New beginnings: AI strategy specialist Linda Leopold wraps up seven year chapter with H&M Group

Linda Leopold is leaving H&M Group where she spent the past seven years, most recently holding the role of Head of AI Strategy.

She will now focus on being an independent strategic advisor, writer, and public speaker.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: “This summer, I'm wrapping up a seven year chapter with H&M Group and starting something completely new. These have been remarkable years – not only being part of shaping the company's efforts in AI, but also witnessing the rapid evolution and adoption of AI as a technology. I'm particularly proud of establishing H&M Group's Responsible AI programme from the ground up, and contributing to how the field has matured globally.”

She added: “Now it's time for me to take the next step. With AI at such a pivotal moment (what lies ahead is almost unfathomable), I want to help influence its development across different organisations. I'll work as an independent strategic advisor, writer, and public speaker - helping companies navigate AI transformation strategically and responsibly, and contributing to our understanding of how AI is revolutionising life and work.”

Leopold concluded: “We're all witnessing AI's future being written in real-time, and I'm excited to contribute to that story in my own way.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

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.