Primark raids Ikea franchisee Ingka Group to bring in Lucy Slinger as its new Chief Financial Officer
Primark has announced the appointment of Lucy Slinger as Chief Financial Officer. She joins from her role as Deputy CFO at Ikea franchisee Ingka Group, which operates across 32 countries. Prior to this, she spent more than two decades at Shell in a range of senior finance leadership roles, including Financial Reporting, Corporate Finance, Group Planning & Appraisal, and as CFO of the Global Aviation business.
The move comes as owner Associated British Foods spins off Primark from its food businesses, telling investors that the retailer will be better positioned to grow on its own.
Eoin Tonge, Chief Executive at Primark, says: “I’m delighted to welcome Lucy to Primark at such an important moment for the business. She brings deep financial expertise from large global organisations, alongside an impressive track record in disciplined investment and operational performance. As we accelerate our growth strategy and prepare for a standalone future, her leadership will be invaluable. I look forward to working closely with her as we shape the next phase of Primark’s growth.”
Slinger says: “I am excited to be joining Primark at such a pivotal point in its journey. It is a unique business with a strong growth ambition and distinctive customer proposition, built on making great fashion accessible while continuing to drive quality and sustainability. I look forward to working with Eoin and colleagues across the business as Primark continues to grow internationally and invest for the future.”
Online move
Primark recently responded to media reports that it was working on its first ever venture into the online home delivery space.
And we regret to inform fans of the fast fashion and homeware retailer that such a move ain’t happening any time soon.
The Times, citing unnamed sources, reported that Primark had identified this as a step towards ramping up the digital side of its business.
“They know they need to go online…They wanted this warehouse as it has automation equipment that lets you do delivery directly to peoples’ homes,” a source told the newspaper.
However, a Primark spokesperson told us: “Our position on home delivery remains unchanged. As part of regular reviews of our distribution network to support future growth, we explored this site as a potential option for our Click & Collect service in Great Britain.”
Primark has long resisted going all in on online delivery, arguing that its discounter status and tight margins that come with this cannot absorb the operational costs of picking, packing and shipping orders, or the impact of online returns.
But in recent years it has started to make moves in this area, building a Click & Collect service, for instance, and also launching its first ever mobile customer app in the UK. Brits are now joining Irish and Italian shoppers who have been using the app since last year.
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, said of the UK launch: “We know our customers expect great value and an effortless shopping experience, wherever they are. Our new app puts exactly that in the palm of their hand, from personalised updates on the latest trends to faster, more convenient ways to browse and shop via Click & Collect. This is just the next step in bringing everyday value to more UK shoppers in a way that’s simple, seamless and built around their needs.”
Matt Houston, Chief Customer & Digital Officer at Primark, added: “Following the successful launch of our app in Ireland and Italy, we’re excited to bring an even smarter, more connected shopping experience to the UK. Customers are increasingly turning to digital tools that make shopping easier and more rewarding, and we’re confident that our app will deliver an intuitive, personalised experience that’s been carefully designed to help them get the most out of every Primark visit.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Online delivery 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.
