Time to say goodbye: data and insight specialist Matt Lovell departs sandwich and coffee chain Pret A Manger

Matt Lovell is leaving Pret A Manger where he served as Global Director of Data & Insight.

In a LInkedIn post, he said: “I’m sad to announce that after almost three and a half years, my time at Pret has come to an end.”

“First off, I want to say a massive thank you to the amazing team I’m leaving behind. It’s been a massive privilege to establish such a strong group of brilliant data practitioners.”

“I’m so proud of what you all continue to achieve and I know that I leave Pret’s data in safe hands and hope you continue to show the business the value it can add.”

He added: “It’s truly remarkable the change in just three years; from nothing to a wealth of both internal and external data now readily available and used in Snowflake; key business decisions being led by data; interactive dashboards being churned out of PowerBI at speed; a real understanding of our customers; and teams across the business now equipped to look to the data and to challenge what more it can tell us - the impossible is now possible.”

Lovell, who prior to Pret held the role of Data, Analytics & Insight Director at Eurostar, concluded: “As such, for now, it’s time to take a break and enjoy spending lots of quality time with my kids and make the most of the summer sun with the family.”

“I’ll be keeping an eye out for any exciting opportunities where my skills could help so shout if you want to talk!”

Body worn cameras

Pret A Manger is trialling body worn cameras in a select number of stores in London.

A spokesperson said: “These are only being worn by team leaders or managers, and are only turned on in specific circumstances.”

Signs have been put up in those store conducting the trial to make customers aware. Only Pret’s security team will have access to any footage captured.

Pret A Manger follows Tesco and The Co-op in testing out body worn cameras as UK shop workers face increasing levels of violence and abuse.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

In-store technology 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, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

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.