Read Anita's full biography here

Dame Anita Roddick, 1942-2007

Dame Anita Roddick, our founder, has died at the age of 64. She died at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, where her husband, Gordon, and daughters Sam and Justine were all with her.

"All of us in The Body Shop family are deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news about Anita's passing away. Anita was not only our Founder but she was also the heart and passion of The Body Shop and with her we achieved so much, whether on animal rights, human rights, Community Trade, or through the founding of organisations like Children on the Edge. It is no exaggeration to say that she changed the world of business with her campaigns for social and environmental responsibility. But for everyone who knew Anita, it was about much more than that: you couldn't help but be inspired by her love of life, her vision of the world and her passion for changing it. Anita leaves us with an enduring legacy which will long guide the affairs of The Body Shop. Our heartfelt condolences are with the Roddick family at this sad time."

Adrian Bellamy
Chairman, The Body Shop

"Anita's a truly remarkable woman who not only founded our company, but whose personality and heart has touched us all. Her energy, charisma and dynamism were unique, and her passion the lifeblood of our company. She will be very sadly missed.

Her passion and campaigning for human rights, animal rights and the environment are evident in every aspect of our business - from the refusal to participate in animal testing to our commitment to Community Trade. Anita leaves a huge legacy.

She loved Body Shop people, whether in stores, At Home or the Office, and as we all come to terms with her passing, we will remember her for her great inspiration and for how fortunate we are to have had her as a part of our lives."

Peter Ridler
President, The Body Shop (Americas Region)

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