The Very Group veteran Rob McCormick talks data and AI progress as he departs online retailer
Rob McCormick has announced his departure from The Very Group, following an eight year run at the online retailer where he most recently served as Head of Data. In a LinkedIn post, he said: “After eight years and three roles at The Very Group, the time has come for me to move on. I’ve loved every minute of it!”
He added: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many brilliant people and teams (far too many to call out ). Together, we’ve transformed how data is used across the business, from expanding self-service BI and analytics to more than 2,000 colleagues and partners, to developing our data, AI and engineering capabilities.”
“There have been plenty of achievements along the way, including launching new data products and supporting the development of countless key business initiatives. However, what I’ll remember most is the people. I’m incredibly proud of the teams I’ve had the opportunity to lead and grateful to everyone who has supported, challenged and worked alongside me.”
McCormick concluded: “I’ve also been fortunate to work with some fantastic external partners, suppliers and technology teams over the years. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, collaborated and helped us deliver along the way. This week, I start an exciting new chapter in a Director of Data role - more on that to come…A huge thank you to everyone at Very, and across my wider network, who has helped make the last eight years so fantastic. Very will always have a special place in my heart, and I look forward to watching it continue to go from strength to strength.”
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.
