Tesco Media appoints former Walmart Connect exec Lauren Bolles as Chief Operations Officer

Tesco Media has announced the appointment of Lauren Bolles as Chief Operations Officer, a newly created role.

Tesco Media has recently focused on deepening its partnerships with CPG brands, strengthening its proposition, and building a distinct presence in the UK market. Bolles joins from Walmart Connect, where she served as Chief Operating Officer for the past four years.

In her new role, she will be responsible for strengthening Tesco Media’s end-to-end operating model, with the aim of helping CPG partners unlock greater impact from every pound invested and ensuring campaigns deliver stronger and more measurable results from insight to execution. 

Tash Whitmey, Managing Director at Tesco Media, says: “Tesco Media has built real momentum in recent years becoming the ultimate media partner for brands of all sizes, and we’re proud of the partnerships and reputation we’ve established.”

“Lauren brings outstanding experience from one of the world’s most advanced retail media organisations and she will ensure we are operating at the scale and pace of our ambitions, so that we continue delivering exceptional value for brands, agencies and customers.” 

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Retail media 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.