Mamas & Papas keeps it in the family as Chris Greenwood retires and Chris Platt becomes new CIO
It's the end of an era at Mamas & Papas with Chris Greenwood stepping down from the role of CIO and entering the world of retirement. Chris Platt, who joined the retailer in July as IT and Transformation Director, will be taking over from him.
In a LinkedIn post, Greenwood said: "A significant moment for me this week as I formally handed over the leadership of the IT team at Mamas & Papas to Chris Platt after 36 years at the helm. I always thought that handing over after so many years might be difficult. But it becomes much easier when you know you have found the right person."
He added: "Chris has exactly the qualities the role needs. He is calm, thoughtful and approachable, with the experience and judgement to lead the team confidently. He understands that technology is ultimately about enabling people and supporting the wider business and that, at Mamas & Papas, everything we do should reflect the values of a very special brand."
"Just as importantly, he has taken the time to listen, understand the team and appreciate what has already been built. I know he will bring his own ideas and leadership style while continuing to develop the people around him."
Greenwood will remain at Mamas & Papas for the next six months in a consultative capacity, supporting Platt and the wider business through the transition.
He concluded: "Not many people have the opportunity to help choose their own successor, and I feel very fortunate to have done so. I genuinely believe that both the team and the business are in excellent hands, and I wish Chris every success in the role."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
The work of CIOs 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.
