Former Focal Systems executive Paul Warren joins retail shelf digitisation firm Simbe as VP of EMEA

Paul Warren is starting a new role as VP of EMEA at Simbe.

In a LInkedIn post, Warren, whose CV includes stints at SymphonyAI and Focal Systems, said: “Over the last 25 years, I’ve helped bring a range of pioneering technologies to market - from the first mobile email platform, to the first mobile advertising platform, and then more recently, bringing the first fixed camera for retail solution to the UK. I’ve always derived the most satisfaction from using new technology to deliver huge value to customers.”

He added: “Across Europe, I’ve consistently heard the same priorities from retail leaders: how to overcome labour shortages, smooth supply chain issues, and ensure shelves are stocked to deliver the best customer experience and ultimately increase sales. Store intelligence like Simbe’s directly addresses all three.”

“When I first entered this space five years ago, even the earliest systems delivered real benefits to forward thinking retailers, but they also faced limitations. With Simbe’s multi-modal approach, those limitations are gone, especially now for: Fresh, bakery and produce: High frequency image scanning handles it; Apparel, club, home improvement, and leisure: RFID technology ensures accuracy on difficult to see products; Store specific layouts: Simbe’s Tally robot autonomously maps each store building a Real’o’Gram as it works, removing the need for manual system training with a planogram.”

He concluded: “This is why I believe store intelligence has shifted from a nice-to-have to a must-have, bridging the data gap between what comes in the back door and what leaves through the front.”

“With more customers than any other provider, Simbe is already the standout leader in this field, and I’m looking forward to helping expand our presence even further in EMEA and support more retailers in unlocking the full value of this amazing technology. I’m looking forward to working with the entire Simbe team to build the next chapter of this game-changing technology.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Store intelligence 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.