East of England Co-op relaunches tech team with focus on upcoming priorities and inflight projects

East of England Co-op reports a technology team refresh as the retailer keeps busy in 2025, including the launch of its first fully cashless location.

In a LinkedIn post, Rob Smith, Technology Officer at East of England Co-op, said: "We have relaunched our technology team. We came together for a whistle stop tour of our upcoming priorities, how we’ll be working, and the inflight projects already making an impact. It was a great opportunity to reconnect and focus on what matters most - delivering with clarity, efficiency, and pragmatism."

"We rounded things off with a stroll down the hill for an ice cream in the sunshine - a well earned pause and a chance to catch up with colleagues in a different setting. Big thanks to the team for joining us and participating in the session. A strong start to the next chapter."

2025 RTIH Innovation Awards

We’re hugely pleased to announce the addition of Rob Smith to our 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards judging panel.

Rob is a strategic and accomplished technology and people leader with over 20 years’ experience across the retail, finance, and IT sectors. Renowned for building and inspiring high performing teams, he consistently delivers exceptional results while driving quality and innovation.

Passionate about IT, data, service delivery, and business transformation, Rob excels at modernising practices and enabling continuous improvement. As Technology Officer at East of England Co-op, he leads the organisation’s technology strategy and drives forward its digital and operational evolution.

You’ve got to be in it to win it!

The seventh edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show, is now open for entries.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our latest winners will be revealed at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October.

Key dates

Friday, 19th September: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 23rd September: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 24th September - Wednesday, 8th October: Judging days

Thursday, 16th October: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October.

Check out our 2024 winners here.

Who will be judging the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards?

Rob Smith, Technology Officer, East of England Co-op

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

Vineta Bajaj, Group CFO, Rohlik Group

Nadine Neatrour, Chief Marketing Officer, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

Jack Dowling, Transformation Director (Strategy, Product, Operations & AI)

James Pepper, CEO, Vista Technology Support

Mike Cadden, Chief Technology Officer, Marie Curie

Carole Kingsbury, Chief Technology Officer, C&C Group

Christine Russo, Industry Analyst and Retail Influencer

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

Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer, Boots

Yatin Garg, Head Product & Engineering, Amazon

Eugene Mischenko, Founder and President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association

Gregg London, Supply Chain Consultant

Scott Thompson, Editor and Founder, Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner, IGD

Gary Newbury, Supply Chain Advisor and Delivery Executive