The Very Group raids Superdrug to bring in industry veteran Paul Stafford as retail media proposition head

Very Media Group, which is operated by digital retailer The Very Group, reports that Paul Stafford, who played an integral role in launching Superdrug’s retail media network Optimo, is joining to lead its retail media proposition.

Bringing with him over 18 years of experience across both brand and digital marketing and retail media, he will be responsible for shaping long-term strategy, while enhancing pre-existing relationships with brands and establishing new strategic partnerships which align with Very Media Group’s ambition of being the multi-category retail media network of choice for brands.

Very Media Group, which launched in partnership with SMG in 2024, is a reimagining of The Very Group’s pre-existing retail media proposition. It brings together the online retailer’s in-house creative capabilities and combination of personal, shopping and financial data to create campaigns for some of the biggest household brands.

Jessica Myers, Chief Customer Officer at The Very Group, comments: “We’ve been operating the retail media space for over 12 years, so we’re building on strong foundations. The appointment of Paul comes at an exciting time.”

“Not only will he bolster our senior leadership team to take Very Media Group to new heights, but he’ll be working closely with our outstanding team to offer brand partners even more success in their campaigns through our new enhanced first party data solution, Very iD. I can’t wait to see how Paul’s experience and strategic thinking, combined with this new offering, will help us achieve our ambition.”

Stafford says: “Very’s bold marketing activity, and purpose of helping families get more out of life really stood out to me. It’s a challenger brand that’s embracing retail media and has a data first approach to customer success. It has a long history in the space and I’m looking forward to working with the talented in-house team and SMG to take Very Media Group from strength to strength.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail media will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.