The retail sector is facing one of its greatest challenges to date – global supply chain disruption. In this testing trading environment, retailers need forward-thinking, strategic leadership in place to drive growth.

From allocating transformative investment to driving sustainability initiatives across the value chain, leaders need to devise strategies that ensure operations run efficiently and sustainably.

Join Retail Week as we gather senior leaders to share and analyse the innovations with the potential to shape future tech strategies. We will look at how brands are weathering the disruption and discuss where investments are needed most. Combining thought-provoking speakers, a cocktail reception and shuffleboard, this intimate evening will provide retail leaders with the tools needed to build better, long-lasting supply chains.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Apply for your place to attend the event on Wednesday September 7 from 6.00pm to 9.00pm BST, hosted at The Montcalm Royal London House.

NB: This in-person event is limited to senior retailer and retail brand attendance

THE AGENDA

See the agenda below and register your interest here.

• 6.00-6.30pm: Arrival, registration, welcome drinks and networking

• 6.30-6.35pm: Welcome from Isobel Chillman, Relationship Director, Retail Week

• 6.35-7.10pm: What does 2023 have in store for supply chains?

Supply chain disruption shows no signs of slowing down.

From Brexit pressures and pandemic restrictions in China, to the conflict in Ukraine, turbulence has become endless and highlighted the fragility of global supply chains.

These disruptions, in tandem with the cost-of-living crisis and increasing customer expectations, puts retailers under immense pressure. Faster deliveries, simple and quick returns, instant customer support – consumers want the best experience and products for the lowest price possible. 

Join Retail Week and 4C Associates as we analyse and explore how retailers are adapting their supply chains to minimise disruption and keep pace with changing customer demand.

Speakers:

• Phil Coghlan, Supply Chain Director, Naked Wines
• Megan Dunsby, Senior Commercial Content Editor, Retail Week
• Gopal Iyer, Head of Supply Chain, 4C Associate
• Tom Renphrey, Logistics Director, Carpetright

• 7.10-7.35pm: The future of robotics in retail – Getting the balance right between humans and automation

Robotics and AI have revolutionised retail logistics and operations. From on-demand delivery service to automated distribution centres, robotic innovations are increasing productivity and reducing errors and losses. 

Robots are also playing an increased role in retail. With automated chatbots online and smart checkout in-store, customer experience has rapidly altered where, if the technology matches in-person services, the consumer is equally happy with a digital-first experience.

Join Retail Week and GreyOrange for this fireside chat to learn more about the latest innovations in automation and how retailers can reimagine their fulfilment strategy with AI at the core.

Speakers:

• Lisa Byfield-Green, Research Director, Retail Week
• Samay Kohli, Co-Founder and CEO, GreyOrange
• Susanne Robbins, Supply Chain Director, River Island

• 7.35-9.00pm: Canapés, cocktails and shuffleboard

SPEAKERS

Lisa Byfield-Green, Research Director, Retail Week

Lisa Byfield-Green is Research Director at Retail Week, responsible for our data insight, analyst content and advisory research.

Previously she worked as a senior retail analyst for online and digital, leading research at IGD and Planet Retail (now Edge by Ascential) in the UK and more recently LZ Retailytics in Germany.

Lisa regularly provides commentary on the retail industry and presents at briefings, conferences and workshops.

Isobel Chillman, Relationship Director, Retail Week

As Relationship Director, Isobel builds connections with global retailers and retail suppliers alike.

An avid podcaster and presenter – on stage, TV and radio – Isobel has interviewed some of the UK's leading retail CEOs.

Phil Coghlan, Supply Chain Director, Naked Wines

Phil Coghlan is the Supply Chain Director at Naked Wines, the online wine retailer connecting consumers directly to the world's best independent winemakers. He is responsible for shipping over 20 million bottles of wine annually from all of the world's winemaking regions, warehousing them in the UK and distributing them directly to consumers. His focus is on integrating a warehouse automation system to support the growth in Naked Wines' business. Previously a strategy consultant with Booz & Company and EY, Phil started his professional life as an Army Engineering Officer and has an MBA from London Business School.

Megan Dunsby, Senior Commercial Content Editor, Retail Week

Megan Dunsby is Retail Week Connect’s Senior Commercial Content Editor. A former journalist and features editor, Megan joined the team in January 2019 to help brands leverage content to reach the people who matter in retail.

Megan also works on Be Inspired, Retail Week’s events and content programme to help women throughout the retail sector fulfil their career ambitions.

Megan has a BA Hons in English and History from Southampton University. In 2018, she was named among The Drum’s 50 under 30 Top Women in Digital and, in 2016, was recognised with the Silver Rising Star accolade at the British Media Awards.

Gopal Iyer, Head of Supply Chain, 4C Associate

Gopal Iyer is the Head of Supply Chain practice at 4C Associates. During his 16 years of operational and advisory experience, he has worked with organisations like McDonalds, Nestlé, Just Eat, Paperchase, Motorola and, more recently, the Test and Trace programme. He has supported operational teams in making supply chains more efficient, profitable and sustainable. Over this period, he has worked out of Asia Pacific, South Asia, Europe and the US, allowing him a global view of supply chains. A Cranfield graduate, Gopal is a life-long student of the subject area and also a member of CILT and CIPS.

Samay Kohli, Co-Founder and CEO, GreyOrange

Samay Kohli, GreyOrange Co-Founder and CEO, gained recognition as a robotics and software innovator while still an engineering student at Birla Institute of Tech and Science. After winning numerous worldwide team robotics competitions, Samay and teammate Akash Gupta, now Co-Founder and CTO at GreyOrange, channeled their passion for robotics, AI software and machine learning into a company focused on applying these solutions to modernize and accelerate fulfillment operations in supply chain. Founded in 2012, GreyOrange, the fulfillment platform leader, partners with companies all over the world to drive business solutions that support scale and growth. The platform gets the right product to the right person at the right time, offering organisations a competitive advantage by increasing productivity, mitigating labor challenges, reducing risk and creating better experiences for customers and employees. A frequently speaker at logistics, fulfillment, robotics and technology industry events, Samay has also been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, MIT Technology Review’s Top 35 Innovators Under 35, and Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list. 

Tom Renphrey, Logistics Director, Carpetright

Susanne Robbins, Supply Chain Director, River Island

Susanne joined the supply chain team in 2019 as Supply Chain Director. She is responsible for the global movement of products to customers. Prior to this role, Susanne worked for over 20 years in retail commercial teams. Over this time she has held various roles including Group Trading Director for River Island.

GET INVOLVED

Do you have insights on supply chain innovation? Do you provide a product that would help retailers to streamline their operations?

Sponsorship of the event provides branding opportunities, targeted lead generation and brand awareness among a captive audience. Share your insights with retailers and position yourself as a thought leader in this evolving market.

Get in touch with Retail Week relationships director Isobel Chillman to find out more: isobel.chillman@retail-week.com.