Head of Technology Operations Rob Crompton on to pastures new as he departs digital retailer The Very Group

Rob Crompton has left The Very Group where he served as Head of Technology Operations.

He joined the digital retailer that operates Very and Littlewoods in 2020, having previously worked at Shop Direct as Head of IT Operations.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Well, that’s a wrap! After a lifetime (so far) working at The Very Group, I leave the office for the last time. Off on holiday and then on to pastures new from 9th June (more to follow on that)."

"I’ve seen the company change dramatically and go from strength to strength over the years; from the merger between GUS and Littlewoods, to the launch of Very.co.uk, then the end of the catalogues/move to be a full digital retailer, Black Fridays and Peak Trading, many exciting projects, trips to India and South Africa, a good few tech incidents, outsourcing, insourcing, Covid, move to agile ways of working and beyond…It can sound like a cliché to say it’s all about the people, but it really is. I’ve loved every minute of it and wouldn’t change a thing."

He added: "I’d like to thank the present tech team and those that have moved on or, in some cases, are sadly no longer with us; I owe you so much and thanks for all the help and support over the years. This business is built on the foundations you have laid and continue to develop, and you should be incredibly proud.”

“Finally, and most dear to my heart, I would like to thank the superb tech ops team! You are not just the team I had the pleasure to manage and work with but dear friends, and I know that Lisa Spencer-Jackson, Mark Wilkinson, Nick Rae, Andy Braniff, Colin Garside and Gary Clampitt will take the team forward to new heights. Thanks The Very Group - it’s been an honour!"

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, 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.