Tech innovation influencer and analyst Toby Pickard joins RTIH AI in Retail Awards judging panel

We’re hugely pleased to announce the addition of Toby Pickard to our RTIH AI in Retail Awards judging panel.

Toby is Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD where he focuses on store of the future concepts and digitalising the path to purchase. He specialises in future trends, innovations and foresights.

He has been recognised as a Top Retail Expert by Rethink Retail and a RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencer in 2025 in. Toby is also part of the judging panel at the RTIH Innovation Awards

Don’t delay, enter today!

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Or click here for entry forms, FAQs etc.

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.

Who will be judging the RTIH AI in Retail Awards?

Glen Richardson, Non-Executive Director, PoundFun and former COO, The Range

Nina Mimica, Chief Innovation and Digitalisation Officer, Studenac market

Suhas Grama, Senior Software Development Engineer, Amazon Just Walk Out

Andy Baldauf, former Product Manager Digital Services - Total Store, Migros Supermarkt

Vineta Bajaj, Group CFO, Rohlik Group

Nadine Neatrour, Chief Marketing Officer, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

Mike Cadden, Chief Technology Officer, Marie Curie

Carole Kingsbury, Chief Technology Officer, C&C Group

Matt Taylor, CTO of Global Managed Services and VP of SecDevOps, NCC Group

Christine Russo, Industry Analyst and Retail Influencer

Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer, Boots

Gregg London, Supply Chain Consultant

Scott Thompson, Editor and Founder, Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Emma Thompson, Editor and Founder, EdTech Innovation Hub

Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner, IGD

Gary Newbury, Supply Chain Advisor and Delivery Executive