2025 Judging Panel
Jonathan Easton, Editor, Retail Systems
Oliver Banks, Retail Transformation Director & Consultant, OB&CO
Alexandra Forsyth, Retail, Fashion and Cyber Security Expert
Alex Leonards, News Editor, Retail Systems
Ruairi McVeigh, Head of Product, Payments and Fraud, END Clothing
Scott Sadeghian-Tehrani, Media Strategy Director, 26
Dr Anjali Subburaj, Enterprise Architect, Zooplus
Oliver Banks, Retail Transformation Director & Consultant,OB&CO
Oliver Banks is an expert consultant working with senior leaders to transform retail businesses and operations. One of the most influential voices in retail, Oliver is author of 'Driving Retail Transformation: How to Navigate Disruption & Change' a LinkedIn Top Voice, host of the Retail Transformation Show podcast and keynote speaker, and advises on navigating transformation and the ever-evolving world of retail.
Alexandra Forsyth, Retail, Fashion and Cyber Security Expert
As a seasoned Cyber Security Expert based in London, Alexandra has dedicated her career to mastering cyber threat intelligence (CTI), becoming deeply conversant with the intricacies of safeguarding digital information. Alexandra’s journey led her to establish AFRG (AF'sRetailGuide) in 2024, a pioneering educational platform merging knowledge of retail, fashion, art, technology, and cyber security. This diverse blend of interests was recently showcased in Alexandra’s TEDx Talk in London, where she delved into the crucial role of community in an increasingly connected world. Her platform AFRG CLUB engages audiences through a variety of media, including podcasts, blogs, events, and presentations, providing guidance and fostering a well-informed community. AFRG is quickly becoming the go-to source for cutting-edge insights into the latest tech trends reshaping retail, the mysteries of the metaverse, and essential tips on cyber security. Alexandra takes great satisfaction in mentoring individuals and groups, offering customised sessions to enhance confidence, mindfulness, and strategic thinking, thereby empowering growth throughout professional journeys and within corporate frameworks.
Alex Leonards, News Editor, Retail Systems
Alex Leonards is the News Editor at Retail Systems where she oversees the day-to-day running of the site and keeps on top of the latest goings on in the retail technology space. She is an ambitious, experienced, and inquisitive journalist with almost a decade of experience in the field, having achieved a master’s degree in multimedia journalism from the University of Westminster.
Ruairi McVeigh, Head of Product, Payments and Fraud, END Clothing
I've spent 12 years in e-commerce retail, holding roles from software engineer and business analyst to product owner, and, most recently, leading product teams in Fashion E-commerce. My career has spanned both challenging transformation projects and the rewarding launch of new apps and websites with global impact. Currently, at END Clothing, I'm expanding my knowledge in the dynamic omnichannel space, which combines complexity with rapid change and inspires my creativity. Working closely with Machine Learning and AI, I’m thrilled to see how these innovations are transforming retail. It’s incredible to witness the realisation of concepts I studied during my computer science degree, back when we saw them as futuristic ideas.
Scott Sadeghain-Tehrani, Media Strategy Director, 26
Scott Sadeghian-Tehrani is the Media Strategy Director at 26 With over 15 years’ experience in delivering performance for a range of clients, from start-ups to FTSE 100 companies, he’s passionate about planning effective media strategies that drive measurable results. Working collaboratively with client services, sales, and specialist channel teams, he develops integrated strategies that leverage best-in-class channel thinking with enterprise tech for clients including ASDA Money, Wilko, and Fortnum & Mason, plus many more.
Dr Anjali Subburaj, Enterprise Architect, Zooplus
Since May 2023, Anjali has been working as an Interim Enterprise Architect with Zooplus, an online retailer of pet products. Between September 2022 and April 2023, Anjali acted as the interim DCX Program Architect at UK-based online retailer, The Very Group, to support the company’s re-platforming initiative. Previously, she was Digital Commerce Chief Architect for Mars Inc, where she led the development of its technology strategy and drove transformation for the enterprise’s existing and new D2C initiatives. As part of this work, she successfully introduced the use of MACH architecture to provide future scalability for Mars’ global businesses. Anjali has been a MACH Alliance Ambassador since 2020 and was named a MACH Advisory Board Member for 2023. Prior to embarking on her technology career in the UK, Anjali gained her Doctorate in Physics from Mumbai University, India, and has acquired technology architect certifications. She is passionate about introducing technologies that meet evolving customer requirements and creating a legacy for the next generation of technology leaders.
