Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based Director operating in the Retail space. If you think a Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Oliver Sloane
Director, Amazon Global Communities of Amazon
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About Amazon: Amazon is an e-commerce website for consumers, sellers, and content creators.
Alex Green
Managing Director, Amazon Video of Amazon
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About Amazon: Amazon is an e-commerce website for consumers, sellers, and content creators.
Neil Lawrence
Director of Amazon
Neil Lawrence is a Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Sheffield, currently on leave of absence at Amazon, Cambridge. His main technical research interest is machine learning through probabilistic models. He focuses on both the algorithmic side of these models and their application. He has a particular interest on applications in personalized health and applications in the developing world. Neil is well known for his work with Gaussian processes, and has proposed Gaussian process variants of many of the successful deep learning architectures. He is also an advocate of of the ideas behind “Open Data Science” and active in public awareness (see https://www.theguardian.com/profile/neil-lawrence) and community organization. He has been both program chair and general chair of the NIPS Conference.
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About Amazon, University of Sheffield: Amazon is an e-commerce website for consumers, sellers, and content creators.
Lee Bernasconi
Director of Growth of Founders Factory
Leading the Founders Factory Growth team, Lee’s expertise in strategy, marketing, product and analytics help portfolio companies drive growth from launch through to traction and scale. Lee has previously held Senior Marketing positions at VC backed startups and international marketing agencies, also working as a business and marketing consultant for B2B & B2C companies in Mobile, FinTech, MarTech, AdTech, Property and eCommerce. With a background rooted in entrepreneurship, Lee founded a mobile ticketing startup in 2011 and a digital advertising platform for local businesses aged 19. He holds a BA (Hons) In Marketing & Management from Newcastle University.
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About Founders Factory: Founders Factory is a global corporate-backed venture studio and accelerator.
James Millett
Director of Marketing, Digital & Brand of Founders Factory
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About : Founders Factory is a global corporate-backed venture studio and accelerator.
Carla Buzasi
Managing Director of WGSN.com
Carla Buzasi was the founding editor of The Huffington Post UK. During her time at the publication, she saw it grow to 24.4 million global unique users per month, and attract more than 10,000 bloggers, including the likes of David Beckham, Cherie Blair and HRH the Prince of Wales. She also held the role of Vice President and Global Editorial Director of Huffington Post Lifestyle. Carla was awarded the Media Innovator of the Year award in 2012 and has won Editor of the Year at the Online Media Awards for the past two years. She was also named as one of the top 50 female Innovators in Digital Journalism in 2013. In the summer of 2014 she left Huffington Post to take on the new role of Global Chief Content Officer at trends and intelligence company WGSN, leading an international team of journalists, trend forecasters and designers. In addition to her day job, she is a regular commentator on the media, appearing on Newsnight, The Andrew Marr Show, Daily Politics, Sky News and Lorraine.
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About WGSN.com: WGSN a B2B, world-wide information source for the design, textile and style industries.
Orhan Hasanov
Director of SwiftGift
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About GiftMagic, SwiftGift: SwiftGift is the world’s first Instant Gift Messenger App which allows you to send real gifts to anyone in your phone’s contact book.
Parminder Basran
Co-founder and Managing Director of Velos Partners
Parminder Basran is the Founder & Managing Partner at VGC Partners.
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About Iconic Images, Kick Game, Round World Entertainment, Twenty Ten Capital, Velos Partners, VGC Partners, WIT Fitness: Velos Partners is a consumer growth capital firm investing in retail innovation, health & wellness, and luxury & entertainment.
Galahad Clark
Founder & Managing Director of Vivobarefoot
Galahad Clark is the Founder and Managing Director of Vivobarefoot.
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About Terra Plana, Vivobarefoot: UK-based shoe brand and Crowdcube alum
James Pochin
Legal Director of THG
Joined The Hut Group in July 2010 as Group Legal Director and Company Secretary. Prior to joining The Hut Group James was a corporate partner in a national law firm advising on mergers and acquisitions, takeover offers and schemes of arrangement, disposals, IPOs and equity fundraisings.
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About THG: The Hut Group is an online retailing platform focused on fast moving consumer goods, specifically focused on health and beauty.
Paul Rawlings
Director of Engineering of THG
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About THG: The Hut Group is an online retailing platform focused on fast moving consumer goods, specifically focused on health and beauty.
Stuart Hennell
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Watchfinder
Stuart Hennell is a Co-Founder & Managing Director at Watchfinder • Stuart spent 6 years working on various Major UK and European Projects in the Civil Engineering Industry • He has lots of experience negotiating and developing supplier/client relationships both inside and outside of the UK as well as strong leadership skills and have used them to build a strong and successful team at Watchfinder • Stuart goal is to build Watchfinder into a worldwide brand and a byword for quality products delivered with the highest standards of customer service • Stuart studied Engineering Geology & Geotechnics at University of Portsmouth
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About Watchfinder: Watchfinder is the world’s leading retailer of pre-owned watches
George Livingston
Director of Data Infrastructure of Farfetch
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About Farfetch: Farfetch is an online luxury fashion retail platform.
Henry Graham
Creative Director & Co-Founder of Wolf & Badger
Henry Graham is Creative Director & Co-Founder @ Wolf & Badger.
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About Wolf & Badger: Wolf & Badger is a multi-channel retail platform for the finest independent, ethical and unique brands from around the globe.
Alistair Barclay
Director of YOPA
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About YOPA: YOPA provides real estate agency services that assist clients in selling their properties.
Tim Muir
Chief Operating Officer and Director Field Engagement of YOPA
Tim Muir is Chief Operating Officer and Product Director at YOPA. Prior to this, he was a freelance product management consultant. Tim bears a degree in Marketing.
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About YOPA: YOPA provides real estate agency services that assist clients in selling their properties.
Aravindan Thangaraj
Account Director of Financial Services of Mastek
Aravindan Thangaraj joined Mastek in 1995 and is responsible for business development and account management within the Financial Services vertical. He has 26+ years of technology and sales experience across insurance, financial services and the public sector working with customers in the UK and Europe. Aravindan is focussed on the consumer lending, micro finance, vehicle leasing, wealth management and asset & investment management micro-verticals. Aravindan also has considerable experience in programme management of large scale insurance platform implementation.
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About Mastek: Mastek in building, maintaining and managing bespoke digital solutions for clients in Government, Health, Retail, and, Financial Services.
Rhodri Evans
Brand Content Director – Europe of Levi Strauss & Co.
Rhodri Evans is a Brand Content Director – Europe at Levi Strauss & Co.
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About Levi Strauss & Co.: Levi Strauss & Co. is a brand-name apparel company designs, markets, and sells jeans, casual and dress pants, jackets, skirts, and more.
Dennis Curry
Executive Director and Deputy CTO, Technology Fellow of Konica Minolta
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About Konica Minolta: Konica Minolta is an Innovative Company and continues to create inspiring products and services in the field of imaging.
Sarah Stone
Director of People and Culture of Konica Minolta
Sarah is part of the UK Board at Konica Minolta Business Solutions, an Intelligent Data company with 43,000 employees worldwide. With over 30 years of experience in Human Resources, she has vast experience of Talent Management, Organisational and Cultural change. Her Strategic Thought Leadership surrounds creating great places to work and championing both Inclusion and CSR. Her current role is responsible for People Strategy, Employee Experience including workplace, Compliance and Internal/External Branding She previously has worked within the Financial Services Industry, including AIG and RSA Insurance. Sarah believes in constantly Rethinking how we do things as the world evolves and her purpose is to help people be the best they can be in life.
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About Konica Minolta: Konica Minolta is an Innovative Company and continues to create inspiring products and services in the field of imaging.
Jane Lawrie
Group Communications Director of Tesco
Jane joined the Executive Committee on 10 October 2016. Jane is responsible for rebuilding trust in the Tesco brand and its businesses. Jane has over 25 years’ experience of corporate, financial, colleague and digital communications. She joined Tesco from Coca-Cola, where she led European public affairs and communications. She has significant experience in advising businesses on trust and corporate reputation through previous roles at Diageo and Boots.
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About Tesco: Tesco PLC is a British multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer headquartered in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England.
Jan Woods
Director of Lion Capital
Jan Woods is a Director of Lion Capital. Prior to joining Lion Capital, Jan completed a 20-year corporate career with IBM and PepsiCo. She served in a variety of international HR executive positions outside of the U.K. Most recently, Jan was the Group Human Resources Director for a Lion Capital-owned portfolio company. Jan received a BA in Theology from Hull University and an MBA from Portsmouth University.
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About Lion Capital: Lion Capital is a consumer-focused investor passionate about investing in brands about which people are passionate.
Samantha Tyrer
Managing Director of Co-op
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About Co-op: Co-op, home to Food, Insurance, Funeralcare, Legal Services and Electrical
Simon Burke
Board of Directors of Co-op
Simon Burke is an experienced retail and consumer executive and has managed some of the best-known retail names in the UK. He trained as a chartered accountant before joining Virgin, where he held various positions, including CEO of Virgin Retail, Virgin Cinemas, and Virgin Entertainment Group. In 1999 Simon was drafted in as Chairman & Chief Executive of Hamleys PLC. He has also been chairman of Majestic Wine, Irish supermarket chain Superquinn, and Mitchells & Butlers, the FTSE 250 pub and restaurant business. Currently Simon is chairman of Hobbycraft, Bathstore.com, and Eagle Eye, the mobile voucher specialist.
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About The Light Cinema Company: Co-op, home to Food, Insurance, Funeralcare, Legal Services and Electrical
Damian McGloughlin
Managing Director of HomeBase
Damian McGloughlin is CEO at Homebase UK &Ireland.
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About HomeBase: HomeBase is a home improvement and garden retailer.
Jamie Crowther
Director of Operations of Marshall Motor Holdings
Jamie has 28 years of industry experience, including 17 as operations director at Reg Vardy and eight as the managing director and commercial director at Peter Vardy. Jamie joined the Company in 2014.
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About Marshall Motor Holdings: MMH PLC one of the UK’s leading Motor Groups with 71 franchises covering the United Kingdom and delivering the whole range of premium.
Pierre Sapin
Managing Director of BORN
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About BORN: BORN is the world’s first private B2B platform that connects a global network of design-led lifestyle brands and retail buyers.
Sir Stuart Rose
Director of Woolworths Holdings Ltd.
Rose first joined Marks & Spencer in 1972, as a management trainee. Rose remained with Marks & Spencer until 1989, when he joined the Burton Group as Chief Executive in 1994. The Burton Group demerged, forming the Arcadia and Debenhams businesses. In 1997, he joined Argos as Chief Executive, where he was charged with defending the company against a takeover bid from the home shopping giant, Great Universal Stores (GUS). Ultimately, GUS did succeed in taking control of Argos, although Rose was widely praised for negotiating an increased price for the retailer. In a turbulent time in its history, Rose became the Chief Executive of Booker plc, where he oversaw the merger of the company with Iceland to form the Big Food Group. Rose joined the Arcadia Group in 2000 as Chief Executive and left in 2002 following its acquisition. Rose turned around the fortunes of the Arcadia Group, and sold the group for over £800m, netting himself around £25m as part of the deal.
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About Woolworths Holdings Ltd.: Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) is a South African-based retail group listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange since 1997.
Andrew Flint
Technical Service Director EMEA of Anixter International
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About Anixter International: Anixter is an online distributor of network & security solutions, electrical & electronic solutions and utility power solutions.
Michael Kraftman
Non Executive Director of My 1st Years
Michael Kraftman is an Executive Director at My 1st Years.
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About My 1st Years: My 1st Years offers personalised gifts for babies and children.
Jonny Sitton
Co-founder / Director of My 1st Years
Jonny Sitton is a Co-Founder and Director at My 1st Years.
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About My 1st Years: My 1st Years offers personalised gifts for babies and children.
Jeffrey Krogh
Director of BNP Paribas Private Equity
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About BNP Paribas Private Equity: BNP Paribas is a French private equity firm that provides a range of asset management services to its institutional and retail clients.
Johnny Dunford
Director Corporate Real Estate of BNP Paribas Private Equity
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About BNP Paribas Private Equity: BNP Paribas is a French private equity firm that provides a range of asset management services to its institutional and retail clients.
Lawrence Melville
Director of ZigZag Global
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About ZigZag Global: ZigZag Global is a software platform that helps retailers manage their returns globally.
Mark Roberts
Founder & Director of Beer Hawk
Mark Roberts, co-founder of Beer Hawk, the UK’s leading craft beer retailer, is a rare breed of entrepreneur who masters uniting board-level B2C marketing experience with e-commerce and digital innovation. Before embarking on his own entrepreneurial journey, Mark built his commercial and innovation skills at a number of global and blue-chip companies including Direct Wines, Lloyds Banking Group, HBOS and Procter & Gamble. He has led Beer Hawk on a consistent fast-track growth trajectory over the past 7 years from nothing to a turnover of £20million this year. In 2016 Beer Hawk became part of ZX Ventures.
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About Beer Hawk, ZX Ventures: Beer Hawk is a specialist online retailer of bottled beer.
Stephen Finch
Founder and Managing Director of Vagabond Wines
Stephen Finch is the Founder and Director of VAGABOND and BOXCAR
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About BOXCAR, Vagabond Wines: Vagabond Wines is owns and operates wine bars and shops in the United Kingdom.
Stephanie Mathern
Non Executive Director of Vagabond Wines
Stephanie Mathern is the Non Executive Director at Vagabond Wines.
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About Vagabond Wines: Vagabond Wines is owns and operates wine bars and shops in the United Kingdom.
Alasdair Marnoch
Non-Executive Director of The Post Office
Alasdair Marnoch joined the Board of Post Office Limited as a Non-Executive Director on 23 May 2012. A Chartered Accountant, he chair’s the Board’s Audit, Risk and Compliance Sub-Committee which reviews the statutory accounts and financial controls. Alasdair has had wide experience as Finance Director of a number of FMCG and service businesses, including listed companies. Most recently he served as CFO of the Equiniti Group, a leading provider of complex administration and processing services to the public and private sectors.
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About : Post Office is a retail post office company that provides a wide range of products, including postage stamps and banking to the public.
Tim Franklin
Non-Executive Director of The Post Office
Tim Franklin joined the Board of Post Office Limited as a Non-Executive Director on 19 September 2012. Tim was Chief Operating Officer to the Co-operative Banking Group until the end of 2011, having previously served as Managing Director of the Britannia Building Society. Prior to that, he was Director of Customer Programmes and Loyalty and Managing Director of Savings at Barclays. Tim’s experience extends across the private and public sectors. He is also a Non-Executive Director of HM Land Registry and was previously on the Boards of Reclaim Fund Limited, Mutual Plus Limited and the Link Cash Machines Network.
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About : Post Office is a retail post office company that provides a wide range of products, including postage stamps and banking to the public.
Tom Singh
Founder & Non-Executive Director of New Look
Tom Singh OBE is the Founder of New Look, a leading UK entrepreneur and active private investor with family interests spanning: retail, technology, real estate, renewable energy sectors and private equity. He currently holds the position of Non-Executive Board Member for New Look with over 900 stores worldwide which he founded in 1969. In addition to his responsibilities at New Look, Tom is a founding member of: the Social Investment Task Force, the Chairman of the UK Advisory Council for the British Asian Trust, and is a Trustee of the Pakhar Foundation. Tom is an active philanthropist and social investor and in recent years, has taken an increasing interest in the world of technology.
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About New Look: New Look is a retail seller of mens and womens clothing.
Richard Aldridge
Director, Business Development of Wunderkind (formerly BounceX)
Richard Aldridge is the Director of Business Development EMEA at BounceX.
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About Wunderkind (formerly BounceX): Wunderkind enables the world’s top brands to better recognize their customers online, providing 1-to-1 marketing at scale.
Andrew Jennings
Group Managing Director, Retail of Woolworths Limited
A highly accomplished global retail executive with more than 40 years of achievement at some of the world’s most respected high-end, speciality stores. Recognised for his leadership capabilities and performance-driven management style, Andrew Jennings commands a vast knowledge of consumer trends, vendor networks and retail practices in mature and emerging markets. He has distinguished himself in senior executive positions in six countries and on four continents including Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, The United States, South Africa and Germany.
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About Saks Fifth Avenue, Woolworths Limited: Woolworths is an Australian company that was founded in 1924 in Sydney. When we opened our first store.
Lee Barney
Director of Information Security of Yoox Net-a-Porter Group
Lee is a passionate believer in using Security as a business enabler; he does this through challenging the preconceptions of the industry and by changing the mind set of those who work in Security to be more pragmatic. Having worked in Defence, Consulting, Finance and now Retail, Lee has a breadth of knowledge about what works well and what doesn’t work at all. Lee advocates a healthy relationship with the Chiefs of an organisation pointing out that our industry is built on Executive buy in not scare mongering.Lee is the Head of Information Security for Marks and Spencer.
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About Yoox Net-a-Porter Group: Yoox Net-a-Porter Group is the global Internet retailing partner for leading fashion and luxury brands.
David Tilstone
Managing Director of Macquarie Bank
David Tilstone leads the renewables team for MIRA in Europe, overseeing asset management of the existing renewables asset portfolio, as well as all transaction activity in the renewables sector. David was a key part of the acquisition team for what became the MEIF Renewables portfolio in MEIF1, leading a number of acquisitions as well as the recent realisation process. David also led the acquisitions of Varmevarden, Renvico and GIB OSW Co.Having joined MIRA in 2005, David brings to his role extensive senior management experience across renewable energy and utility assets. David spent 12 years working in the energy industry, starting his career with National Grid (the UK’s electricity transmission provider). He also worked at TXU Europe, performing a wide range of commercial roles within the UK and Continental European Energy markets including operations, major contract negotiations and re-structuring and M&A activity.
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About Macquarie Bank: Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, provides various retail financing and commercial banking services primarily in Australia.
Adam Hain
Senior Managing Director of Macquarie Bank
Adam has over 20 years of investment banking experience and is responsible for coverage of EMEA clients in the infrastructure and utility sectors including all infrastructure funds, sovereign wealth funds and major institutions. Additionally, he’s now responsible for coverage of Financial Sponsors across Europe. Prior to this, Adam was head of the European Industrials and Financial Services Advisory Group in EMEA.
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About Macquarie Bank: Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, provides various retail financing and commercial banking services primarily in Australia.
Richard Ambler
Mission Director, Home Services of The John Lewis Partnership
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About The John Lewis Partnership: The John Lewis Partnership is an employee-owned company that operates John Lewis department stores, Waitrose supermarkets, and more.
Jonathan Paul Prentis
Group Finance Director of Booker Group
Jonathan qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte. He was appointed as Group Finance Director of Booker in 2005. Prior to this appointment, Jonathan was Finance Director of Woodward Foodservice Ltd and then Finance Director of Group Logistics within The Big Food Group plc. Prior to 2003, he was with TDG plc.
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About Booker Group: Booker Group plc is the United Kingdom’s largest food wholesale operator offering branded and private-label goods.
Nick Whitehurst
Co-Founder and Director of Watneys
Nick Whitehurst is the co-founder and director Watneys.
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About Figura Analytics Limited, Watneys: Watneys and Home Ales brands and they are hell-bent on returning them to their former glory.
Oliver Holmes
Group Financial Director of Brightpearl
Oliver heads up the Finance team, with particular focus on fundraising, business planning and our SaaS performance metrics. Oliver began his career in the audit practice at PwC, before specialising in VC-backed SaaS businesses. He guided clean-tech startup Sefaira to a successful exit and developed Dojo Media’s monetisation strategy before joining Brightpearl in 2017. Since joining, Oliver has overseen two growth investment rounds, restructured Brightpearl’s systems and processes and established a robust forecasting and reporting framework.
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About Brightpearl: Brightpearl is the omnichannel retail management system that puts your orders, inventory, financials, POS and CRM in one place.
Angus Neil
Group Finance Director of Zynstra
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About Technology Venture Partners, Zynstra: Zynstra is transforming edge computing at the retail edge.
Neil Old
Managing Director of Signet Jewelers
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About Signet Jewelers: Signet Jewelers engages in the retail sale of jewelry and watches in the United States, the United Kingdom.
Xavier Bellouard
Co-Founder, Managing Director & Board Member of ActiveViam
Xavier Bellouard is Managing Director of ActiveViam and one of its founders. Based in London, Xavier manages the UK operations and oversees the commercial efforts of the company across EMEA and Asia/Pacific. Before founding ActiveViam, Xavier was a key contributor to the development of Summit Systems, a software vendor of applications for front-office operations and trading desks. Xavier is passionate about the contribution that ActiveViam’s technology can make to the bottom-line of companies operating in highly demanding and complex markets. “Their bottom-up, experience-driven approach to innovation is a fundamental component of the company’s DNA. Since ActiveViam was created in 2005, they have valued it as a prerequisite to delivering cutting-edge technology to their clients”.
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About ActiveViam: ActiveViam provides operational analytics solutions to business users in need of timely decision-making.
Steve Webster
Co-Founder & Director of Technology of Tails.com
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About Tails.com: Tails.com is an online pet nutrition service that provides tailor-made food designed to deliver perfectly optimised nutrition for dogs.
Kevan Michael Bishonden
Director of Sales of Selazar
Kevan has an in-depth knowledge of the eCommerce market, possibly from buying too many trainers online.
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About Selazar: Selazar provide an cloud based supply chain and logistics platform for eCommerce retailers.
Roderick Bradley
Director, Co-Founder of PlayerLayer
Bradley is a freelance artist and design urban clothing for Rudey Arts and new sportswear for PlayerLayer. Rod supports many charities including the Vitiligo Society and is a great supporter of sports in schools.
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About PlayerLayer: PlayerLayer is a designer and retailer of premium sports performance clothing.
Tim Linssen
Co-Founder & Director of Product of Quiqup
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About Quiqup: Quiqup is a provider of on-demand, same-day, and scheduled delivery solutions to retailers and restaurants.
Mark Sheen
Head Of Retail Experience & Business Unit Director & EMEA Leadership Team of Outform
I have an unwavering desire to deliver truly innovative digital and physical solutions for my global customers. My 20 years+ in the industry has taught me never to compromise but to continually push boundaries in the pursuit of compelling brand propositions which deliver commercial success for customers. I am told however, this has become obsessive when I’m found looking at the back, underneath, around and inside solutions in store. Their passion, reach and collaborative expertise means Outform can offer an unrivaled proposition to help your business grow.
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About Outform: Outfom is a retail agency and manufacturer that specializes in combining strategic thinking.
Mark Elwig
Co-Founder and Commercial Director of Staff Heroes
Proven Commercial leader with a track record of driving growth through technology sales with Enterprise customers across multiple sectors including Hospitality, Retail, Travel and Entertainment. Experienced go-to market strategist and sales leader. Deal brokering at a global level. International experience within EMEA and US. Focus, drive and great people skills having lead several sales, business development and client account teams for both Fortune 500 and start-up organisations. Experience in setting up and building out sales and marketing teams from scratch and most recently co-founding and running the commercial arm of an innovative staffing marketplace start-up, operating within the Hospitality sector in the UK. Specialties: Business development, Sales, business strategy, account management, client services, licensing, white label, B2B partnerships, European & Global sales, SaaS software sales, launching a start-up.
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About eBay Advertising, mydeco, Staff Heroes: Staff Heroes is an on demand & AI technology marketplace reinventing the world of work, connecting businesses and workers more efficiently.
Jonathan Cole
Managing Director of Velorution
Jonathan Cole is the Executive Chairman at Velorution.
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About Bike Republic, Deko, syco systems, Velorution, Velorution: VELORUTION is the premium urban lifestyle cycling store.
Gretta Cole
Marketing Director of Velorution
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About Velorution: VELORUTION is the premium urban lifestyle cycling store.
Andy Hefferman
Director of Velorution
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About Velorution: VELORUTION is the premium urban lifestyle cycling store.
Paul Hill
Director of Client Operations of Sorted Group
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About Sorted Group: Sorted Group is a global SaaS company that provides data-driven software for checkouts, warehouses, and shipping.
Andrew Hill
Sales Director of Sorted Group
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About Sorted Group: Sorted Group is a global SaaS company that provides data-driven software for checkouts, warehouses, and shipping.
Cheryl Coucher
Buying Director of navabi
Cheryl Coucher is Buying Director at navabi.
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About navabi: navabi is the premier destination for plus size fashion worldwide.
Andy Yates
Director of Craved
Andy Yates is Director of Craved.
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About Craved, Home Grown, InnovationRCA, New Wave Learning, Wildgoose: Craved curates a collection of small batch food and drink made in London.
Chris Christo
Community Development Director of WeLivv
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About Spreddit, WeLivv: WeLivv is a home furnishings marketplace that will enable shopping through photos of people’s homes.
Vince Gunn
Non Executive Director and Shareholder of Pagazzi Lighting
Vince Gunn has served as Managing Director of Crocs Europe since arriving at the company in October 2011. Mr. Gunn currently oversees Crocs’ European business, encompassing the wholesale, retail and e-commerce operations. Prior to joining Crocs, Mr. Gunn held senior roles at The Body Shop International, including Head of Global Retail and Managing Director at The Body Shop UK. He also served on the Board of Thomson Travel Group and Mothercare as Retail Development and Operations Director, developing a number of new retail concepts and brand repositioning projects. At Blackwell UK, Mr. Gunn served as Chief Executive Officer and secured numerous industry accreditations for the company, including Bookselling Company of the Year and Retail Chain of the Year. In addition, Mr. Gunn ran his own consultancy and delivered turnaround and special projects for leading brands including Virgin Group and KRM AG – ECCO Group. Additionally, Mr. Gunn currently serves on the board for Pagazzi Lighting.
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About : Pagazzi Lighting is an online retailer offering lighting and mirrors.
Paul Archer
Founder and Managing Director of Duel
World Record-breaking Adventurer, Best-selling Author and founder of Duel. Aside from his expeditions and writing, he has spent his career building technology, including the Daredevil Project app development studio, and consulting for advertising agencies and tech companies. He founded Duel to democratise and decentralise marketing for brands. Duel is solving the lack of emotional connection and social proof in often clinical looking online stores by rewarding customers for creating visual testimonials and advocating among their friends, rather than wasting millions on advertising to drive sales. Before this Paul conceived and implemented the It’s on the Meter Expedition to drive to London taxi around the World. The expedition broke two Guinness World Records, raised over £20,000 and passed through 50 countries after driving 80,000 miles from London to London in Hannah, a 1992 London Taxi bought of eBay. Paul is also an experienced speaker, moderator and a conference host. Including TEDx, SXSW, Festival of Media, Cannes Lions, Social Media Week, GenerationE, the Content Marketing Institute and Retail.Tech, as well as guest lecturing at the British School of Fashion.
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About Duel: Brand Advocacy Platform that enables purpose-led brands to drive organic growth & retention through word-of-mouth & advocacy
Tim Chapman
Director of Sales of Zonal Retail Data Systems
Tim’s responsibilities include sales, support and management of Zonal’s SME and Independent Division, he also manages Zonal’s nationwide field sales team. He was previously client director at Vianet PLC, senior account manager at Nucleus Data/Brulines and commercial manager for the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR). Married with two daughters, Tim enjoys playing squash, dog walking with the family, wine and good food.
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About Zonal Retail Data Systems: Zone Retail Data Systems provides technology solutions to the bar, restaurant, retail, hotel, and leisure industry.
Simon Frost
Group Operations Director of Zonal Retail Data Systems
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About Zonal Retail Data Systems: Zone Retail Data Systems provides technology solutions to the bar, restaurant, retail, hotel, and leisure industry.
Clive Consterdine
Sales & Marketing Director of Zonal Retail Data Systems
Clive joined Zonal Retail Data Systems in August 2010 and has 35 years experience in the UK Leisure Industry including 20 years in operations in Director roles at European Leisure Plc, and later with Regent Inns Plc where he was responsible for the rollout of Walkabout Inns and Jongleurs Comedy Clubs. Since 2000, Clive has held Sales and Marketing Director roles selling technology solutions to the Hospitality sector. When he’s not developing new business relationships, Clive enjoys travelling the world, spending time with his family and friends, skiing, and playing golf. He recently visited India as part of the companys Hope For Children Your Business, Their Lives campaign which Zonal is a corporate sponsor of.
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About Zonal Retail Data Systems: Zone Retail Data Systems provides technology solutions to the bar, restaurant, retail, hotel, and leisure industry.
Simon Cook
Director of Projects & Services of Zonal Retail Data Systems
Simon returned to Zonal in July 2016 as Director of Projects and Services, overseeing a team of 72 full and part-time employees. With a career spanning almost 30 years in the hospitality industry, he brings a wealth of project management and operations experience to the business. In his new role, Simon is responsible for the successful delivery of Zonal’s projects from conception to installation and training. When not working, Simon enjoys spending time with his wife, children and dog. He is a keen runner and recently completed the Lichfield Half Marathon, which helps compensate for his passion for fine dining and wines.
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About Zonal Retail Data Systems: Zone Retail Data Systems provides technology solutions to the bar, restaurant, retail, hotel, and leisure industry.
Che Frantz
Artistic Director of HEMYCA
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About HEMYCA: HEMYCA is a London based womenswear and accessories with a vision of Innovative design, modern elegance and female empowerment.
Jason Grima
Director & Co-founder of Everly Wellness
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About Everly Wellness: Everly Wellness is a technology healthcare company focused on providing honest, expertly researched and personalised nutritional products.
Kate Jackson
Co-Founder & Director of silkfred
Kate Jackson is a Co-Founder at silkfred.
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About silkfred, TableCrowd, We Are In The Loop: SilkFred is a luxury retail platform that helps independent brands and emerging designers get their products to market.
Giles Kendall
Operations Director of Punch Taverns
Giles was appointed to the role of Operations Director for the national Punch core business in March 2016. He joined Punch as a Regional Operations Director in 2004, following the acquisition of Pubmaster, then progressing to the role of Operations Director, looking after 1,500 core estate pubs in the South, responsible for delivering sustainable sales and profit growth. He has been fully involved in the ongoing change program, putting our pub Partners at the center of everything we do. This has been helped by his previous experience of running his own small company and understanding first hand the challenges this involves. Giles started his career with Allied Domecq as a graduate and worked in a range of field and office-based roles during his 19 years with the group. He held a number of senior positions including Marketing Director for Ansells in the Midlands and his final role as National Managing Director for 700 unbranded managed houses for Allied Domecq Leisure. He left to set up and run his own “grab & go” stores in London, based on the Pret a Manger offer but with a healthier twist. He sold up in 2001 and returned to the pub sector with Pubmaster.
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About Punch Taverns: Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s largest leased pub companies, with a portfolio of more than 3,300 pubs nationwide.
Jackie Burn
HR & Services Director of Punch Taverns
Jackie Burn was appointed to the role of HR and Services Director in August 2015. Jackie joined Punch in 2005 and was appointed as HR Director in 2011. Whilst Jackie started her career in financial services, she has more than 15 years experience in the licensed trade sector and has held roles within both managed and leased pub businesses. She is responsible for the overall HR strategy within Punch, including employee engagement, reward, learning and development and internal communication. She is the Chair of Punch Community Promise – the company’s volunteer and charitable program and is also a trustee for both Homestart (a charity supporting young families) and the Burton Breweries Charitable Trust.
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About Punch Taverns: Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s largest leased pub companies, with a portfolio of more than 3,300 pubs nationwide.
William Lankston
Managing Director of Timpson Direct of Timpson
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About Timpson: Timpson is the UK’s leading retail service provider.
Cenk Dumlupinar
Director of Fiver London Ltd
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About Fiver London Ltd: Pure play fast fashion D2C
Darren Callcott
Founder & Director of StreetDots
Darren Callcott is co-founder of StreetDots.
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About CADA Design, StreetDots: StreetDots creates smart street-trading platform.
Simon Hiorns
Retail Director of Micheldever Tyre Services
Simon joined Micheldever as Retail Director in June 2007. For the first 18 years of his career Simon worked for J Sainsbury Plc becoming a Regional Manager. Simon then worked for Travelrest Services where he was Operations Director for Little Chef/Travelodge during the successful sale process to Permira, and following a three year period working for Bourne Leisure as Operations Director for their hotel chain Simon joined Micheldever.
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About Micheldever Tyre Services: Micheldever Tyre Services operates as an wholesaler and retailer of tires.
Jon Cowles
Finance Director of Micheldever Tyre Services
Jon joined Micheldever in 2007 as Acquisitions Director and became Group Finance Director in April 2012. He is responsible for delivering Acquisitions alongside Finance, IT, Property and Health and Safety. Jon is a Chartered Accountant and prior to joining Micheldever he spent 10 years with KPMG in the Transaction Services function leading due diligence assignments on private equity, public and private transactions both in the UK and abroad.
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About Micheldever Tyre Services: Micheldever Tyre Services operates as an wholesaler and retailer of tires.
Alan Baldwin
Wholesale Sales Director of Micheldever Tyre Services
Alan Baldwin joined Southam tyres in 1983 to head up a new specialist sales and marketing division specialising in UHP and 4×4 niche products, taking Southam to a position of UK market dominance in 4×4 tyres and exclusive Dealer network development. Southam Tyres was acquired by Micheldever in 2001 and Alan was instrumental in Micheldever’s rapid nationwide expansion to become the leading UK distributor of exclusive Tyre Brands, and Dealer networks.
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About Micheldever Tyre Services: Micheldever Tyre Services operates as an wholesaler and retailer of tires.
Dave Haddock
Logistics Director of Micheldever Tyre Services
Dave started his career in Logistics as a Wincanton graduate trainee straight from university and has held a number of senior management roles with Tibbett & Britten, Homebase, Iceland and B&Q. As the Director of Logistics getting each of the 6 million tyres handled each year to the right place, first time in the most efficient way possible drives the Logistics strategy on a daily basis.
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About Micheldever Tyre Services: Micheldever Tyre Services operates as an wholesaler and retailer of tires.
Angus Smith
Commercial Director of Micheldever Tyre Services
Angus joined Micheldever in January 2012 and re-structured the Purchasing, Pricing functions and introduced a heavy onus on Business Development. He previously spent 23 years at Continental Tyres, in various management roles ultimately as Sales Director for the UK and ROI over the latter 10 years, where he took them from being ranked 4th to market leader in that period.
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About Micheldever Tyre Services: Micheldever Tyre Services operates as an wholesaler and retailer of tires.
Talal Cheaib
Partner / Operations Director of Slidr
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About Slidr: SLIDR is a dynamic pricing technology allowing customers to buy products/services at prices always lower than retail
John Nother
Senior Director Product of Asda
John Nother is the Digital Director at ASDA WALMART. With a strong retail background, he is responsible for investing in and leveraging new technologies that drive better business performance for both the grocery and fashion (George) units of the UK retailer. For 2019, John’s key focus is helping the business shape the online fashion proposition around Asda George. Having invested in new technologies such as Progressive Web App, Accelerated Mobile Pages and Headless Commerce, initial results have been positive. As well as giving the brand strategic direction, John is responsible for empowering digital teams – working across multiple geographies – to ensure innovation apace. His learnings on this matter are helping the wider business better understand what’s possible from a development standpoint.
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About Asda: Asda owns and operates a chain of supermarkets that sell various products.
Liz Lamb
Senior Director Customer Insight and Data Analytics of Asda
Liz Lamb is the Senior Director of Customer Insight and Data Analytics at ASDA.
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About Asda: Asda owns and operates a chain of supermarkets that sell various products.
Sean Blanks
Marketing Director of Cartridge Save
Sean Blanks is the marketing director of Cartridge Save.
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About Cartridge Save: Cartridge Save is an online printer cartridge retail shop.
Ian Cowley
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Cartridge Save
Ian Cowley is the managing director of Cartridge Save.
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About Cartridge Save: Cartridge Save is an online printer cartridge retail shop.
Andrew Gerraty
Marketing Director & Founder of Wallsauce.com
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About Wallsauce.com: Wallsauce.com are here to deliver bespoke wall murals to help transform your living space or workplace.
Colin Watson
Director & Founder of Wallsauce.com
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About Wallsauce.com: Wallsauce.com are here to deliver bespoke wall murals to help transform your living space or workplace.
Tony Fairhurst
Managing Director and Founder of Wallsauce.com
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About Wallsauce.com: Wallsauce.com are here to deliver bespoke wall murals to help transform your living space or workplace.
Robert Andrews
Director of Content of Clarity PR
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About Clarity PR: Clarity delivers tech PR campaigns for the world’s most exciting technology startups.
David Gibbs
Board Of Director of Sally Beauty
Mr. Gibbs is the President and Chief Financial Officer of Yum! Brands, Inc., a position he has held since 2016. In this capacity, Mr. Gibbs has global responsibility for finance, operations, supply chain and information technology for the company. Prior to his current position, Mr. Gibbs served as the Chief Executive Officer of Pizza Hut, a division of Yum! Brands and one of the world’s largest global casual dining chains, a position he held from 2015 to 2016. At Pizza Hut, Mr. Gibbs was responsible for overseeing the Pizza Hut organization, including the development of a global growth strategy. Mr. Gibbs joined the restaurant division of Pepsico in 1989, which later became part of Yum! Brands, and has served in a variety of executive roles with Yum! Brands, including Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Yum! Restaurants International.
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About : Sally Beauty Holdings is a global distributor and retailer offering professional beauty products to both retail consumers.
Paul Mead
Exec Board Director of Jellyfish
Paul is Executive Board Director @ Jellyfish, NED @ Social Life and Adviser @ Vitruvian Partners, HolidayExtras.com and Squared.io Formerly Founder & CEO of VCCP Media, Paul is a Fellow at The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, a mentor at Tech Stars and sits on the creative industries Inward Investment Committee and Promote UK board.
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About Jellyfish, Social Life: Jellyfish works as a digital platform, supporting and drives digital transformation by providing strategy, technology, and training.
Richard Lamb
Managing Director, UK of Jellyfish
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About Jellyfish: Jellyfish works as a digital platform, supporting and drives digital transformation by providing strategy, technology, and training.
Andrew Harris
Director, Product Activation of Jellyfish
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About Jellyfish: Jellyfish works as a digital platform, supporting and drives digital transformation by providing strategy, technology, and training.
Tessa Weale
Creative Director of Archie Foal
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About Archie Foal: Archie Foal is a British luxury brand which sells clothing and accessories.
Hannah Chaston
Social Director of Iris
As Social Director Hannah heads up and drives the social and content offering at iris. She oversees and consults on all social media activity across the agency, from innovative platform usage, content planning and influencer strategies to integration and community management best practice. Her efforts have resulted in award-winning campaigns for the likes of Domino’s, Brivtic and many more. Her background is pretty mixed with experience in publishing, retail and PR, in the UK, Australia and Singapore.
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About Iris: Iris is an advertising agency that creates an innovation network of over 1000 people across 17 markets.
Grant Hunter
Executive Creative Director Europe of Iris
Grant is the Executive Creative Director of iris in Europe. He returned home to London in 2017 after 7 years in Singapore where he headed up iris’ creative output across the APAC region. During his time at iris, he has led the award-winning design team for the 2012 Olympic Mascots, developed Johnnie Walker’s F1 branded content series ‘Step Inside The Circuit’ and the ‘Force Of Black’ platform for adidas’ partnership with the All Blacks. He is the co-author of Newsjacking published by Thames and Hudson and is a regular speaker and judge at creative industry events including D&AD Shift.
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About Iris: Iris is an advertising agency that creates an innovation network of over 1000 people across 17 markets.
