RTS 2026 conference speakers set to include Harrods, Frasers Group, and Currys
Retail Technology Show (RTS) has announced a number of retail leaders set to speak on stage at RTS 2026 across the two-day event in London during April.
Having recently added TALA Founder, Grace Beverley, the following have now joined the conference line up:
Currys' MD of AI & Monetisation, Ryan den Rooijen
Anthony Houghton, Group CEO at Holland & Barratt
David Clark, CCO at Frasers Group
The BRC's Chief Executive, Helen Dickinson
Mark Blundell, Chief Retail Officer at Harrods
Kicking off day one (22nd April) at 09.40am on the Supanova Stage, Dickinson will join Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle, to discuss key policy shifts impacting the sector. Debating whether recent government reform is helping or hindering retail innovation, she will explore strategies for navigating these new challenges and opportunities.
Moving from policy reforms to new revenue streams, Clark takes to the stage at 09.40am on the Spark Stage to explore the retail media network (RMN) opportunity. Drawing on real-world examples from Frasers’ RMN, ELEVATE, he’ll share data led strategies for monetising first party data and unlocking omnichannel personalisation, engagement and CX.
Insight into experience led retail continues on the Spark Stage at 11am on day one, with Blundell exploring how the leading luxury retailer curates customer experience and loyalty in a fireside chat.
As AI adoption relentlessly accelerates, challenger beauty brand, Aroma Zone’s Vice President Data & AI, Amine Mekouar, joins Nikki Baird, Atpos Retail’s VP of Strategy & Product at 3.15pm on the Supanova Stage for a panel discussion on the agentic shift, and what this means for brands, business efficiency and customer engagement.
den Rooijen will also focus on AI, outlining core strategies for successful deployments that deliver for customers, colleagues and the bottom line at 1.15pm (Headline Stage) on day one
Moving on to day two, the Co-operative Group’s Chief Digital & Information Officer, Rob Elsey, will deliver a keynote on cyber risk and resilience on the Supanova Stage at 10.10am. Opening up about how the retailer responded to the cyberattack which impacted its business last year, he’ll outline critical strategies for cyber resilience in 2026 and beyond. Elsey is followed by a conversation with Houghton at 11.30am.
“Insight underpins innovation, so we’re bringing together an all star line-up of the sector’s sharpest minds to help retailers unpick the most pressing challenges, the hottest debates and the critical topics that will redefine the next wave of retail evolution,” says Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS.
“That includes not shying away from taboo topics, enabling a platform for the bold discussions needed to help retailers navigate change, mitigate risk and build greater resilience.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by VenHub Global, 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2026 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2026 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
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