Top business leader and former Senior Government Advisor Hannah Gibson returned to her old school to tell the next generation 'to embrace change.'

The former King's School Head Girl, known then as Hannah Roberts, is now the Chief Executive Officer at Ocado Retail and was formerly a senior Policy Advisor to David Cameron in No.10 Downing Street. The Bollington born Cambridge graduate was the special guest speaker at King's annual Founders' Day celebrations, addressing Sixth Form pupils first at St. Michael's Parish Church and then pupils in Years 7 – 11 at King's.

The retail and tech expert had three key pieces of advice: "Firstly, give it your all. I have found the people who are most successful are those that really care, are passionate about what they do and want to do more."

She added: "Secondly, embrace change. I am doing things now that I could not even have imagined when I was at school and the pace of change is only getting faster and faster. When I was at Uni, iPhones didn’t exist and when I left No.10, it was only just getting Wi-Fi - and now I work in a company where robots are picking customers groceries and where the world of work is going to carry on transforming."

"Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. No matter what role I've been in throughout my career, I always know there are so many people who will have a better understanding of their specialist areas and better ideas than me. Ask for help, be part of a strong team."

Hannah was a straight A student at both GCSE and A Level, before studying Politics and Economics at Queen's College, Cambridge, gaining a 2:1.

A First Team hockey player and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award winner at King's, she also took part in all manner of outdoor activities; orienteering in Scotland and even going on a leadership programme to Mongolia and visiting the Great Wall of China.

"I've always enjoyed being busy and King's offered so many different opportunities. Take advantage of all you can."

Now with three young boys aged 5, 7 and 10; a doctor for a husband and a CEO role in the rapidly evolving sector of online food retailing, she certainly has a full life.

Talking about her role as a CEO at Ocado, where she has 900 staff providing over 500,000 deliveries every week, covering 80% of the UK, 'with more and more in around Macclesfield,' she said: "The most important issue is to get the customer service right. That is what will build your business. "Then we have to continually look at making our systems more efficient with new technology and better planning and, importantly, we must make sure we have a positive culture and that our staff are happy."

Joining Ocado in 2012, Hannah was first a Business Consultant and then as a rising star was recruited by Number 10, focusing on economic growth; specifically around new technology. 

Head of King's Foundation Jason Slack said: "Hannah is a wonderful role model. Hard working, driven and innovative while being aware of the challenges faced by young people today. It was lovely to see how warmly she was greeted by so many former teachers and staff.”

Pictured: Hannah on the right-hand side of the bench is pictured with some of today’s students, Head of Foundation Jason Slack and Director of External Relations Caroline Johnson.