Gemma Ford hangs up her CDO badge at The Range for customer and digital role at Cotswold Outdoor

Gemma Ford has left The Range, where she served as Chief Digital Officer, to take on the role of Customer and Digital Director at Cotswold Outdoor Group.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: "After an incredible few years at The Range, I’ve decided it’s time to hang up my badge (metaphorically) and head off on a new adventure. It’s hard to put into words how proud I am of what we achieved as a team."

Highlights included the launch of Click & Collect, and overhauling the website with new checkout, revamped PLP and PDP and a new search experience. There was also roll-out of a new app, and new data capabilities, connecting all the dots to boost personalisation and drive smarter decisions.

Ford added: "We also helped shift the digital business into a very strong profit position, with double digit growth year after year. It’s been a wild, rewarding, brilliant ride and I’m beyond grateful to have worked with such a passionate bunch of people. You know who you are."

"I'm thrilled to be stepping into a new chapter with Cotswold Outdoor Group where I'll be leading the charge on all things customer and digital. It's an exciting time for the group, with some truly inspiring initiatives on the horizon! After two weeks in role I am already excited by the incredible opportunity we have ahead of us."

Retail media

Cotswold Outdoor Group, which is behind high street brands Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow + Rock, recently announced the launch of its new retail media network, Cotswold Outdoor Group Media Portal, in partnership with Zitcha.

Brands using Cotswold Outdoor Group Media Portal, which is built on Zitcha’s platform, will benefit from a fully integrated retail media network - combining in-store digital screens and brand elevations, onsite opportunities such as website banners and sponsored product listings, and offsite campaigns across Meta and YouTube.

Jamie Kristow, CEO at Cotswold Outdoor Group, commented: “The retail landscape is shifting and we’re committed to evolving with the times – the launch of our retail media network with Zitcha is proof of that.”

“By combining our in-store expertise and customer service with a premium digital experience, we’re furthering our mission to not only support our brand partners but also elevate the experience we offer to our loyal shoppers. With this launch, we are able to ensure we keep up with the fast moving retail and advertising sectors, while maintaining our heritage of fantastic customer service and trust.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail media 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.