Retail Technology Show 2026 report flags Perfect Ted’s Marisa Poster as Disruptor of the Year

Marisa Poster, the Co-Founder of Perfect Ted, has been named as the retail industry’s top innovator in a new report released by Retail Technology Show (RTS).

Now in its fourth year, the annual report champions progressive pioneers who are blazing a trail of innovation, shaking up the sector status quo and driving the industry forward with new thinking. 

Poster co-founded Perfect Ted in 2021. Since then, the Steven Bartlett backed business has grown into Europe’s largest matcha brand with forecasted revenues of £30 million. Its products are now stocked in tens of thousands of stores across more than 50 countries, while also operating a sizeable DTC channel online.

Elsewhere, Mark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi, who co-founded sustainable electric toothbrush brand SURI, were recognised for prompting a complete category wide rethink whilst growing significantly across the UK, US and ANZ. 

Meanwhile, Alexandra Wilson, Sustainability & Compliance Manager at Fabacus, a tech firm specialising in digital product passports (DPPs), has transformed source tracing capabilities within the sector.

Fashion also had a prominent place in this year’s report. The BrandAlley Group’s Chief Trading Officer, Roger Howard, received recognition for his role in reshaping the management of serial returners through innovation.  

Chamiah Dewey, Founder of eponymous fashion brand Dewey, was also named a top disruptor for carving out a successful apparel proposition for petite and extra-petite women, driving greater awareness of sizing diversity within the sector.

Progressive changemakers at the heart of retail’s largest organisations were also highlighted. Amazon’s Senior Brand Specialist, Florian Schroedl, was recognised for his work revolutionising the online retail giant’s product listing and product data processes.

International home improvement company Kingfisher’s Chief AI Officer, Mohsen Ghasempour, also made the top ten for his role in leading the business’ AI strategy across the B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama and Brico Dépôt brands.

“This year’s report features the widest array of businesses and examples of retail pioneers we’ve seen yet - proof that impactful innovation comes in many guises and that the inspiration for challenging sector norms is never linear,” says Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS.

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.