Parla Retail announces advisory board as it looks to bring human connection to online shopping experience

Live video shopping specialist Parla Retail has announced the formation of a strategic advisory team.

Kevin Ertell brings an in-depth retail and digital perspective, building on his experience as VP of Global Retail Operations for Nike, SVP of Digital for Sur La Table and decades of retail and e-commerce experience at Tower Records, Borders and other offline and online retailers.

April Sabral is known for her books The Positive Effect and Incurable Positivity, and her experience as a retail leadership coach, VP of Global Retail Sales and Operations for Davids Tea, and Sales and People management leadership positions at Holt Renfrew, Apple, Laura Canada, GAP and Starbucks grounds this perspective in practice.

Dominick Miserandino is CEO at publisher at Retail Wire, and has specialised in industry analysis at the Wall Street Journal, Goldman Sachs and other major institutions.

Renee Hartmann is the author of Next Generation Retail. With experience in finance at Putnam Investments, branding at Ogilvy and Mather, and as a retail entrepreneur and advisor, she has guided large and small retailers and technology companies through strategic growth initiatives.

In a press release, Parla Retail said: "We are obsessive about the power of people to transform e-commerce, which has naturally led us to assemble this team of leaders in the human centric aspects of the digital world.”

“We look forward to working closely with this advisory board to execute our strategy: bringing a human connection to the online shopping experience, supported by AI and instant video 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.