On demand, online
The UK general election has ushered in a new Labour government, but consumers remain cautious, meaning there is no let-up on the pressure on retailers to win their spend.
This is why investing in the right tech is crucial. Doing so enables retailers to offer customers a best-in-class customer experience in stores and online, driving up loyalty.
But with a long shopping list of potential investments, what should retailers prioritise?
In this Retail Week and Zebra Technologies virtual event, a panel of leading retailers will discuss what to cherry-pick for the big wins, including:
- Investing in data strategy to improve business functions - from the customer, to inventory visibility, to supply chain and more
- The tools enabling store staff to do their jobs more effectively and drive up CX
- The role AI is playing right now and the applications having the biggest impact
Speakers:
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James Knowles, Head of Content Innovation, Retail Week (moderator)
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Stuart Hubbard, Senior Director Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Development, Zebra Technologies
Meet the speakers
Louise Rix, UK Retail Director UK & Ireland, DFS
Louise brings a fresh and friendly approach to leadership in the retail world. Known as a visionary, Louise has a knack for nurturing high-performing teams and driving market growth, seizing every opportunity that comes her way.
With over 30 years of experience, Louise has left her mark at companies including Habitat, Currys and DFS. It is in these roles that she is not only perfected her skills but also crafted her own unique style of sales leadership.
For Louise, the customer always comes first. At DFS, she is on a mission to make every interaction with their fantastic showrooms or amazing online products an absolute delight.
Her engaging, friendly, and approachable demeanour has revolutionised traditional sales environments into inclusive cultures where every team member feels valued and empowered to shine.
Beyond her love for her work, Louise is a bookworm at heart. Finding solace and inspiration in the pages of a good book is her go-to, with her favourite genre, non-fiction, reflecting her diverse interests and intellectual curiosity. Always ready to chat about books, Louise is thrilled to share recommendations and swap stories with fellow enthusiasts.
Louise’s journey in the retail sector is a testament to innovation, excellence, and a genuine commitment to building meaningful connections – whether it’s with customers, colleagues, or characters in her beloved novels. As she continues to forge ahead in her career, one thing is certain: Louise’s impact on the retail landscape will be felt for years to come, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, inclusivity, and genuine care.
Tony Preedy, Managing Director, Fruugo
Tony has more than 25 years of experience in direct and digital marketing gained at Shop Direct Group, Otto Group and at multichannel kitchenware retailer Lakeland. For over a decade he has worked on international business development and the creation of new channels to market for retailers, particularly using marketplaces. Fruugo is an ecommerce marketplace specialising in cross-border trade, enabling global retailers to sell their products anywhere in their own preferred language, currency and payment method.
Baltazar Ozonek, VP of AI & Innovation, Pandora
Baltazar has over 10 years of experience in leveraging data and artificial intelligence to transform both customer and colleague experiences. His career includes key roles at IBM and GroupM before he joined Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery brand, in 2019.
At Pandora, Baltazar leads the AI and Innovation teams, focusing on developing and implementing digital and technological enablers across the value chain. His efforts ensure that Pandora stays at the forefront of customer-centric innovation and growth.
Stuart Hubbard, Senior Director Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Development, Zebra Technologies
Stuart Hubbard is Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Development at Zebra Technologies and boasts a wealth of technical experience garnered from various industries worldwide. His specialization lies in AI, machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, as well as IoT and cloud-based solutions (SaaS and PaaS).
Notably, Stuart excels in building high-performing research and development teams that are capable of developing innovative and integrated solutions.
Stuart is a respected leader in the field of AI and advanced development, known for his practical approach, technical innovation, and ability to drive success in the development of cutting-edge technologies.
James Knowles, Head of Content Innovation, Retail Week
James is Head of Content Innovation at Connect, Retail Week’s content marketing business. He leads the innovation strategy for the brand’s commercial content, devising new content and event products, formats and campaigns.
Strategising creative solutions to meet clients’ needs – be they brand awareness, lead generation, or both – James has worked with some of the largest companies, from Google, to Microsoft, Salesforce, and PwC.
Leading projects from pitch to publish as project manager, James leads on annual campaigns such as flagship report Retail 2025, for which he interviews over 40 UK CEOs every year and chairs an associated breakfast, and his most recent new product launch, Retail Week’s community Clubhouses. He personally oversees the Digital and Marketing Clubhouses.
He also chairs panels, speaks at events and delivers client presentations.
He has spent 16 years working across consumer celebrity and lifestyle magazines, and business trade titles. This has included Australia’s longest-running women’s and celebrity title New Idea and fashion business publication Drapers, before joining Retail Week in 2017.
