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: 11:30 - 12:30
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 – Getting closer to your customer
It is has never been more important for retailers to place the consumer at the heart of their business. Which makes it even more important to have a better idea of how consumers are changing, what they need and want from retailers and brands and where competition for their spending power is coming from. To get the very latest insight into changing consumers, delegates will have the opportunity to hear from and discuss ideas with one of the leading experts in consumer forecasting.
Presentation 3 – Innovation in Retail
Tomorrow's retail CEOs will need to foster and support environments that are agile and ready to innovate. Creating businesses that are prepared for the changes yet to come to the industry is essential - but what does it take to truly lead an innovative business? This workshop will explore how retail executives can become truly innovative.
Wednesday 14th May: 11:30 - 12:30
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 – Lessons Learnt from Global Leadership
In this unique session, Ian McLeod, former CEO of Dairy Farm International and Coles will share the top lessons learnt from his prestigious career at the top of global retail businesses and his advice for the future generation of CEOs. Do not miss your opportunity to put your questions directly to him and hear insights from a remarkable career.
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