Dr. Christian Bock returns from sabbatical for Head of Store Innovation role at Netto Marken-Discount

Dr. Christian Bock has taken on the role of Head of Store Innovation at Netto Marken-Discount.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "An exciting new chapter in my life and career has begun. I am really looking forward to this new professional task, to challenges that broaden my horizons and to the opportunity to bring about sustainable change. For all those who are passionate about innovation with me: I look forward to exchanging ideas, trends and inspirations that will shape the retail of tomorrow!"

Bock was previously at Aldi Süd where he held the position of Manager Stores Strategy, and prior to that worked at Aldi Nord as Team Lead Store Computer Vision.  He has been on a family care sabattical for the past few months.

“Sometimes life presents us with decisions that change everything. For me, such a moment has now come. An unexpected illness has presented us as a family with great challenges and has rearranged our priorities for a few weeks/months," he stated last year upon departing Aldi Süd.

“This has made me rethink recently and prompted me to take the step to temporarily withdraw from professional life from November and to terminate my contract with my current, very good employer.”

He added: “The career, the professional success – they have accompanied and fulfilled me for many years. At companies like BearingPoint, Telefonica, REWE and Aldi, I was able to work with great teams and make a difference together. I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the experiences I was able to gain with you.”

“The last few years, if not decades, I have dedicated myself passionately to my professional career. I am particularly proud to have contributed to the further development of these companies as an entrepreneur and digital transformer (especially in recent years with a focus on artificial intelligence).”

“My personal manner, coupled with the challenge and encouragement of my colleagues and especially my managers, has made me what I am today. I am grateful for the opportunities, the deep trust and support I have received, and even more grateful for the people who have accompanied me on my way so far.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, 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.