Data analytics expert Lester Berry says goodbye to John Lewis Partnership and hello to The Lego Group
Lester Barry has joined The LEGO Group as Senior Director, Data - Markets & Channels Tech. He was previously at John Lewis Partnership where he spent the past 11 years, most recently serving as Director of Analytics & Data Science.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “Today (Monday, 21st September) was a big day. After 11 years, I was the new person again, having no idea who anybody was or where I could get a decent coffee.”
“On Friday, I said goodbye to the John Lewis Partnership. I have had an amazing time there, seeing the impact of data, analytics, data science and AI grow considerably, while working with many great Partners. I'm proud of what the team has achieved and I was touched by the send off last week...it meant a lot. Thank you all.”
He added: “However, today was hello to The LEGO Group. It was a fantastic welcome from everybody and I even came home after day one with the gift of a 1769 piece LEGO kit! I am thrilled to be part of another great brand and great company...I can't wait to get stuck in. Thank you for having me.”
Walmart Live
In July, Walmart, Netflix, and The LEGO Group came together for an interactive, live shopping experience that celebrated the launch of the new LEGO ONE PIECE collection, including exclusive sets only available at Walmart.
This took place on Walmart Live, a feature on the US retail giant’s website and app, enabling consumers to watch livestreamed shopping events hosted by influencers and celebrities.
“Hosted by LEGO ambassadors Matticus Bricks and Danibob Studios, the Walmart Live event brought together entertainment, community, and commerce in a way that felt authentic to fans. There were creative builds, behind the scenes insights, fan conversation, and, of course, the opportunity to shop the collection live,” said Walmart’s Justin Breton. “It was another example of how we're creating experiences customers want to spend time with, not just shop..”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Live shopping 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.
