The World Retail Congress brings together the most senior retail industry leaders and influencers from around the world to learn, share, debate and discuss the issues that are shaping retailing.
In working closely with those leading the industry, along with our Advisory Board, it is clear how much importance is placed on nurturing the talent within retail businesses that exist just a few levels below the Executive or Main Board.
The Retail Accelerator Programme has been designed to provide deep-dive sessions on topics critical for senior executives in retail businesses looking for a wider knowledge and understanding of the industry, connecting them with peers to accelerate their careers to top leadership.
The Programme is unique and invaluable - taught by a line-up of “Professors” from the retail industry who each have wide-ranging experience in running retail businesses at all levels and sectors.
The Retail Accelerator Programme:
- Designed for senior executives in a retail business currently one or two levels below the Executive or Main Board
- Nominated by their senior management
- Access included in Boardroom Packages with your organisation
- Limited to 40 participants for close-contact learning
Monday 12th May: 14:00 - 17:30
Flagship Store Tours
Accelerator Programme attendees are guaranteed access on one of the brilliant Flagship Store Tours. Take your learning to the streets as you are guided around London's top retail concepts by CEOs and Executive Teams.
Tuesday 13th May: 11:00 - 12:00
Accelerator Workshop #1: Building the Basics
The first of the Accelerator Programme workshops takes participants away from the main Congress floor for intimate, exclusive workshop time with pioneers from across the industry. Taking attendees through critical overviews of the economy, customer behaviour and innovation, this first-day focuses on building up the basics and arming attendees with new insight from across the industry
Presentation 1 – Exclusive insights into the year ahead
Understanding the macro-economic and geo-political factors that will influence every retail business around the world is absolutely critical. The Congress is delighted to welcome back one of the most sought-after experts and speakers who will share his analysis of the economic prospects for the next 12 months.
Professor: Dr Ira Kalish, Chief Global Economist, Deloitte
Presentation 2 – Innovation in Retail
Described as one of the world’s best strategy minds, Saher regularly works with governments and global brands on developing future propositions and to understand how to embrace change and innovation. In this deep dive session, he will set out the key pointers to consider as future leaders in maintaining a focus on how to respond to future trends.
Professor: Saher Sidhom, Founder, Hackmasters
Wednesday 14th May: 11:00 - 12:00
Accelerator Workshop #2: Ready to lead
What would you want to ask of those who have led the biggest retail organisations in the world? How will future leadership differ? How can you effectively prepare for the new pressures of board roles? In this second day, the Accelerator Programme welcomes to the floor past leaders of some of the biggest and most iconic retailers today to share their lessons learnt in an intimate forum.
Presentation 1 – Leading change in business turnarounds
A masterclass session from one of the most experienced retail leaders, Ian McLeod. Having led major retailers in most regions of the world, he has a vast range of experience of turning around businesses. In this special session he will give a presentation of his key lessons and then answer questions from Silvia Rindone, EY UK&I Strategy and Transactions Managing Partner and UK&I Retail Lead
Professor: Ian McLeod, NED, Kingfisher
Presentation 2 - Faster, bolder, smarter leadership
As retail reshapes, so too does the role of a retail CEO and the pressures and challenges they face. The route to the top is also many and varied. In this session, Accelerator programme delegates will hear from two highly experienced retail leaders sharing their career journeys and insights about how to successfully lead a retail organisation in today’s retail world. Your opportunity to open up a dialogue to ask questions in this private, informal session format.
Moderated by: Lucy Harris, CEO, Altrua
Louise Greenlees, former, TJX
Judith McKenna, NED, Unilever, Delta
Arja Taaveniku, CEO of Home Centre, Landmark Retail