'Retail geek' and Aptos veteran Helen Kostis Fourtounis joins smart technology firm RELEX Solutions

Helen Kostis Fourtounis has joined supply chain technology specialist RELEX Solutions as Enterprise Account Manager.

She was previously at Aptos Retail, where she spent just over ten years, serving most recently as Vice President, Retail Strategy (Merchandising Lifecycle and Omnichannel Solutions).

In a LInkedIn post, she said: "After years in retail, I’ve seen how unpredictable markets, inflation, and supply chain disruptions can derail even the most well run businesses. That’s why I chose to join RELEX Solutions as an Enterprise Account Executive, because they’re not just keeping up with the future of retail, they’re building it. RELEX is doing cutting-edge work in supply chain and retail planning delivering provable ROI through advanced machine learning, AI and generative AI tools.

"Their platform is trusted by some of the world’s largest retailers to: Forecast demand with up to 30% higher accuracy than industry averages; Optimise inventory to free up cash, reduce waste, and boost availability; Simulate “what if” scenarios with digital twins; React to market shifts with AI powered demand sensing; Reduce food waste by up to 40%, saving 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents annually."

"RELEX’s specialised AI systems are designed for retail - from detecting phantom inventory to optimising shelf space and workforce planning. Their sustainability impact is real: in 2024 alone, RELEX helped prevent 350 million kilograms of food waste. And the results speak for themselves: a customer saw a 388% ROI with a six-month payback period."

"Big thanks to the amazing team at RELEX for bringing me onboard, especially the incredible Monica Hochberg, Todd Carlson, Jason Aubin, and Frank Lord. You didn’t just hire me…you recruited a retail geek who’s passionate about solving big problems with smart tech."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain technology 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.