Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE: A Trailblazer in British Business and Leadership
In the world of British business and public service, few names resonate with the same impact as Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE. Recognised as a pioneering leader, she has not only broken barriers as the first Asian female chief executive of a FTSE 250 company but has also played a pivotal role in shaping workplace equality, skills development, and governance across multiple sectors. Her career is a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership in both the corporate and public spheres. Today, as a Chair, Non-Executive Director, and Fellow of the ICAEW, she continues to influence organisations, industries, and government policy.
Early Life and Education
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith was born on 22 February 1963 in Lucknow, India. At the age of two, she moved to the United Kingdom with her family and grew up in the London Borough of Harrow. She pursued a degree in Economics at Kingston Polytechnic, graduating in 1985, before training as a chartered accountant. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for a career that would blend finance, strategy, and leadership at the highest levels.
Breaking Barriers in British Business
The Mitie Journey
Ruby McGregor-Smith is perhaps best known for her transformative leadership at Mitie Group plc, where she joined as Chief Financial Officer in 2002. Within a few years, she rose to Chief Operating Officer and, in 2007, became Chief Executive.
Her tenure at Mitie was marked by significant growth. Under her leadership, Mitie’s revenue more than doubled, surpassing the £2 billion mark. She focused on expanding service offerings, diversifying operations, and embedding robust governance structures. Her appointment as CEO was historic, making her the first Asian female to head a FTSE 250 firm, breaking both gender and ethnic glass ceilings in the British corporate world.
Recognition as a FTSE Leader
During her time at Mitie, Ruby McGregor-Smith earned recognition for her strategic vision and her ability to deliver results in a competitive marketplace. She became a prominent figure in corporate Britain, admired not only for her achievements but also for her advocacy on diversity, inclusion, and workplace equality.
Public Service and Policy Impact
The McGregor-Smith Review
One of her most influential contributions came in 2017 with the publication of the McGregor-Smith Review, a landmark government-commissioned study into race in the workplace. The report highlighted that the UK economy could benefit by up to £24 billion annually if barriers to progression for Black and Minority Ethnic employees were removed. The findings sparked a national conversation and policy action around diversity, equality, and inclusion.
Service in the House of Lords
In 2015, Ruby McGregor-Smith was appointed as a life peer, becoming Baroness McGregor-Smith of Sunninghill in the Royal County of Berkshire. Sitting on the Conservative benches, she has contributed to critical debates and served on various Lords committees, including those on risk assessment, regulators, and digital technologies. Her presence in the House of Lords reflects her influence not only in business but also in shaping national policy.
Leadership Across Organisations
AirportsUK
Since 2019, she has served as the Non-Executive Chair of AirportsUK, formerly the Airport Operators Association. In this role, she has provided strategic leadership during a challenging period for aviation, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the recovery that followed. Her leadership here reinforces her ability to guide industries through transformation and crisis.
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)
In August 2021, Ruby McGregor-Smith took on the position of Non-Executive Chair at IfATE, where she continues to shape the landscape of skills and vocational training in the UK. Her focus on apprenticeships and technical education underscores her long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for young people and ensuring businesses have access to the skills they need.
Tideway London
In July 2024, she became Deputy Chair and Senior Independent Director at Tideway London, the company behind the Thames Tideway Tunnel, one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the UK. Her role demonstrates her continuing involvement in large-scale, complex projects that have a lasting impact on society.
AtkinsRealis
Ruby McGregor-Smith also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at AtkinsRealis, a global leader in design, engineering, and project management. Her expertise in governance and risk oversight adds value to the company’s strategic objectives.
Thales
In May 2024, she joined Thales, a multinational company in aerospace, defence, and security, as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Her involvement in a global technology firm reflects her versatility and ability to contribute across different industries.
Everyman Media Group
Since 2022, she has been an Independent Non-Executive Director at Everyman Media Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing cinema companies. Here, she adds her insight into corporate governance and customer-focused growth strategies.
Past Leadership Roles
Ruby McGregor-Smith’s career is marked by a wide range of leadership roles:
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Chair of MindGym (2021–2024), a behaviour change consultancy.
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President of the British Chambers of Commerce (2020–2022), where she represented and advocated for UK businesses nationally and internationally.
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Independent Non-Executive Director at the Department for Education (2015–2022), influencing educational policy at the highest levels.
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Chair of the Women’s Business Council (2012–2016), where she championed gender equality and representation in the workplace.
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Roles with organisations such as Michael Page, Business in the Community, and the Prime Minister’s Holocaust Commission further illustrate her breadth of influence.
Honours and Recognition
CBE and Professional Distinctions
In 2012, Ruby McGregor-Smith was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to business and diversity. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), recognising her professional standing in finance and governance.
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith
Her elevation to the peerage in 2015 solidified her role as a leader not only in business but also in national life. As Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, she has the platform to influence both public and private sector agendas.
Personal Life
Behind her high-profile career, Ruby McGregor-Smith maintains a strong family life. She is married to Graham McGregor-Smith, an accountant by training, since 1990. Together, they have two children, a daughter and a son. At 62 years of age (as of 2025), she continues to balance her personal commitments with an extensive professional portfolio.
Legacy and Influence
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith’s career is a story of firsts and trailblazing achievements. From leading Mitie as the first Asian female FTSE 250 CEO to shaping national debates on race and gender equality, she has demonstrated a commitment to driving both business success and social progress.
Her current roles across AirportsUK, IfATE, Tideway London, AtkinsRealis, Thales, and Everyman Media Group reflect her continuing influence in diverse industries. At the same time, her presence in the House of Lords ensures that her voice is heard in shaping policy and governance.
Conclusion
The story of Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE is one of resilience, leadership, and trailblazing success. She has proven that barriers can be broken, industries transformed, and societies improved when determination meets vision. As she continues her work across corporate boards, public service, and advisory roles, she remains a symbol of excellence and inspiration for future generations.
In celebrating her achievements, it becomes clear that Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith is not only a remarkable business leader but also a figure whose impact on equality, governance, and public life will endure for decades to come.
