Logile hires James Freshwater to head up retail workforce operations push in UK and EMEA

Logile, a specialist in AI powered connected workforce solutions, has announced the appointment of James Freshwater as its new leader in the UK and EMEA.

“Logile sits at the crossroads of retail execution and real results,” says Freshwater, whose CV includes stints at Fluxx (as CRO) and Teak (also CRO). “I’m energised and excited by the opportunity to help retailers rethink how they plan and deploy their teams, so every shift, task, and forecast drives performance.”

“The opportunity is clear: turn insight into action, make operations predictable, improve production, reduce waste, and give teams the clarity and confidence to deliver their best every day.”

AF Blakemore

AF Blakemore, a UK business operating more than 240 SPAR stores, recently adopted Logile’s Labour Planning suite to standardise workforce management and align labour to business metrics.

The company also recently collaborated with FrontlineXP, a UK-based consultancy, with the aim of translating productivity plans into measurable store level results, helping retailers connect forecasts, labour models, and execution in real-world operations.

“James brings a rare combination of deep retail expertise, SaaS leadership, and proven execution discipline,” says Ross Connally, Logile’s Chief Commercial Officer. “His vision and experience will enable Logile to strengthen customer partnerships, accelerate adoption of our platform, and deliver measurable, repeatable results across the region. With his leadership, we are poised to drive greater operational impact, elevate productivity, and help retailers turn insight into action.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

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

The awards are now open for entries and 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 Wednesday, 4th November.

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.