In 2025, a Group-wide initiative was launched to build AI literacy and responsible use of Generative AI across the workforce. The programme introduced GenAI for eLearning for team members and AI for Leaders for managers and senior leaders, strengthening practical and strategic understanding of AI. The initiative achieved an 85% completion rate, enabling leaders to identify AI use cases and encouraging responsible adoption of AI tools. Future plans include extending GenAI learning to new joiners and integrating AI capabilities into leadership development and learning pathways.

Through our Talent Development programme launched in 2025, we have built a strong future leadership pipeline by focusing on the retention of key talent and enabling internal mobility across the organisation. The programme culminated in a high-impact Finale Experience with Executive Leadership in attendance. Throughout the journey, participants engaged in immersive, simulation-based learning experiences, such as Everest, Those Who Dare, and Orchestrate, designed to translate learning into practical leadership capability.

Chalhoub University continues to serve as the Group’s central platform for learning and capability development, supporting team members in strengthening their skills and advancing their careers.

 

The year also marked the 5th anniversary of Chalhoub University, which has evolved into a transformative learning ecosystem across the Group and the region.

The Gift of Giving campaign continues to reflect Chalhoub Group’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to education and supporting children at critical stages of their learning journey. What began as a simple act of providing school essentials has grown into a sustained initiative focused on opportunity, inclusion, and long term impact.

 

In 2025, the campaign supported 26 schools across nine countries, reaching 18,380 students with carefully selected educational resources. These included school bags with stationery, electronic learning devices, digital screens, reusable water bottles, and other learning tools, helping students begin the academic year equipped and ready to learn.

Over the past eight years, inclusion has been a catalyst for capability development across the Group. In 2025, we strengthened this commitment by creating new opportunities within our Distribution Centre for colleagues from the People of Determination (PoD) community. Rather than expecting individuals to adapt to existing systems, we adapted our systems to better meet individual needs. Workplace adjustments included enhanced safety measures such as visual emergency systems and adapted infrastructure. The PoD Playbook, developed in previous years, is now actively applied and continuously refined based on operational learning. Over the past eight years, inclusion has been a catalyst for capability development across the Group. In 2025, we strengthened this commitment by creating new opportunities within our Distribution Centre for colleagues from the People of Determination (PoD) community. Rather than expecting individuals to adapt to existing systems, we adapted our systems to better meet individual needs. Workplace adjustments included enhanced safety measures such as visual emergency systems and adapted infrastructure. The PoD Playbook, developed in previous years, is now actively applied and continuously refined based on operational learning.

Chalhoub Group remains a signatory to the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs) and a member of the UN Global Compact (UNGC). Our shared commitment is supporting and promoting an equitable environment where women have equal opportunities to thrive, contribute, and lead. This critical commitment to women's advancement ensures their representation has created an impact across the organisation.

 

Our Women in Leadership and Women in Tech programmes continue to expand access to opportunities and build a strong pipeline of diverse talent across the Group. In parallel, our partnership with Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia supports the next generation of women leaders through exposure, mentorship, and hands-on, real-world experience.

Building upon 2023 successes, 2024 marked a significant step forward in our HSSE journey, with several milestones achieved. The expansion of our ISO certifications to include not only logistics but also our offices and retail stores has been a defining accomplishment. With ISO 45001 for Occupational Health & Safety and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management is now covering all offices, logistics, and stores.