2024 RTIH Innovation Awards judge Carole Kingsbury takes on Chief Technology Officer role at C&C Group

C&C Group, an Irish manufacturer, marketer and distributor of alcoholic drinks, has appointed Carole Kingsbury as its new CTO.

Last year, Kingsbury departed Ted Baker, where she served as Director of IT, with plans to take some time out. “Not often we get the opportunity to take a break in our world,” she told RTIH at the time.

She joined the company in 2019 as Head of Project Delivery, before taking on the role of Head of Business Solutions in 2020, and then Director of IT in 2022.

At the time of her departure, Ted Baker was cutting head office jobs following its acquisition by Authentic Brands Group.

The latter had outsourced Ted Baker stores and its e-commerce site to retail management business AARC in April.

In a LinkedIn post, Kingsbury said: “Four years and three months ago I walked in through the Lobster emblazoned doors of UBB into what felt like a secret world. I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I knew it wouldn’t be ordinary or dull. Fast forward to today and I can confirm there has indeed never been a dull moment.”

“As Dorothy would have said – “there’s nowhere quite like Ted.” From shopfloor to head office front door, the 24 carat golden thread running through the DNA of Ted is its people! Whether that be in the form of a colleague or customer it’s about what they have invested in the business in terms of heart, loyalty and skill.”

She added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside and learn from the many people in our business – you are all amazing and have shown great courage and professionalism over the past few months navigating the uncertainty and ambiguity following the acquisition.”

“It has been a true honour to be able to lead the IT team - you are all in the truest sense of the word – exceptional! You have through the good, and not so good times, pulled more rabbits out of hats, herded cats and knitted fog than I’ve seen anywhere else and done so with such professionalism, dignity and pride even when completely exhausted.”

Kingsbury also thanked those who had shared the journey, including Wunderman Thompson Commerce & Technology, BigCommerce, Bloomreach, MuleSoft, Adyen, Boston Consulting Group, and Avalara.

She concluded: “Ted’s DNA is now set to evolve and grow under Authentic Brands Group supported by our new operating partners PDS, OSL Retail Services and AARC Group. Ted Baker truly is no ordinary brand, run by no ordinary people and I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to be a part of it.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Kingsbury is part of the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards judging panel.

The awards are now open for entries. Click here for further details.

They celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

This year, we’re bringing you three new categories: AI Innovation, Sustainable Retail Innovation, and Inclusive Technology Innovation.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ.