Debbie Thackray
Impact Director

My background  

Having worked in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, my career has spanned different facets of governance, continuous improvement and ethical trade and sustainability.  

Across a number of roles within the Corporate Responsibility Team at Pentland Brands, I championed continuous improvement and the implementation of ethical and sustainable practices before moving to B Lab UK, a non-profit certification whose standards establish social, environmental, and governance best practices for businesses. There I led engagement and impact activations and projects, such as B Corp Month and Best For The World, and the recertification journey.

Exploring the interconnections between profit, people and the planet has subsequently become a key focus of my work, leading me to join AG Communications in 2025 as Impact Director.

What I enjoy most about my work 

I highly value the opportunity to be creative within my work; collaborating with a network of experts to co-create impact improvement opportunities and services for clients that empower businesses to be a force for good. In a company where everyone continuously strives to expand our impact (whether this be through client projects, AG Comms activism, giving or certifications) it is incredibly inspiring and helps me personally develop my own professional capabilities in a positive and supportive environment.

Some of the companies I have worked with  

Pentland Brands (including JD Sports, Berghaus, Speed, Canterbury, Lacoste), B Lab UK and the community of 2,500 companies

My hope for the future 

My hope for the future is that ESG becomes centered within all decision-making, rather than a retrospective consideration, meaning all businesses function to first create a positive contribution or impact to people or the planet, before profit. Stakeholder governance would become the norm, so I look forward to a future where leadership holds space for these types of conversations and decision-making processes, welcoming all voices into the room.

What I love about AG Comms 

I greatly appreciate the culture at AG Comms. I have found the team to be incredibly supportive and friendly, even though we are all working remotely, and I am inspired daily by the insights, experience and knowledge of the team. It has been highly rewarding to join a company who are constantly taking action to champion gender equality, climate change and decent work.  

How does working for AG Comms support you? 

AG Comms holds very clear values in both how it operates internally and externally; clarity around this has ensured that I, in turn, am able to work within an environment where I have confidence in my decisions and can feel proud that they align with my own value set. The company’s approach to flexible working has also enabled me to operate in a manner suited to my own requirements, that has benefitted my mental and physical health immeasurably.