Changing times at Sainsbury's: check out our biggest retail technology articles on LinkedIn right now
We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. As we power towards the 25,000 followers mark, these are the articles that are currently on their radars, including Burger King UK, Just Around The Corner, nShift, Debenhams Group, Multiverse, Handwave, Reckon.ai, AllSaints, Neve Jewels Group, and Vista Technology Support.
Sainsbury's announces change at the top as Mark Given becomes Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer
Sainsbury’s reports significant changes to its operating board across customer experience, technology, commercial and sustainability.
Effective from 3rd September, Tracey Clements will join as Chief Retail, Logistics and Supply Officer, a newly created role that unifies Sainsbury’s Retail, Digital, Customer Experience, Supply Chain and Logistics under a single leadership.
She previously spent 17 years with Tesco where she held a significant number of leadership roles, including Store Manager and Store Director, Managing Director of Tesco Express and CEO of One Stop. Following this, she was Chief Operating Officer at Boots UK & Ireland, where she led the operation of the business through the Covid-19 pandemic. Most recently, she was Senior Vice President of Mobility and Convenience Europe at bp.
Operating board accountability for technology will move to Mark Given, who becomes Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer from 1st September, following Clodagh Moriarty’s move to Dunelm.
Alex Francis in Deliveroo departure for Director of Omnichannel Operations role at Burger King UK
Burger King UK has appointed Alex Francis as Director of Omnichannel Operations. He joins from Deliveroo where he held the role of Head of UK and European Operations.
In a LInkedIn post, he said: “I’m super excited to be part of such an iconic brand that’s all about bold flavour and big ambition. Looking forward to driving operational excellence and empowering our restaurant teams to deliver the best guest experience across all channels.”
He added: “Thank you to the Burger King UK team for the warm welcome so far and a special thank you to Sebastian Monk (Chief Operating Officer) for the trust and opportunity.”
Former Sensei exec Miguel Murta Cardoso announces launch of Just Around The Corner autonomous stores
Miguel Murta Cardoso has launched Just Around The Corner with the aim of "simplifying your day by bringing the best of modern retail closer to you".
The Portugal-based startup specialises in autonomous mini-markets that are open 24/7 and situated in offices and condominiums, offering the likes of snacks, meals, milk and bread, frozen, fresh, drinks, hygiene and cleaning products.
"All this without queues, without complications and at fair prices. Where? Inside offices and residential condominiums. Because time is the most valuable resource we have and we deserve fast, fair and simple access to what we need," says Cardoso.
Just Around The Corner can currently be found in OutSystems and Millennium bcp offices in Portugal and also in the Torre Infinity da Vanguard Properties Portugal condominium.
Debenhams Group launches AI Skills Academy with workforce development platform Multiverse
Debenhams Group, the online retailer behind brands including Debenhams, PrettyLittleThing, boohoo, boohooMAN and Karen Millen, has launched its AI Skills Academy - a programme that aims to equip employees with practical AI skills.
This is being rolled out in partnership with Multiverse, a workforce development platform fronted by Euan Blair (son of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and follows tie ups with Amazon Web Services and Peak AI. It is fully funded through the company’s £1.35 million Apprenticeship Levy, a government fund for work-based training.
Staff will be taught the technical skills and behaviours required to embrace AI in their day to day work, including: Using tools to boost productivity and free up time for higher value, strategic work; Applying AI solutions to streamline operations and reduce manual tasks; Building systems in-house to accelerate digital transformation and reduce reliance on external providers.
Vista Technology Support opens McTraining Centre as part of Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cardiff
Vista Technology Support has unveiled a new training facility, the McTraining Centre, a fully operational replica of a McDonald’s restaurant - minus the food and customers - designed to elevate the standard of engineering training across the business.
Located at Vista’s Head Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cardiff, this mirrors the technology and layout of a real McDonald’s restaurant. The facility enables engineers to train in a realistic, hands on setting, ensuring they are fully prepared to support the complex technology ecosystem found in modern quick service restaurants.
It was conceived by James Pepper, CEO at Vista. After a meeting with McDonald’s colleagues and franchisees, the idea emerged to create a holistic restaurant environment for training. The feedback highlighted that, while the training was comprehensive, the technology was scattered across desks and shelves. This inspired the creation of a complete restaurant environment where engineers could interact with technology as it would be installed in an actual McDonald’s restaurant.
“We wanted to create a space that reflects the quality of training we deliver and the high standards our customers expect,” says Pepper. “The McTraining Centre brings that vision to life - offering our engineers the opportunity to work with the exact systems they’ll encounter in the field.”
AllSaints launches Google Workspace AI tools for global office teams alongside training programme
British fashion retailer AllSaints reports a major step towards its AI and data goals.
In a LinkedIn post, Alfie Meekings, Global Director of Transformation at AllSaints, said: “One of of the four pillars of our transformation vision is to create an environment where we can be data driven and powered by AI.”
“We have a lot to do to achieve this, but last week we took the first significant step as we announced the launch of Google Workspace AI tools for all teams in our offices around the globe, alongside a masterclass programme designed to equip our people with the knowledge and skills to be able to really leverage them in their day-to-day work.”
AllSaints has also announced the launch of its AI Academy, in partnership with Cambridge Spark, to give some of its team members a deeper insight into AI - from core concepts exploring its potential, to more technical skills such as prompt engineering and, also how to use AI to drive ROI.
Meekings concluded: “Our belief is that if we empower our people with the tools and knowledge to experiment with AI in a safe environment, they will find the best ways to evolve our ways of working.”
Not using AI across your retail business properly, purposefully and with intent? Then you're already behind
There’s a lot of noise right now about AI. And a lot of nonsense too. But there are also excellent tools available to help retailers cut through the hype. So says Graham Broomfield, COO at Neve Jewels Group.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “People are calling out brands for using AI generated content, claiming they can spot what lacks a human touch. Others are proudly saying they don’t use AI at all, as if falling behind is a strategy.”
“Let’s be real. AI is only as good as what you feed it. Just like the old saying, shit in, shit out. Bad inputs, unclear briefs, poor judgement…that’s not an AI problem, that’s a leadership one. Here’s what I’m seeing, not selling.”
He added: “If you're not already using AI across your retail business properly, purposefully and with intent, you're already behind. Having worked across retail for over 25 years and advised fashion brands across the UK, Europe and the US, I can say with confidence, there’s still a huge misunderstanding of what AI can actually unlock.”
Technology veteran Jurgen Leijdekker joins e-commerce delivery and experience management firm nShift as CEO
nShift, an e-commerce delivery and experience management platform, has appointed Jurgen Leijdekker as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Most recently, he was CEO at PayComplete, a cash management technology provider. Prior to that, as CEO at HireRight, a HR tech platform, he spearheaded technology transformation initiatives. He also serves as Chairman of the Board at service management software firm TOPdesk and previously held the same role at Zenchef, a restaurant bookings platform.
Leijdekker says: “nShift has earned a reputation as a trusted partner, powering hundreds of millions of e-commerce deliveries every year, delivered by tens of thousands of business to destinations across the world. I'm excited to build on that foundation, working closely with customers to help them scale efficiently and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving e-commerce and logistics landscape.”
Leijdekker succeeds Michael Hunt, who served as interim CEO and will continue to support the company as a board member, a role he has held since 2022. Hunt is also a Senior Operating Partner at Francisco Partners Consulting.
Latvian biometric startup Handwave announces $4.2 million seed funding round led by Practica Capital
Handwave, a biometric startup founded in Latvia, has raised $4.2 million in seed funding to launch its palm-based payment and identity platform in Europe and the US.
The round includes backing from regional investors, led by Practica Capital, with support from FirstPick, Outlast Fund and Inovo.vc, and will fund product development, regulatory certifications, and live retail pilots.
Using proprietary technology, the solution enables customers to onboard themselves, scan their palm using their phone camera, and link payment and loyalty cards, as well as identity credentials, to a digital wallet. Once enrolled, users can hold their palm over a reader to pay, activate loyalty, or confirm their age - no apps, phones, or wallets needed at checkout.
Including Reckon.ai, Knit, and Hightouch: six retail technology funding rounds you need to know about
Including companies specialising in checkout free shopping technology, and conversational and agentic AI to improve hotel guest experiences.
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