Nilam Powar takes on Chief Financial Officer position at upmarket department store chain Selfridges

Nilam Powar is starting a new position as Chief Financial Officer at Selfridges.

She has been with the retailer for almost two and a half years and previously served as Director of Finance. Prior to that, she spent almost 11 years at Selfridges Group (holding various roles during that time, including Director of Finance).

Zalando

Online retailer Zalando has appointed Anna Dimitrova as CFO. She joins from Deutsche Glasfaser, a provider of fiber optic internet connections for retail and business customers in Germany.

“Anna combines deep financial expertise, a strong strategic mindset, proven leadership of large cross-functional teams, and an exceptional track record of driving transformation,” says Kelly Bennett, Chairman of the Zalando supervisory board.

“She is the perfect choice to complete this strong group of management board executives and work with our first class teams to seize the exciting opportunities ahead.”

“Courage is the engine of change. This belief has guided me throughout my career, and today it leads me into an exciting new chapter. I am kicking off the New Year with a fresh perspective and a new role, and I am honoured to join Zalando as Chief Financial Officer,” says Dimitrova.

“Leaving Deutsche Glasfaser is bittersweet. Together, we have been building Germany’s digital infrastructure, connecting lives and shaping the future. I carry great pride and deep gratitude for what we have accomplished as a team.”

She adds: “Now, I am thrilled to be bringing my passion for how technology changes customers’ lives, societies and business models to Zalando, a company at the forefront of Europe’s digital economy, redefining how our customers and our partners experience fashion and lifestyle every day.”

“The opportunity to contribute to Zalando’s continued growth and innovation, to work alongside such talented colleagues, and to help shape the future of one of Europe’s digital leaders is both humbling and energising. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Online retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.