Adrian Stoch talks disappointing automation implementations as he departs GXO Logistics

Adrian Stoch has left GXO Logistics, where he served as Chief Automation Officer.

He joined the company, which offers services like warehousing, distribution, e-commerce fulfilment and reverse logistics, in 2021, following a four year run as Group Vice President, Global Suply Chain at Target.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "After five incredible years, I’m closing a chapter at GXO. It’s a moment filled with deep gratitude and mixed emotions. GXO’s greatest strength has always been its people, and I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the brightest and most committed people in the industry."

"A special thank you to the powerhouse global automation team -Olena Steigman, Katlyn Lewicke, John Wilson, and Dr. Jana Boerger. Together, we blazed an uncharted trail, inventing an automation function from the ground up and pioneering practices that the industry had never seen before. We created a new set of expectations and I know you'll only continue to raise the bar."

He added: "As I reflect on the last decade, much of it spent as a customer of automation, I can’t ignore a hard truth: too many implementations have been disappointing. These experiences have shaped my thinking. They've taught me countless lessons and solidified my belief that there must be a better way."

Stoch concluded by saying he would soon share more about where he's headed next - "a new chapter where I’ll be tackling these problems from the inside. I’m excited to help usher in a new era of reliable, high performing automation. More to come."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Automation 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.