Sarah Ware takes on Social Strategy Lead position at Littlewoods owner The Very Group
Sarah Ware has started a new position as Social Strategy Lead at The Very Group, a digital retailer that operates Very and Littlewoods.
Her CV includes a stint at Jimmy Choo (Head of Social Media), along with similar roles at Dunelm, White Stuff, Asos, and Unilever.
Paul Stafford
Very Media Group, which is operated by The Very Group, recently reported that Paul Stafford, who played an integral role in launching Superdrug’s retail media network Optimo, was 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, commented: “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 said: “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
Social media 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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