East of England Co-op Technology Officer Rob Smith joins 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards judging panel

We’re hugely pleased to announce the addition of Rob Smith, Technology Officer, East of England Co-op, 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.

We're hugely pleased to announce @VistaTechSup as Headline and Drinks Reception Sponsor at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards. Welcome onboard, guys! #RTIHAwards25 https://t.co/8GCmjjn4nQ pic.twitter.com/2LplgXg5jo

— RTIH Innovation Awards (@AwardsRtih) June 13, 2025

Seventh time's the charm

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, 12th September: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 16th September: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 17th September - Wednesday, 1st 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.

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

FAQs

Is there a fee to enter the awards?: No, it is free of charge.

Can I enter across multiple categories: Yes.

Do I need to complete all the sections in the entry form? No, but the more information you provide, the better chance you have of producing a successful submission.

Is there a certain timeframe for nominated projects, initiatives etc? Yes, nominated projects, initiatives etc should have been completed (or substantially completed) during the last 12 months.

Who has visibility of our completed entry form and what information will be public should we win or be shortlisted? Only our Editor, Scott Thompson, and judging panel will view submissions. The information provided in the summary section of the entry form will be made public.

Do you only accept entries from UK-based companies? No, we accept entries from all parts of the world.

What is the shortlists process? Shortlists will be announced in August, then shortlisted entries will be sent to our independent judging panel who will decide upon the winners and highly commended submissions.

Shortlisted companies will be invited to attend an event at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October (consisting of a drinks reception, three course meal and awards ceremony).

Do winners and highly commended companies receive post-event coverage? Yes, post-event coverage includes articles on our website and also an in-depth awards review in our printed magazine. There is also the opportunity for a company profile type piece to be published on our site.

Who won what in 2024? Check out our 2024 winners here.

When is the deadline for 2025 submissions? 12th September 2025.

When will the 2025 winners be revealed? Our 2025 winners will be announced at an event at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October (consisting of a drinks reception, three course meal and awards ceremony).

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

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

Natalie Berg, Retail Analyst and Founder, NBK Retail

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