.
Looking ahead five to ten years, what major change do you hope to see?
I hope sustainability becomes fully integrated into how business success is defined—measured not just by financial performance, but by long-term value creation for people and the planet.
Did anything at RMS for Girls inspire your interest or shape your approach to work?
RMS encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in expressing your views—skills that are essential in sustainability, where constructive challenge and long-term thinking are key.
How did the RMS community prepare you for university or professional life?
The environment fostered independence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility, which helped me navigate both academic pressure and professional complexity.
What advice would you give a current RMS student passionate about sustainability?
Embrace uncertainty, stay curious, and don’t be discouraged if others don’t immediately agree with you. Progress comes from persistence, pragmatism, and collaboration.
One of your fondest non-academic memories from school?
There are really so many, especially all the trips, including skiing, history, and geography. I also enjoyed being Head of House for Scarborough, and filming the 6th form entertainment video was definitely a highlight!
One main message to the RMS community about pursuing your passion?
Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Stay open, back yourself, and focus on creating impact in ways that feel meaningful to you.
Congratulations again to Anoushka on her remarkable achievement.