Silika is a senior leader with over 20 years experience in consumer products. Her experience has been developed in multi-national businesses such as Coca-Cola, Nestle, The Walt Disney Company & Mars and more recently, Sainsbury’s, over 18 months ago. Most relevantly, Silika commercialised the Future Brands programme at Sainsbury’s and the programme was recognised as the most impactful incubator retailer programme in the UK. Silika also spearheaded the UK retail first incubator initiative, Thrive with Sainsbury’s - a free programme with a £1 million commitment to supporting Black-led start-up food and drink brands transition to supermarket shelves, as part of its mission to be a truly inclusive retailer. 

Silika is often invited to speak about her experiences as a female black senior leader in the industry and share her thinking on what is needed to authentically drive better representation. Focused on not just speaking but also taking action, Silika is also an active mentor. Silika’s achievements in industry, together with her focus on community, led her to being a 2021 finalist for the “Black British Business” awards in the Senior Leader Luxury & Consumer Goods category.