Former Pizza Express and Costa Coffee exec Arslan Sharif joins Moto as Chief Digital and Information Officer

UK motorway service areas specialist Moto has added Arslan Sharif to its operating board in the role of Chief Digital and Information Officer. He comes onboard having previously held similar roles at Pizza Express, Costa, British Gas and Eon.

In a LinkedIn post, Ken McMeikan, Chief Executive at Moto, said: “The next two to three years in retail and hospitality will be the most radical and transformative from a digital and technology perspective, with AI and data analytics revolutionising the customer experience. I am really excited about the impact Arslan will make for Moto customers, and colleagues, in the coming years."

He added: “I’d also want to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing CIO , Guy Latchem, after 33 years of incredible service. I am really pleased that Guy has agreed to stay connected to Moto as an external trustee for the Moto Foundation. Our vision is to “Transform the UK’s Rest Stop Experience” and through artificial intelligence, data analytics and investing in customer service, we intend to accelerate our impact.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI and data analytics will be key focus areas 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.