Baltazar Hasselsteen Ozone discusses data and AI transformation push as she she heads out of Pandora

Baltazar Hasselsteen Ozone has announced her departure from Pandora where she spent just over seven years, holding a number of roles during that time, most recently VP AI & Innovation.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: "Proud of what we built. Excited about what’s next. Seven years ago, we kicked off the data and AI transformation that contributed to the turnaround of the world’s largest jewellery brand, Pandora. With the organisation entering its next phase, this marks the end of that chapter for me, and I’m now actively exploring what’s next."

She added: "Looking back, I’m very proud of what we have achieved. From onboarding the first data scientists and ML engineers, building capability and deploying solutions that would underpin the company’s digital transformation. From there, scaling across the value chain, standing up a global product organisation, redefining the operating model, introducing new ways of working, modernising the tech stack and driving significant commercial outcomes through data, analytics and AI."

"More than anything, I’m proud of the people who chose to join the team throughout the years. Many of you joined when there was little more than a bold vision and helped turn it into something meaningful, impactful and scalable. A big shout out and thanks to my teams and colleagues in Copenhagen, London, Bangkok and our markets across the world. It’s been a privilege building this together with you."

She concluded by stating that she leaves behind a forward looking AI strategy with clear commercial outcomes and a foundation for scaling AI to thousands of employees and millions of consumers.

"As I look ahead, I’m excited to explore opportunities where I can apply my experience in AI transformation, scaling data and analytics organisations and driving business impact at scale. If you’re working on something ambitious in this space, I’d love to connect,” she concluded.

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.