Sarah Haywood joins executive team at motoring and cycling products retailer Halfords as new CIO
Halfords has announced the appointment of Sarah Haywood as its new CIO.
She was most recently at Carlsberg Group, where she also served as Chief Information Officer.
"Sarah joins us with a fantastic track record of tech leadership across companies like Cadbury Schweppes, Kraft Foods and Mondelēz," says Henry Birch, Group Chief Executive at Halfords Group.
"She will be a fantastic addition to our executive team and we are very excited for her to join the 'One Halfords Family' at the beginning of November."
Haywood comments: "After a well earned break with my family I am delighted to share that I will be joining the executive team at Halfords as their CIO. Halfords is a fantastic business with a unique position in the UK market providing retail and services across motoring, cycling and leisure.”
“Over the coming years digital transformation will play a key role in shaping the future of the business and I am very excited about being part of that journey. Thanks to Hnery Birch for trusting me with this opportunity."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Digital transformation was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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