Rokt appoints Jacqueline Purcell as Chief Financial Officer, Claire Southey as Chief Product Development Officer

Rokt, an e-commerce technology company using machine learning and AI to make the shopping experience more relevant to customers, has announced two new additions to its C suite.

It has named Jacqueline Purcell as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Claire Southey as Chief Product Development Officer.

Purcell has worked with Rokt, which counts Macy's, Ulta, Albertsons and Best Buy Canada as customers, in a consultant capacity as interim COO since 2022. Southey is an experienced technology leader and Google and Amazon veteran who has served as SVP of Engineering in Rokt's Sydney office since May 2024.

"Jacqui Purcell and Claire Southey are talented, strategic leaders and their previous experience at Rokt has prepared them exceptionally well to take on their respective new roles," says Bruce Buchanan, CEO at Rokt.

"These extremely accomplished leaders both hold multiple advanced degrees and have built strong records of success at every stage of their careers. Their contributions will be invaluable to Rokt as we continue to execute our growth strategy on the path toward an IPO."

"Having worked closely with Bruce and the Rokt executive team for the past two years, I've been so impressed with their business acumen, leadership and customer centric vision," says Purcell.

"They are proven leaders and executors and it's clear from Rokt's stellar growth that they've built a strong and dynamic team environment. This company is at an exciting stage and I could not be more pleased to join the team full time to help contribute to its continued financial success."

"Working with the talented engineering team at Rokt has been a highly rewarding career experience," says Southey. "I'm honoured to step into the Chief Product Development Officer role and excited to continue elevating our product and helping strengthen our leadership position in global e-commerce."

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

As AI sees increasing adoption in the retail space, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

FAQs

Is there a fee to enter the awards?: No, it is free of charge.

Can I enter across multiple categories: Yes.

Do I need to complete all the sections in the entry form? No, but the more information you provide, the better chance you have of producing a successful submission.

Is there a certain timeframe for nominated projects, initiatives etc? Yes, nominated projects, initiatives etc should have been completed (or substantially completed) during the last 12 months.

Who has visibility of our completed entry form and what information will be public should we win or be shortlisted? Only our Editor, Scott Thompson, and judging panel will view submissions. The information provided in the summary section of the entry form will be made public.

Do you only accept entries from UK-based companies? No, we accept entries from all parts of the world.

What is the shortlists process? Shortlists will be announced in April 2025, then shortlisted entries will be sent to our independent judging panel who will decide upon the winners and highly commended submissions. Shortlisted companies will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July 2o25.

Do winners and highly commended companies receive post-event coverage? Yes, post-event coverage includes articles on our website and also an in-depth awards review in our printed magazine. There is also the opportunity for a company profile type piece to be published on our site and within our magazine.

When is the deadline for 2025 submissions? Friday, 23rd May 2025.

When will the 2025 winners be revealed? Winners will be announced at an event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July. This will kick off with a drinks reception, followed by a three course meal, awards ceremony, and after party featuring DJ until midnight.

Who will be judging submissions? Details of our 2025 judging panel will be announced in the near future.