Chief Information Officer Chris Greenwood celebrates 35 years at UK retailer Mamas & Papas

Congratulations to Chris Greenwood who is celebrating 35 years at Mamas & Papas. He has held the role of CIO at the retailer since the 1990s.

In a LinkedIn post, Greenwood said: “I can’t quite believe it’s been 35 years since I began my career at Mamas & Papas. I’ve watched the business grow from a small UK wholesaler into a global nursery brand and retailer - and I’ve been lucky enough to be part of that journey.”

“I’ll always be grateful to the founders, David and Luisa Scacchetti, who took a chance on me back in 1990, asking me to lead and transform the IT function. That opportunity gave me an incredible career - and it’s also where I met my wonderful wife. In short, it changed my life.”

He added: “People often ask: "How can you do the same job for 35 years?" The answer is simple: it’s never the same job. While the themes and challenges may be familiar, every day brings something new. Change is constant.”

“I was proud to receive my 35-year service award from our newly promoted COO, Sarah Ashby, who shared some very kind words about my contribution. I hadn’t prepared a speech, but I was asked to say a few words '- and what came to mind were some personal work-life lessons I’ve gathered over the years.”

“A kind of self-help guide to surviving and thriving in long service: Change will happen — both good and bad. Learn from both. Celebrate the highs with humility, and use the lows to grow; In tough times, you’ll often see the best in others. Let those moments shape you into the best version of yourself; Pay it forward. If you can help someone, do it. You’ll both benefit; Accept criticism graciously. Even if it feels unfair, respond with genuine support and advice; Treat everyone with respect - even the critics. Everyone has a backstory. Be a positive part of their future.”

He concluded: “And finally, words I didn’t write, but have lived by in recent years. I’m not religious, but the serenity prayer has been a guiding light: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

The work of CIOs 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.