As Retail247 push onwards to the next phase of our growth, we are thrilled to establish our Advisory Board and be joined by established industry expertise.
The first members to be announced are:
Firstly, Andy King brings extensive experience having served as CEO at Evans Cycles, Dobbies Garden Centres, and Notcutts Garden Centres. Additionally, he has held NED roles at several prominent businesses including Topps Tiles and Bannatyne Health Clubs.
We’re also excited that Andrew Staff, currently Managing Director of Forbidden Planet is joining the Advisory Board. Andrew has held senior roles such as Chairman, Managing Director, Non-Executive Director, CFO, and COO across a wide variety of industries and we’re thrilled to have him on board.
Zoe Donovan, an accomplished digital and marketing executive with extensive experience across the fashion retail industry, also joins us. Zoe has held senior roles such as Digital and Marketing Director at LK Bennett (during her tenure at LK Bennett she was a Retail247 customer) and Head of Digital at Topshop and Topman.
Myles Dawson brings extensive experience to the Advisory Board. Myles served as the UK Managing Director for Adyen, a global payment company, where he was instrumental in scaling the UK operations and contributing to the company’s growth leading up to its $8 billion IPO in 2022.
Finally, Martin Osborne has joined the board. He is an accomplished leader with extensive hands-on experience delivering complex change management initiatives. His track record includes leading turnaround transformations, SaaS migrations, and the closure and relocation of multiple data centres and offices.
Andy King
Andy King has over 15 years of experience as CEO at Evans Cycles, Dobbies Garden Centres, and Notcutts Garden Centres. Prior to these leadership roles, he held Global Marketing Director positions at The Body Shop, Mothercare, and W.H. Smith, following 9 years in General Management at Boots The Chemists. Andy also brings over two decades of Non-Executive experience, including serving as Chair at Keelham Farm Shop and Nkuku, alongside NED roles at Topps Tiles, Bannatyne Health Clubs, and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. Additionally, he is a Trustee of the Autism Unlimited charity.
“I am delighted to be joining the Advisory Board at Retail247. I have been hugely impressed with Martin and the team and I look forward to working with them to continue their excellent work in growing the business.”
Andrew Staff
Andrew Staff is a highly accomplished business leader with extensive experience across a wide range of industries. He has held senior roles such as Chairman, Managing Director, Non-Executive Director, CFO, and COO, demonstrating a proven track record of driving business transformation, strategic growth, and cultural change in both established companies and high-growth start-ups. Currently serving as Managing Director of Forbidden Planet International, Andrew oversees a network of retail stores in the UK and Ireland. His career highlights include leading mergers and acquisitions, orchestrating complex business transformations, and developing high-performing executive teams. Andrew is also a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
“I am delighted to join the advisory board of Retail247 and contribute to their mission of driving innovation in the retail sector. With the industry evolving at an unprecedented pace, Retail247 is uniquely positioned to support businesses in navigating these changes and achieving sustainable growth. I look forward to bringing my experience in retail, finance and strategy to help shape their journey ahead.”
Zoe Donovan
Zoe Donovan is a highly accomplished digital and marketing executive with extensive experience across the fashion retail industry. She has held senior roles such as Digital and Marketing Director at LK Bennett and Head of Digital at Topshop and Topman, demonstrating a proven track record of driving digital transformation, strategic growth, and brand repositioning in established companies and evolving retail environments. Currently working across a portfolio of leadership and advisory positions, Zoe supports start-up and scaling businesses with her depth of knowledge in commercial strategy, e-commerce, and technology. Her career highlights include launching innovative digital initiatives like the UK’s first fashion rental subscription service, and leading significant e-commerce transformations. Zoe serves as Chief Commercial Officer at For The Creators and as an Industry Board Advisor for the Fashion Retail Academy.
“I am pleased to announce my appointment to the advisory board of Retail247, where I will support their mission to enhance technology systems across the retail sector. Having been a customer myself, I have seen how their products can be transformative in improving business efficiency and unlocking growth opportunities. Martin has established a solid foundation that will enable further development and support for the retail sector as it navigates significant change and innovation. I look forward to contributing my digital and retail experience to help shape the next phase of their growth.”
Myles Dawson
Myles is a seasoned fintech executive with a distinguished career in the payments and technology sector. Myles served as the UK Managing Director for Adyen, a global payment company, where he was instrumental in scaling the UK operations and contributing to the company’s growth leading up to its $8 billion IPO in 2022. Before joining Adyen, he led Rackspace’s Enterprise business, playing a key role in its expansion and drive towards building an Enterprise offering. Since leaving Adyen Myles has worked with a number of startups to support the evolution of their commercial strategy and go to market propositions.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Retail247 Advisory Board and contribute to its mission of driving innovation in retail technology. Having spent my career in the world of payments, technology and commerce, I’ve seen firsthand how the right solutions can transform customer experiences and business operations. Retail247 is uniquely positioned to support retailers in navigating these challenges, and I look forward to supporting the team.”
Martin Osborne
Martin is an experienced leader with 30 years executive leadership experience of enterprise software solutions as a CEO, CPO and Operations Director working within the demanding commercial and technical parameters of the fast paced retail technology industry. Martin is a strong leader of people with hands-on experience of implementing multiple change management programs, including turnaround transformation, SaaS migration and exit of multiple data centres and office & Data Centre relocation followed by successful implementation of a modern hybrid flexible working approach.
“I’ve known Martin and Retail247 for many years and I’m delighted to be joining their Advisory Board. I’ve spent 30 years in retail technology, both ‘customer side’ and ’supplier side’ and I’m excited to share my experiences to help Retail247 with its mission of driving innovation in retail technology. The world of retail and technology is never still and there’s constant change, challenges and opportunities and I look forward to helping them with their journey.”
Alan Morris
Alan is a successful entrepreneur, CEO and company Chairman. He has experience of starting, growing and scaling businesses in the technology sector. In 1999 Alan co-founded Retail Assist. He grew the business significantly, attracting well known brands such as ASOS, Selfridges, Oasis, Starbucks and Costa. Alan exited his role as CEO after 18 years following a successful sale. Alan now works in Chairman, NED and Advisor roles with businesses that are looking to create and deliver growth strategies. He started working with Retail247 in April 2020.
“I’m delighted to be joining the advisory board of Retail247, alongside an exceptional group of leaders from across retail and retail tech. I’ve known Martin Schofield for many years, first as a client during my time at Retail Assist, and have always admired his vision, drive, and deep understanding of the industry. Retail247 brings fresh, innovative thinking to the sector”
If you’d like to learn more about Retail247, get in touch! Just email info@retail247.com to arrange a chat.