British Heart Foundation Commercial Director Mike Taylor to retire after store and eBay growth

Mike Taylor, British Heart Foundation’s Commercial Director, will be retiring at the end of this year after 13 years of leadership.

The research charity has praised him for “playing a pivotal role in transforming our retail operations, growing our shop network to 680 locations and building the world’s largest charity eBay store. His legacy includes steering the charity through the pandemic and driving innovation across our retail and commercial teams.”

Taylor began working for the BHF on a voluntary basis as a member of its retail and audit committees for three years, before taking up the leadership role on the charity’s executive group. 

“I initially became involved in BHF volunteering because of the impact heart disease had on both my parents. It has undoubtedly been the highlight of my career to serve an organisation so deeply committed to saving and improving lives. I’ve been fortunate to work with many talented and passionate colleagues who make the BHF such a special place,” he says.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the BHF, says: “Mike has been a truly brilliant executive colleague whose retail expertise is only matched by his deeply personal commitment to saving and improving lives.” 

“His exceptional drive, ambition and leadership have helped shape a sector leading team that is relentlessly focused on driving income for our lifesaving science. Mike leaves behind a legacy of transformation, resilience and innovation, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has done for the BHF.” 

Allison Swaine-Hughes, current Retail Director, will succeed Taylor as Commercial Director from January. She brings experience from senior roles at Asda and Gap. 

BHF Retail Director Allison Swaine-Hughes says: “Stepping into the role of Commercial Director for the BHF is a huge privilege, building on the remarkable legacy of Mike and the incredible work of our teams to date. I look forward to working alongside the executive group and our teams to save and improve lives on a scale more ambitious than ever before as set out in our new BHF strategy.” 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores 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.