Convenience retail veteran Robert Hampton joins Vision Group Network as Director of Strategic Growth and Initiatives

Vision Group Network (VGN) has announced that Robert Hampton is joining the company as Director of Strategic Growth & Initiatives.

Most recently, he held several leadership positions at Jacksons Food Stores including Chief Information Officer and VP of Retail Services and Innovation. He has also served in the Conexxus Board of Advisors Chairman cycle, served on the NACS Content Creation Committee and was a panelist and moderator on numerous industry panels.

“Robert brings considerable expertise to our team,” says VGN Co- Founder Myra Kressner. “Robert has been one of our most engaged members of the Convenience Technology Vision Group (CTVG) since its inception almost three years ago, embracing our mission of Sharing Today to Shape Tomorrow and guided by the principle that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’ He is the perfect asset to help VGN grow with additional Vision Groups, Vision Reports, and ancillary products that our retail members, Ally Supporter members, and the rest of the industry have been requesting.”

“I am honoured to join Vision Group Network in this role,” says Hampton. “VGN has created a unique forum where industry leaders openly share insights and collaborate on forward thinking solutions. I look forward to expanding our initiatives, fostering innovation, and helping drive the next phase of growth for the convenience retailing community.”

VGN Co-Founder Eva Strasburger adds: "Since 2020, Vision Group Network has been bringing together top industry leaders in virtual forums - spaces where real conversations spark real change. These sessions aren’t about sticking to the status quo; they’re about tackling challenges head on, exchanging experiences, and driving bold ideas forward.”

“And those ideas don’t stay behind closed doors. We capture them in our free in-depth Vision Reports so anyone can have access to the insights. Plus, our Ally Supporters are critical to these discussions, offering the resources and expertise that can turn ideas into innovative solutions."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Convenience retail 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.