Darren Cremins gets emotional as he discusses departure from retail media specialist Scala

Darren Cremins has announced his departure from Scala, where he spent 13 years, most recently serving as Senior Sales Director - Retail Media and Connected Store UK and Ireland.

Scala's solutions allow companies to create audience engagement experiences by connecting networks of digital signs, kiosks, mobile devices, websites and internet connected devices

In a LinkedIn post, Cremins, who did not reveal his next move, said: "So today (Thursday, 31st December) is my last day with Scala. I've been here almost 13 years. I joined in my 30s, leaving in my 50s. I've watched the business grow, get acquired by STRATACACHE and ride the retail media wave these last couple of years."

"It's been an amazing 13 years of my life. Digital signage is in my blood. The tech was cool. The people were better.  Colleagues who became friends. Partners who backed us. Clients who pushed us. Everyone who made this journey memorable, you know who you are."

He added: "We all know that every chapter comes to an end. This one's been a very good one. I'll take a few days off and will be in an exciting new role very soon, but today is for saying thanks. It's been emotional. It's been fun. Here's to what's next."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Retail media 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.