Stephen Vanoli exits Primark after helping to drive technology agenda
Stephen Vanoli has departed Primark where, over a 13-year period, he held a number of roles, including most recently Technology Product Director – Commercials.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “After 13 amazing years, I have decided to leave Primark. This was a very difficult decision to make. The business is simply wonderful.”
“Many value retailers share similar qualities, dynamic, fast paced etc…but Primark has something special - it is a family! Yesterday (Friday, 15th) was my last day. The volume of messages that I have received from the Primark family has been humbling and I truly appreciate every single one.”
Vanoli went on to explain that, for the last year, he had undertaken a dual role as the Oracle Business Director and also helped to drive the Primark technology agenda as a Product Director.
“I have hugely enjoyed both roles, indeed the Business Director role has been a seven-year journey! However, there has been something missing for me. I am a commercial business leader. I thrive on trading and strategic decision making.”
“Although I have enjoyed immensely the last seven years, the time is now right to listen to my heart. The Oracle programme that I have led has recently been successfully accepted into service. I am hugely proud of my talented, resilient and committed team that have achieved this successful delivery.”
“I thank every single one of them wholeheartedly. Also, a huge thanks to our partners in delivery, particularly Berkeley Partnership, Wipro, OLR and PwC amongst many others.”
“The foundations are now laid and the path has been set to drive the Primark strategic digital agenda. I wish everybody at Primark well as they embark on that path.”
In the short term, Vanoli will concentrate on family.
“A new addition is due next week and I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to spend some time truly bonding with our baby and supporting my partner. After that, I will be searching for the right commercial retail opportunity.”
He concluded his LinkedIn post by thanking everyone at Primark “for one hell of a 13 year ride.”
“Too many people to thank but I will mention two. Firstly, CEO Paul Marchant - many thanks for giving me the opportunity in 2009 to be a small part of an amazing success story over the years.”
“Secondly, to the late and much missed founder of Primark Arthur Ryan - two hours spent in the old markdown room with Mr. Ryan was worth two years somewhere else with someone else.”
“Finally, in the words of another Primark legend, Director Ben Mansfield, it’s ‘Onwards and Upwards’!
“An important milestone”
Primark recently unveiled a new website, featuring thousands of products from across its ranges, as well as a fresh design, enhanced navigation and a new feature that allows customers to check stock availability in their local store.
This is launching first in the UK, before rolling out to Primark’s 13 other markets in the coming months.
Alongside the retailer’s in-house team, EPAM Systems has been the primary design and technology partner for the project.
The site has been built using technology components from a number of digital solution suppliers including Bloomreach, Amplience, commercetools, Microsoft and Salesforce.
Matt Houston, Group Digital and Strategy Director, Primark, said: “This launch represents an important milestone for Primark shifting the way we’re using digital to connect to our stores.”
“We know that consumers today inform a huge proportion of their clothing purchases by browsing online. We see a significant opportunity to drive more footfall and more sales into our stores by upping our game in digital and ensuring that what we offer is more visible online.”
“The new website gives us the opportunity to reach new customers who might not be stepping into our stores now and tempt them with the great products and value we offer.”
