SAI Group appoints retail technology veteran Clare Hoole to spearhead company’s UK expansion push
SAI Group, a computer vision and GenAI specialist that provides retail intelligence solutions. has announced the appointment of Clare Hoole, who will head up the company’s UK expansion plans.
She has, over the last two decades, held senior positions at such tech providers as NCR and latterly NCR Voyix.
Hoole will leverage her tech expertise across store operations, self-checkout and PoS to help retailers run their bricks and mortar estates more efficiently, profitably and safely. She will also support brands in creating insight led retail strategies, using SAI’s Visual Language Model (VLM) to turn traditionally ‘passive’ store surveillance systems into active, operational platforms for real-time store intelligence.
She says: “As AI becomes a driving force within the sector, SAI Group is innovating at the cutting edge of using that active intelligence to power physical retail, helping brands provide best-in-class CX, whilst reducing the cost of theft in-store, which remains a persistent challenge for retailers. Continuous innovation sits at the heart of SAI Group’s operating model and culture, meaning it can support retailers’ evolving needs as they adapt at pace, making for an exciting and dynamic prospect.”
“Clare brings a holistic and in-depth understanding of the innovation needed to drive retail businesses forward and help retailers navigate key challenges, from unlocking efficiencies to enhancing CX and proactively reducing crime in-store,” comments Som Sinha, CEO at SAI Group. “Clare will have an instrumental role in delivering our UK growth strategy, and we look forward to welcoming her to the growing team as we continue to build momentum.”
Clare Hoole: “As AI becomes a driving force within the sector, SAI Group is innovating at the cutting edge of using that active intelligence to power physical retail, helping brands provide best-in-class CX, whilst reducing the cost of theft in-store.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores 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.
