Hetti Barkworth-Nanton: Transformational Leader Driving Innovation and Social Impact in the UK
In an era where innovation and empathy are vital to both economic growth and societal wellbeing, one leader has positioned herself at the intersection of both — Hetti Barkworth-Nanton. With over three decades of high-impact leadership in corporate transformation, Barkworth-Nanton is not just redefining how we commercialise innovation, but also how leadership can catalyse social change. As the CEO of Ploughshare Innovations and Chair of Refuge, she is a force of nature determined to change lives, policies, and futures.
In this in-depth article, we explore her career trajectory, the deeply personal motivations behind her advocacy, and the impressive blend of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence that has brought her to the forefront of UK leadership. We will also delve into related areas of interest, such as Hetti Barkworth-Nanton’s husband, age, and education.
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton: A Legacy of Leadership
A Career Spanning Three Decades
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton’s career spans more than 30 years, during which she has built a formidable reputation as a transformation specialist in the UK’s corporate landscape. Her professional journey began with British Airways, where she led groundbreaking technology and service projects, including the deployment of seatback video systems in the 1990s. From there, she moved through senior leadership roles in Centrica, Openreach, Vodafone, and now Ploughshare Innovations.
She is known not just for managing complex transformations, but for redefining them. At Vodafone UK, she led a multi-year, £300 million programme that revolutionised the company’s fixed-line business, improved margins, and streamlined over 250 legacy products and systems. Her ability to execute high-stakes, cross-functional strategies became her hallmark.
CEO of Ploughshare Innovations
Since April 2020, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton has served as CEO of Ploughshare Innovations, an enterprise focused on translating government-owned science and technology into commercial solutions for real-world problems. Her leadership has transformed the organisation into a hub of socially and economically impactful innovation.
Under her guidance, Ploughshare not only scales cutting-edge science but ensures that its applications directly benefit public safety, the environment, health services, and productivity. This blend of public-sector responsibility and private-sector efficiency is a rare and much-needed formula.
Chair of Refuge: A Passion Born from Personal Tragedy
Beyond business, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton channels her passion into social justice. She is the Chair of Refuge, the UK’s largest provider of specialist services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. This work is personal. In 2010, her best friend Joanna Simpson was murdered by her estranged husband — a tragedy that profoundly impacted Barkworth-Nanton and set her on a mission to combat domestic violence.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop there. She is also the co-founder and patron of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, which supports children affected by domestic abuse and homicide. This experience has given her advocacy work not only depth but a strong sense of urgency and authenticity that resonates with policymakers and the public alike.
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton Age and Background
Born in January 1967, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton is currently 58 years old. Her age reflects not just years, but a wealth of experience and insight. With a career that began in the 1990s and continues to evolve, she exemplifies a rare mix of seasoned perspective and future-focused vision.
She is proof that dynamic, impactful leadership doesn’t fade with age — it matures.
Educational Background
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Business/Commerce from the University of Greenwich. Her academic grounding in business has been consistently evident throughout her career, as she applies sound commercial principles to both corporate environments and nonprofit causes.
While many leaders cite their education as a stepping stone, Barkworth-Nanton’s career is a testament to the lasting impact of aligning education with purpose and practical experience.
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton Husband and Personal Life
Though she keeps her personal life relatively private, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton’s husband has been publicly acknowledged by her as a pillar of support, especially during her advocacy work. She has mentioned the emotional strength she draws from her family, which includes her daughters.
She often credits her family for standing by her, especially during emotional campaigns around domestic abuse and the traumatic memories of her friend’s death. While his name is not publicly disclosed, it is clear that her husband plays a significant role in her personal resilience and drive.
Awards and Recognition
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In the 2024 New Year Honours, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to individuals affected by domestic abuse and homicide.
She also received a Special Recognition Award at the Pride of Britain Awards 2024, cementing her status as one of the UK’s most influential women. Recently, she was also recognised in the Independent Influential Women 2025 list, highlighting her continued influence and relevance across sectors.
Mentorship and Advocacy
In addition to her executive roles, Barkworth-Nanton is an active mentor and leadership facilitator, particularly for women from diverse backgrounds. She works with Windsor Leadership to nurture the next generation of ethical and effective leaders.
Her commitment to mentoring is driven by her belief in the power of inclusion and equity — not just as social ideals but as drivers of business success and societal advancement.
Conclusion
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton is more than a high-ranking executive or social advocate — she is a blueprint for 21st-century leadership. She demonstrates that one can lead with intellect and heart, execute complex business strategies, and still be driven by deeply personal values.
Her journey from British Airways to the boardroom of Ploughshare Innovations, and from a personal tragedy to national advocacy, offers a compelling story of resilience, reinvention, and responsibility. Whether in corporate transformation, government innovation, or domestic abuse prevention, her leadership is marked by clarity, compassion, and courage.
As she continues to champion economic growth and social justice, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton stands as one of the most formidable and inspiring figures in the UK today — a leader worth watching and a voice worth listening to.
