Stuart Constantine reflects on digital transformation programme as he leaves online retailer The Very Group

Stuart Constantine is departing The Very Group, where for the past three years, he has held the role of Head of Delivery.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: " Well, it has been nearly three years since joining The Very Group, but it strangely seems only like yesterday since I first walked into the office in Speke, and now in my final week, I have been taking the opportunity to reflect and look back, and a lot has been achieved."

This includes building a new digital experience (DCX) in terms of website and mobile app that is for all customers, inclusive of those with additional needs.

Also: Introducing a new modern CMS enabling colleagues via Very’s in-house creative team HelloStudio, enabling them to take full control of editing, publishing; Integrating AI powered search, improving the ease and relevancy of products for customers who search or browse onsite; Step changed ability to deploy to daily and reduce lead times, enabling early value to be released.

All while modernising to a new architecture and technology stack and rolling out to minimise any impact to customers and business performance.

Constantine concluded: "Thank you to Noreen Garland (former Chief Delivery Officer at The Very Group, now Group Transformation Programme Director at JD Sports Fashion, Matt Grest (former CIO at The Very Group, now CIO at Entain), Steven Pimblett, former Chief Data Officer at The Very Group (now CDO at Rightmove, and Paul Hornby (former DCX Director at The Very Group, now Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Bestway Healthcare UK) for all your support, advice and inspiration to help guide me through the world of an online retailer."

"Change can be hard, especially in terms of a digital transformation programme and a lot of legacy technology to tackle. However, it’s made a lot easier with a fantastic and talented team who have had the determination to stay the course, no matter what challenges occur along the way."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Digital transformation 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.