Peter Robinson leaves Primark and talks 'tough and rewarding in equal measure' digital transformation journey

Peter Robinson has announced his departure from Primark, where he served as Head of Channels Transformation, leading the delivery of the retailer’s channels roadmap for both retail and digital workstreams.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “My four years with Primark has come to an end. As one would expect when you're in a senior delivery/leadership role, it's been both tough and rewarding in equal measure. Every day was a school day as they say. I can look back at it with pride and an immense amount of satisfaction as well. So what did I achieve and learn here? Achievements? Well, without the teams around me, absolutely nothing. But with them; technical delivery of the first part of Primark's digital transformation.”

This encompassed a new global website, Click and Collect capabilities for UK stores and Primark's first CRM platform. And latterly, leadership of the technical delivery of a global PoS replacement programme for over 450 stores and 12,000 PoS devices. Also, the mentoring of a number of colleagues.

He added: “Learnings are always great too. Who would have known that the best way to celebrate the go live of a new website would be with Baby Guinness and that Reading really does have a couiple of nice late night bars. Seriously though, the pace of AI and its impact on both digital and retail has been interesting. And the challenges facing a volume fashion retailer committed to the high street has been fascinating as well.”

“The thanks as suggested already goes to the talented people I've had the pleasure of working with, be they Primark colleagues or third party vendors. These are the folks that did the 'doing' and thus enabled me to lead and guide the deliveries. There are too many individuals to call out here, but special mentions go to Paul Edney (Technology Director Channels) and Andrew Brothers (CIO) plus the team at PMC. These guys put their trust in me to delivery and hopefully, I didn't let them down.”

Robinson concluded: “I wish the teams I leave behind at Primark all the best in the continued expansion of the digital transformation programme and the global rollout of the new PoS solutions. For me now, August is a time of rest and recuperation before I look for my next contract challenge in September.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Digital transformation 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.