The Very Group veteran and Head of Technology Tony Rourke departs to recharge, reflect and seek new challenge

Tony Rourke has announced his departure from The Very Group, a multi-brand online retailer and financial services provider in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where he held the position of Head of Technology (Platforms, Infrastructure and Networks).

In a LinkedIn, he said: “After 29 years the time has come to say goodbye to The Very Group. I’ve had a few months to prepare for this but it’s clearly not long enough and I’m struggling to put into words how I’m feeling right now. This company has given me everything…”

He added: “An opportunity to build a career, taking me from a graduate fresh out of university to leading technical teams that have transformed us from a loss making catalogue business to a £2 billion digital retailer. Instilling in me core values you need if you want to be successful, inside and outside of work.”

“Above all else, allowing me to meet and work with so many amazing people. People who are friends not colleagues and have supported me, taught me and basically made coming to work not feel like work. Honestly, 29 years feels more like 8…and for all of this I will be eternally grateful.”

Rourke concluded: “Very will always have a special place in my heart, and I look forward to watching (from the outside) it continue to go from strength to strength.”

“I will take a couple of months to recharge and spend some quality time with my family, and also reflect on what I have achieved over the last 29 years. It will then be time to look for a new challenge.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

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 in Central London.