Alena Turner returns to xRobotics as CMO as she taps back into face pace of startup life

xRobotics has announced the appointment of Alena Turner as Chief Marketing Officer.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: “OK, let’s make it official! I’ve rejoined my favourite team on earth - xRobotics - as Chief Marketing Officer. Some of you might remember I was part of the xRobotics family back when our (now legendary) xPizza Cube was just a prototype.”

“I led marketing and sales for over three years, and we grew from zero to dozens of clients during that time. Those were such fun times! Everything felt possible - and with hard work, attention to detail (and coffee, lots of coffee), it really was.”

She added: “Then came a job offer I couldn’t refuse - a true once in a lifetime opportunity. I became CEO and a board member at Dodo Brands (1,400+ stores worldwide), one of the most innovative tech driven companies in the restaurant industry. One of its brands, Dodo Pizza, is now among the top seven largest pizza chains in the world - and the fastest growing.”

“Was it challenging? Absolutely. Eye opening? Without a doubt. I saw firsthand how the restaurant business is changing, and how profit margins are shrinking for those who aren’t adopting new technology. My team and I became huge advocates for innovation.”

“We transformed operations with automation, both in the front and back of the house. I’ll never forget what one of our franchise partners texted me: “If I were to start this business now, I wouldn’t even consider doing it without automation.”

It was at that point that Turner realised the fast pace of startup life was where she thrived - and that kitchen automation isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for anyone in this business for the long haul.

She concluded: “So here’s to a new chapter! I’m thrilled to be back with the XRobotics team and can’t wait to share everything I’ve learned with our clients. If you own or manage a pizza shop - and you’re looking to run your business more efficiently - feel free to message me. Let’s talk!”

“And wow! Look how much XRobotics has grown while I was off in the corporate world. Dozens of pizza robots already in the field, three distribution centres across the US, and tons of happy clients. Igor Buchatskiy (VP of Sales & Business Development at xRobotics) you rock!”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Robotics 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.