Sephora UK MD Sarah Boyd added to Retail Technology Show 2026 headline speaker line-up in London

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director at beauty retailer Sephora UK, has been booked as a speaker at Retail Technology Show (RTS), which takes place at London’s ExCeL on 22nd and 23rd April. 

On track to expand its footprint to 20 UK stores this year, Sephora’s momentum has been underpinned by strong omnichannel performance, high profile regional roll-outs and a community first approach.

Speaking on the Spark Stage on day one at 11:40am, Boyd will join Martin Newman for a fireside chat on how Sephora’s community first approach is shaping the beauty zeitgeist while driving hype and growth. 

From store expansion to viral social campaigns, Boyd will share how Sephora intends to build on its momentum, strategies for managing virality with customer trust, and how retailers can adapt to meet the needs of next-gen shoppers. 

"I am looking forward to being part of Retail Technology Show at a time when British beauty retail is so dynamic and culturally influential,” says Boyd. “The UK customer is highly engaged, curious and trend aware, and we’re seeing a real shift towards experiences that go beyond transaction.  

“Technology is a critical enabler of personalisation and community building, sharper curation and deeper product discovery. It will be great to share how we are bringing that to life here at Sephora UK as we continue on our exciting journey.”

“Already the ‘It’ brand of beauty retailing, the rise and rise of Sephora has been nothing short of meteoric, and it has quickly become the poster child for how community led commerce can supercharge growth, viral engagement and steadfast loyalty,” says Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS.  “With its wide reaching appeal - and its ability to tap into Gen Alpha - Sarah’s session will be another unmissable addition to the RTS conference programme.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Omnichannel retail 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.