As part of a new mini-series, we are going to be interviewing several of our colleagues to find out more about their careers, their highs and lows and what it’s like working within retail tech at Retail247. Our network has grown a lot over the last couple of years, and we’d love for you to meet the people fuelling our solutions and services.
This week, we’re interviewing Rebecca Malia, Head of Business Development at Retail247.
We’re always looking for new talent here at Retail247. If you like what you hear about us and think you’d bring something to the table, email jobs@retail247.com. Check out our current vacancies here.
How did you end up working for Retail247?
I’ve known Martin, our CEO since working together at Harvey Nichols back in 2006. He approached me to help grow Retail247 in 2020, at a time in my career when I was ready to make a change from the giddy heights of POS hardware systems to retail tech SaaS solutions that make a positive difference and drive retail growth.
Did you always want to work in retail tech?
No, I fell into retail tech. I grew up in retail: my parents had card and gift shops. I studied Display, Design and Marketing at college and then headed towards a career in advertising (my dream job from when I was 10). However, the opportunity to have my own retail business was too strong a pull. I had my own card and gift business for 10 years, selling it to a large retail chain in 2000.
A customer’s husband then approached me to help him open up retail opportunities for a small POS hardware business called PCPOS. I loved talking to retailers and enjoyed working with a team whose drive to deliver game-changing retail solutions mirrored my own ethos.
Within 18 months we created DigiPoS, the direct to retail arm of the business. As the business grew internationally, operating in over 16 countries, we embraced more customer focused technologies and services. Our success was measured by our customers’ satisfaction and business growth. These two things still excite me every day.
What has been your favourite career challenge?
Without a doubt winning Next when I was at DigiPoS. It took me 6 years but was worth every hour, every meeting, every email.
What has been your funniest moment working at Retail247?
Our virtual Locktails events in the winter lockdown were absolutely brilliant. It was very funny to watch people go from a serious conversation to making knock your socks of cocktails. I’ve seen some fantastic dancing over Zoom from some very senior IT people!
What are your views on working from home?
I’ve been based from home for the last 22 years. I get the best mix as I love being out and about meeting people, interspersed with a couple of days to catch up on emails and calls. Lockdown certainly challenged my relationship building as I am definitely more of a face-to-face person, however I quite like my children now.