Nathan Davies swaps financial services for retail as he takes on data and AI role at Marks & Spencer

Appointments

25 Aug

Nathan Davies has joined Marks & Spencer as Head of Data & AI Delivery. In a LinkedIn post, Davies, whose CV includes stints at BlackRock and Lloyds Banking Group, said: “M&S is continuing to scale its data and AI ambitions, and my focus will be on building a strong, predictable delivery capability that helps teams turn great ideas into measurable business impact with clarity, pace, quality, and confidence.”

He added: “What I have seen already is the energy, talent, and ambition across the organisation. I look forward to partnering with teams across data technology, product, analytics, governance, operations, and retail to accelerate delivery while maintaining the quality, governance, and operational excellence required for successful scaling.”

“While I am excited about what lies ahead, I am equally grateful to the many people who have supported me on the journey here. To colleagues, leaders, mentors, friends, and family, thank you. Every opportunity is built on the encouragement, trust, and contribution of others. I have always believed that while individual talent matters, it's teams that win. The best outcomes happen when great people come together around a shared purpose, and I look forward to becoming part of that team at M&S. Excited for the journey ahead and ready to get started.”

Nathan Davies swaps financial services for retail as he takes on data and AI role at M&S

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

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.