Starship Technologies veteran Sandra Beaumont exits after a decade of delivery robots
Sandra Beaumont has left robot deliveries specialist Starship Technologies, where she spent almost ten years, most recently serving as Senior Director, Business Development (Europe).
She is headed to Eolo Toys, which earlier this year launched a toy line including collectible figures, interactive playsets and digital crossover items inspired by the core characters and world of Beep Boop.
In a LInkedIn post, she said: "After nearly a decade of delivery robots, partnerships and explaining (again and again) that yes, they really do work, I’ve decided it’s time to make space for new challenges and perspectives."
"Starship has been a huge part of who I am professionally. I’ve learned how to build markets that don’t yet exist, how much patience emerging tech truly requires and how, eventually, it’s still unexpectedly rewarding to hear a robot say, here’s your delivery."
She concluded: "A big thank you to Ahti Heinla (Co-founder, CEO, CTO) for building a company so many of us are proud to have been part of and for trusting me with some of the most complex and formative partnerships along the way.”
“And thank you to Heidy Kerma (VP of People Operations and Internal Infrastructure) for the constant support and for always keeping the human perspective front and centre. I’m leaving with a lot of pride, more memories than expected and a quiet excitement about what’s next."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Autonomous deliveries were 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.
Continue reading…