Thanks for the opportunities and memories: Digital Director Tom Hill departs discount retailer Poundland

Tom Hill has left Poundland & Dealz where he spent the past six years, most recently serving as Director of Digital.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "And after just over six years, that’s a wrap! This week marks my last at Poundland, and what a six years it’s been. Chapter one: leading the circa 150 store London team - rapid pace, challenging scenarios, brilliant people and rewarding results (with a bit of Covid thrown in for good measure)."

He added: "Chapter two: leading strategy and transformation - being bold and brave was a non-negotiable. We made massive strides in format development, private label, proposition redesign and digital.”

“Chapter three: leading digital - driving business acquisitions, executing award-winning website migrations, and setting up fulfilment centres to safely take the brand online. Unifying ‘clicks and bricks’ via the development and launch of the loyalty programme, Poundland Perks, securing >2 million downloads within the first quarter as well as the number one spot in the App Store."

Hill concluded: "It’s not always been straightforward, especially recently, however, the people I’ve had the pleasure to work with across the organisation over the last six years have always made it a special place to work, and a lot of fun along the way.”

“As for the next chapter? Watch this space…I’m currently appraising some super cool perm and interim opportunities both domestically and internationally. For now though, thank you for the opportunities and memories, Poundland."

Under pressure

The owner of Bensons for Beds is among a number of suitors circling Poundland.

According to a report by Sky News, Alteri, which recently missed out on a deal to buy the high street arm of WH Smith, is preparing to submit an offer for Poundland in the coming weeks. The struggling chain has been put up for sale by Pepco Group, its current owner.

Earlier this year, Pepco said Poundland had seen a like-for-like sales slump of 7.3% during the Christmas trading period, suffering "a more difficult sales environment and consumer backdrop in the UK, alongside margin pressure and an increasingly higher operating cost environment".

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 April, 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.