Innovation Stage

Ross Arnone is the Head of Product at Tesco Labs, a technology innovation team, focused on creating the future of retail, to positively impact customers, communities and the planet.  Prior to his current role, Ross worked across numerous start-ups in the education-technology industry. Creating, launching and scaling products in different global markets. He is passionate about human behaviour and how technology can impact the world. 

CEO, Virgin Megastore

Maria Hollins is Chief Executive of Ann Summers, and over the past four years has steered the iconic multi-channel retailer through a remarkable transformation. Joining as a commercial consultant in July 2018, she rapidly ascended to Joint Managing Director in February 2019 and sole Managing Director in February 2022. With over 30 years of retail experience, Maria’s leadership has revitalised Ann Summers, optimising product offerings, channel experiences, tech-led transformations, corporate social responsibility, and colleague engagement, driving both present and future commercial success.

UK & IE Country CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA

Krista, a seasoned product leader with over 15 years of experience, currently serves as the Chief Digital Product Officer at Marks & Spencer. In this role, she drives the digital product transformation across online and offline channels, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty while accelerating business growth. With a strong background in eCommerce, SEO, UX/UI, and portfolio management, Krista has successfully led high-performing product teams and launched impactful products for Rent.com, USA TODAY, and Expedia. Her passion lies in creating data-driven, user-centric, and agile solutions that solve customer problems and deliver value.

Ghanasham, with over 20 years in Data and AI, serves as Head of Data Science at BT Group. In this cross-cutting role within BT Group’s Digital unit, he leads a team of data science experts, contributing to customer value through data and AI. Ghanasham’s background includes roles at Consumer Association (Which?), Virgin Media, and Automobile Association (AA), focusing on customer analytics and marketing domains to enhance customer experience and optimise marketing ROI. Holding a Master of Science in Operational Research, he plays a pivotal role in BT’s large-scale digital transformation.

Christophe, with a Master’s in Textile Engineering, leads Chloé’s Responsible Sourcing and Compliance team. Focused on regulatory matters and traceability, he advocates for lower impact materials and fair trade supply chains in Ready-To-Wear, Shoes, Leather Goods, and Fashion Accessories. His pivotal role contributed to Chloé’s B-Corp certification in 2021 and the innovative launch of the fully traceable “Vertical” capsule collection in 2023, featuring a Digital Passport. He’s a member of Chloé’s Sustainability Board.

Dina Lead Levi’s DTC (Omni, Retail & eCommerce), Wholesale and Franchise for France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, North Africa and Levi’s Footwear & Accessories Sales Commercial Operations Pan-European. She leads the commercial operations for all channels in South Europe and North Africa, overseeing the full P&L for the largest European markets. Diana has successfully implemented strategies to increase market share, revenue, and profitability, while enhancing brand equity and customer loyalty.

Ciaran has a track record of scaling consumer businesses.  He has been part of the executive teams at ME+EM, The Cotswold Company, and Long Tall Sally, all achieving successful exits.  During his 17-years’ experience, he has worked across all aspects of marketing and e-commerce disciplines from digital marketing and CRM to brand development and analytics.  He is currently Growth Director at DTC luxury fashion brand, ME+EM, where sales have increased 10x in the last five years. 

Sam has a breadth of experience across Commercial, Customer and Retail and is currently Acting Chief Customer Officer at Asda, after joining in March 2021 as Vice President for Own Brand. She spent her early career honing her skills at Sainsbury’s and B&Q, before embarking on a 12-year journey with Waitrose. Sam has held various leadership roles, including positions across Customer, Own Brand and Product Development, Commercial, Merchandising Operations, and Transformation.

Adele, Finisterre’s Head of Positive Impact, guides the brand’s sustainability strategy and oversees the Finisterre Foundation. Formerly part of the product team, she managed the development of sustainable apparel. In 2020, Adele led Finisterre’s B Corp recertification, aiming to enhance the company’s positive impact. Born from the needs of British surfers, Finisterre is a B Corp certified outdoor clothing company, crafting enduring wear for a sea-inspired life, marking the first in the UK.

David is a versatile technology reporter, presenter, and consumer advocate, contributing to TV, print, and online platforms. His expertise spans cyber security, online safety, scams, mobile technology, telecoms, and enterprise tech. David’s career originated in the tech industry, where he led IT transformation projects for major companies like IBM, Reuters, and Dell. Over the past decade, he’s been the resident technology expert for BBC Rip Off Britain and has exposed cyber scams on programs such as Watchdog, Crimewatch, Morning Live, The One Show, and discussed the impact of technologies on our lives for Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch.

Mark is a seasoned commercial marketer with vast experience of working for some of the world’s biggest food businesses. Currently General Mills chief marketer across Europe and Australasia, he heads up a portfolio of famous brands including Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, and Old El Paso. Prior to General Mills, Mark held senior marketing positions at Mondelez, Kerry Foods and Weetabix. 

Stuart Ramage has a strong background in digital strategy and innovation, with an extensive history of leading high performing teams to deliver sustained growth in sales, profit, NPS and market share. Stuart currently serves as the Head of Strategy, Transformation & Enabling Capabilities – Digital & Technology at Marks and Spencer and is responsible for accelerating the digital and technology transformation there.

Emma Keller is the Head of Sustainability for the UK and Ireland at Nestlé, the largest food and beverage company in the world. Previously working at the World Wildlife Fund, Emma has a desire to “drive change from the inside” and empower employees with a regeneration-first mindset, as key to sustainable innovation. Her remit is to deliver change at the scale Nestlé requires. She is an advocate of “radical action across our whole value chain”, which includes switching to renewable energy in factories and offices, new packaging solutions, and regenerative agriculture practices.

As the Director of Ethics and Sustainability at John Lewis Partnership, Marija leads the environmental and social initiatives vital for realising the company’s purpose of ‘For a happier world.’ Joining in 2021, she brings over 20 years of sustainability experience in retail, finance, and FMCG sectors. Marija is dedicated to transforming the food system, preserving nature, and promoting responsible consumerism. In 2022, the Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to protecting nature, unveiling a plan for nature with new commitments to address biodiversity loss urgently.

Zac is head of sustainability at organic veg box company Riverford, where he is leading the company’s Planet Action programme of projects to tackle the climate crisis, encourage biodiversity and invest in the future of sustainable farming. He has an MSc in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture where he studied agroforestry systems and soil health, and in his spare time he is a director at The Living Projects CIC, a community and education focussed regenerative land management project. 

Robert is head of the Currys Decision Sciences Team, identifying where advanced analytics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques can drive change in long-term strategy and day-to-day trading.

Virginia is an experienced leader in eCommerce and digital transformation, currently responsible for the digital transformation and acceleration of B&Q.  With a rich background spanning fashion to home improvement, she previously served as Commercial Director at Jigsaw Clothing and Head of Digital at John Lewis. Virginia, a trailblazer since 2007, initiated and expanded New Look’s online business. Committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, she advocates for women’s empowerment, establishing mentoring circles to propel women into senior roles. Passionate about innovation and growth, Virginia thrives in intricate environments, pushing boundaries for enhanced customer experiences.

Emilie is a passionate and committed Digital, eCommerce and CRM Director with 17 years of experience driving profitable growth. Currently leading a team of 45 across eCommerce operations, digital & social media, data analytics, customer care and design at Clarins.