Marks and Spencer veteran Chris Thomas starts new role at retailer as Head of Technology Innovation
Chris Thomas has taken on the role of Head of Technology Innovation at M&S. He has been with the UK retail giant for 17 years and previously served as Head of Product Retail Technology. In a LinkedIn post, Thomas said: “17 years ago I joined M&S on the graduate scheme and started my career in stores. 11 years ago I moved into the support centre to work in retail technology. It's hard to believe how much has happened since then.”
He added: “I've been lucky enough to work on some brilliant projects with some brilliant people. We've modernised store technology, transformed operating models across food and FH&B, improved stock accuracy and availability, helped our stores respond to Covid, and continually adapted to meet changing customer and colleague needs. More recently, I've had the privilege of leading an amazing team through an operating model change that I believe sets them up well for the future.”
“Along the way, I've made friends for life, worked alongside some incredibly talented colleagues, and watched many people grow and progress their careers. Seeing what people have gone on to achieve is something I'm really proud of. This week's Retail Reset event was my last with the wider Retail Domain team and a great reminder of just how many fantastic people I've had the opportunity to work with over the years. I'll genuinely miss being part of it day to day.”
Thomas concluded: “Thankfully, I'm not going far - I'm excited to be starting a new role as Head of Technology Innovation, leading our innovation capability across D&T. After spending nearly two decades focused on stores, customers and colleagues, I can't wait to get started on the next challenge looking at the whole of M&S. A huge thank you to everyone who's been part of the journey so far. Here's to the next chapter.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Store technology 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.
