Thomas Cripps departs Frasers Group after eight years for Security Solutions Architect position at Merlin Entertainments

Thomas Cripps has left Frasers Group, whose brands include Sports Direct, where he served as Digital Platform and Network Security Manager, and has joined branded entertainment destinations specialist Merlin Entertainments as Security Solutions Architect.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “What feels like no time at all it’s been eight years at Frasers Group it’s time to move on to a new challenge. From joining Frasers Group on a university placement working as a single network security engineer in a team of six, to having my own team of five covering network and digital platform security in a wider team of 20, it’s been a great time for myself to develop and a become better engineer and manager.”

He added: “Along the journey I’ve met some incredible individuals both internally and externally at vendors that I’ll remember for a long time. I’m moving into a role which I wouldn’t thought was possible below 30 and I’m ever grateful for those around me trusting me and pushing me into this role this early on in my IT career. I leave behind at Frasers Group a great team who I’m sure will continue to push security in all avenues of how they operate.”

Merlin Entertainments is based in London, England and operates a number of theme park resorts and other visitor attractions, including Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, and various Legoland and Peppa Pig parks.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

IT security 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.