Chris Bitner takes on VP, Chief Information Security Officer role at The Winn-Dixie Company

Chris Bitner is starting a new position as Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer at US company The Winn-Dixie Company.

He previously held the same role at Southeastern Grocers and makes the move as that retailer officially rebrands as The Winn-Dixie Company to focus on its Florida roots.

The company is in the process of renovating stores, expanding liquor store formats and enhancing online shopping. And it has sold off most of its physical locations outside of Florida and southern Georgia.

Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO at The Winn-Dixie Company, says: "This is a defining moment - more than a name change, it proudly declares who we are and where we’re headed. Winn-Dixie has been part of feeding families and enriching communities for generations.”

“Becoming The Winn-Dixie Company brings a deeply rooted company name behind our shared purpose of empowering people to feed and enrich their communities. We’re investing with intention, opening new stores, refreshing existing ones and elevating the products our customers know and love, while maintaining our commitment to value and quality."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Physical stores 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.