Women shaping the KBB industry: Daphne Doody-Green

At kbb Birmingham, we believe it is essential to celebrate the inspiring women who are helping to shape the future of our industry, and to recognise the vital contributions they make across every part of the KBB sector.

Today, more women than ever are leading the way in diverse roles across manufacturing, design and sales, bringing fresh perspectives and insight to a sector where women are key influencers in home design and renovation decisions.

The KBB industry is steadily moving towards a more inclusive future, with strategies in place to attract and retain women at all levels. However, as with many industries, the legacy of gender imbalance at senior and board level continues to evolve gradually, with more work still to be done to ensure lasting change.

In a series of articles, we are shining a spotlight on influential voices from across the KBB community to hear their thoughts on how far women have progressed, the barriers that still exist, and what more can be achieved together.

Here, we speak to Daphne Doody-Green, who recently joined the Bathroom Association as CEO. Previously, Daphne spent over twenty years working for the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), serving in senior leadership positions. Daphne is new to KBB, naturally bringing a fresh outlook on the sector. 

Looking ahead, she expects a shift from constant novelty to relevance and refinement: materials with substance, evolving collections rather than resets, and grounded design choices—requiring as much restraint as creativity.

Can you tell us a little about your career path and what first attracted you to the KBB industry?

DDG: I’ve spent most of my career in the HR industry, an environment that is roughly 80% female, where my focus was entirely on people, culture, and organisational behaviour. Five months ago, I pivoted into the bathroom sector, which has been quite a shift! 

What attracted me was the opportunity to apply a people-first lens to a highly tangible, product-driven world. I’m particularly motivated to lead the Bathroom Association's ambition to become a more inclusive and influential community across the entire supply chain. It’s been fascinating to move from shaping corporate cultures to understanding how our industry comes together to create bathrooms that are truly good for both people and the planet.

What challenges still exist for women who are looking to succeed in the KBB industry, and how do you think these can be overcome?

DDG: The gender contrast in my sector has been more pronounced than in my previous role. My background tells me the challenge isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a legacy of visibility. 

In some areas, the industry can still feel like a closed loop that inadvertently signals to women that leadership isn't for them. However, we are already seeing the impact of changing this narrative. Through initiatives like the Construction Inclusion Coalition, the industry is starting to recognise that unlocking diverse talent will drive future success, and that structured support, such as mentorship, will be critical to helping women navigate their career paths.

To truly move the needle, we need active allyship and passionate people leaders who ensure this agenda is woven into their core business strategy. It requires a combined top-down and bottom-up approach across every organisation and the wider industry. A brilliant example of this in action is the Bathroom Association Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, which have been a huge success in recognising the next generation of talented women and men. By intentionally highlighting those already doing incredible work, we shift inclusion from a compliance box to a core talent strategy which the industry can get behind. Culture only shifts when you intentionally open the doors, and seeing such a diverse group of young professional women rise through these awards proves that the future of the sector is in very capable hands.

How have you seen opportunities for women in the KBB sector evolve over recent years?

DDG: In just five months, I’ve noticed a real acknowledgement that change is necessary. There is a growing opportunity for women to lead the industry strategically, rather than focusing solely on the operational side. Since our sector serves a diverse customer base, our workforce must reflect that diversity to remain relevant. 

The real opportunity now lies in bringing soft skills, which are actually the hardest skills to master, such as empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence, directly into the boardroom.

What unique perspectives do women bring to design, manufacturing, or sales in this industry?

Women often bring a more holistic view of the end-user. In design and sales, there is a natural focus on the practicalities of daily life that can sometimes be overlooked. In manufacturing and leadership, I see women bringing a collaborative, multi-tasking approach to problem-solving that is incredibly effective. We don't just ask how a product is made, we ask how it will improve the lived experience of the person using it.

What trends or innovations are you most excited to see shaping the KBB sector over the next few years?

Coming from a people-centric background, I’m intrigued by how our work and life behaviours have changed and how that will impact future consumers, particularly in the area of wellness in the home. I’m also interested in how AI is being used to help this industry stay ahead and avoid falling behind, as we have an opportunity to embrace it now.

What are you most looking forward to seeing or discussing at kbb Birmingham 2026?

Being so new to the sector, I’m looking forward to the sheer scale of the event! I want to soak up the atmosphere and see how the industry presents itself. I’m particularly interested in the discussions around the skills gap. From my perspective, I want to explore how we can better attract the next generation of talent, especially women, into this fantastic industry, working as a collaborative community across the KBB industries, including other partners and trade associations.

How can the event - and the wider KBB community - keep celebrating and supporting women shaping the future of the sector? 

DDG: I do have some ideas:

1. Celebrating the pivot/parachuters: Showing that you don't need a 20-year plumbing background to lead here; my own journey from a different sector is a testament to that.
2. Inclusive Networking: Moving away from the traditional drinks at the bar and creating modern spaces where mentorship and meaningful collaboration can happen naturally.
3. Transparency: Sharing the stories of women at all levels, from the factory floor to the boardroom, to prove that in KBB, your voice really does shape the future.
4. Representation: Ensuring we have a diversity of voices represented across every opportunity, through events, social media, and editorial, to consistently spotlight the women doing great work for our sector.