Retail data management firm Syndigo adds ex-Kohl's, Best Buy executives to board of directors
Product experience management solutions specialist, Syndigo, has announced the appointment of Sona Chawla and Brian Tilzer to its board of directors.
Chawla has held executive leadership roles at companies including Kohl’s, Walgreens, Dell and CDW, where she led large scale digital and omnichannel initiatives designed to drive growth and customer engagement. She is also on the board of directors for CarMax, a US-based used vehicle retailer.
Tilzer previously held executive leadership roles at Best Buy, CVS Health and Staples, where he led digital and AI initiatives driving growth and customer experience. He also serves as an independent board director at Signet Jewelers, the largest jewelry retailer in North America and the UK.
“Sona and Brian each bring an exceptional track record helping global organizations navigate digital transformation and evolving customer expectations,” says Simon Angove, CEO at Syndigo. “Their combined expertise across retail, commerce technology, data strategy and customer engagement will help guide Syndigo as we continue to scale our platform, expand our market leadership and help brands and retailers succeed in an increasingly complex commerce environment.”
“Agentic AI is changing how consumers discover and shop, and the brands and retailers that win will be the ones with product experiences that are accurate, rich and connected across every channel. Syndigo is built for exactly this moment, and I look forward to working with the board and leadership team to help seize it,” says Tilzer.
“As commerce continues to evolve, high quality, connected product data is foundational to delivering exceptional product experiences. Syndigo is uniquely positioned to help brands and retailers navigate that complexity, and I’m excited to support the company during this important phase of growth,” comments Chawla.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Agentic 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.
