Sara Coverdale talks Asda Project Future retail technology separation project as she departs retailer
Sara Coverdale has announced her departure from Asda, where she spent the past four years, most recently serving as Enterprise Architect. She will next take on the role of Head of Engineering and Architecture at supply chain specialist Optilon.
In a LinkedIn post, she said: "After just over five years at Asda, it’s time to say farewell. It’s been a real privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated people, not only our colleagues, but many amazing partners as well."
She added: "I’m a big believer in the power of living outside your comfort zone and taking on big challenges (come on, that’s where the fun is!). When I joined four years ago to support the architecture for Project Future, I couldn't imagine a challenge much bigger for Asda Tech than building an entire supermarket IT landscape pretty much from scratch. I’m so proud and grateful to have been part of the team that took this on, not to mention our other big programmes."
"But times they are a-changing. This is one of the most exciting periods I’ve ever seen in the industry, and with so many geopolitical changes in the past few years, it’s also one of the most challenging times for our supply chains. So after a quick breather on Saturday, I’ll be hopping on a plane to Stockholm to start my next adventure as Head of Engineering and Architecture with independent supply chain partner Optilon, helping companies cut through the complexity to create efficient, intelligent supply chains."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Technology transformation projects 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.
