Retail technology firm Barrows Connected Store announces appointment of Tim Bagwell as its new CTO
Barrows Connected Store reports the promotion of Tim Bagwell to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Bagwell, formerly Chief Product & Data Officer, will lead the company's global technology strategy, overseeing engineering, platform architecture, AI, data, and product innovation.
“Tim has been instrumental in redefining what is possible for in-store retail media,” says James Hay, Chief Executive Officer at Barrows Connected Store. “His vision has helped transform physical stores into intelligent, measurable media environments that create value for retailers, brands, and shoppers alike. As Chief Technology Officer, Tim will continue pushing the boundaries of connected retail through AI, advanced platform innovation, and technologies that move the industry forward.”
Bagwell brings nearly two decades of experience across retail media, advertising technology, and digital commerce. Since joining Barrows Connected Store, he has led the evolution of ConnectOS, the company's proprietary platform that turns physical stores into measurable digital media channels through intelligent content orchestration, real-time activation, and analytics.
Elsewhere, James Stokes has been appointed Global Head of Engineering, overseeing platform architecture, infrastructure, and integrations. And Jonathan (Jono) Kellermann has taken on the role of Global Head of Product, leading product strategy across the ConnectOS platform, digital displays, hardware, software, and measurement solutions.
Among Barrows Connected Store's first employees, Stokes and Kellerman helped build the original ConnectOS platform and have remained central to its evolution since the company's founding in 2018.
“Tim, James and Jono have helped build the technology foundation that powers our business today. This leadership structure enables us to innovate faster, scale globally and continue delivering the next generation of connected retail solutions,” says Hay.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
In-store retail media 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.
