Retail Week Supply Chain Club - Past Events

The first two Supply Chain Directors' Club events have generated positive feedback and we anticipate many more lively evenings and fantastic speakers, discussing the topics and challenges affecting retail supply chain today.

• Peter D. Gibbons

  Peter D. Gibbons, Executive vice president, Global Supply Chain Operations, , Starbucks Coffee Company

  13th May 2010

• Roger Holmes

  Roger Holmes, Managing Director, Change Capital Partners

  London

  28th January 2010

• Peter Fitzgerald

  Peter Fitzgerald, Senior Industry Leader in Retail, Google UK

  London

  4th November 2009

  As 2010 approaches and consumer-habits evolve and expectations increase, what can retailers do to meet demand to win the potential pots of new revenue, and what will be the consequential impact on retailer supply chains?

  Peter will discuss retailing futures, using the customer insight and data captured through the Google lens, and what the new market-place both on and offline may look like for fashion, grocery and non-food retailers.

  Offering invaluable predictions of the profile for both the domestic and international retail customer in 2010 and where the opportunities lie for retailers, Peter will also lead an unmissable discussion around the knock-on effects for the logistics, and how market-share can be won.

  Prior to Google, Peter worked with Amazon.com where he was responsible for several multi-channel retail accounts - including Marks & Spencer and Mothercare in the UK, and Nordsrom, Target, Old Navy and Foot Locker in the US.

• Ian Cheshire

  Ian Cheshire, Group CEO, Kingfisher

  London

  15th September 2009

  As consumer expectations for flexibility, value and sustainability increase, ther are ever more challenges in retail development, and it is crucial that businesses find innovative and long-lasting solutions to the changing market-place, and companies’ supply chain operations are integral to this success.

  As a result of Cheshire’s strategy of putting the business back on track with new management, better use of capital and focus on higher returns, Kingfisher’s retail profit surged 38.5% in the 13 weeks to May 2, beating all expectations whilst still putting sustainability at the core of the business.
  
  In the UK, profit rocketed due to higher sales volumes, and margin and cost improvements and Ian will be joining us to share his insights into how, in this difficult trading climate, costs can be saved and how, actually, sustainability in business can add to the bottom line, focusing particularly on sourcing and supply chain.

  We are looking forward to a lively and engaging evening and do hope that you will be able to join us. As always, discussions are strictly off-the-record, encouraging frank and honest discussion and the opportunity to speak freely with industry peers.
  

• Martin White, Supply Chain Director, Primark

  London

  24th March 2009

  As changing attitudes and cash-flow affect spending, retailers may see a fundamental shift in customer shopping habits, leading to the emergence of an even more demanding consumer. At the same time, whilst the tough economic climate shows little let-up, the pressure on directors to deliver more for less, also increases.

  Streamlining, efficiency and cost-reduction are at the top of the agenda and this debate will be honing in on the finer details of what this means for leaders in supply chain. Topics to be explored include:

  ▪ Satisfying your customer whilst maintaining a low-cost operating model
  ▪ Sustainability: still a priority?
  ▪ Stripping waste & cost reduction
  ▪ Deliver to the customer and delivering to the Board
  ▪ Managing the supply chain through the downturn

  As always, discussions are strictly off-the-record, encouraging frank and honest discussion and the opportunity to speak freely with industry peers.

• Duncan Lowe, Supply Strategy Director, Pepsico

  London

  29th January 2009

  The Supply Chain Director’s Club dinner is a networking forum for Executive Directors involved in this crucial area of the business. The Club offers an intimate occasion at which to relax and converse with peers over a complimentary three-course meal, under the confidence of Chatham House Rules.

  Duncan will be discussing and critiquing the current thinking on collaboration, considering when, if ever is the right time, and asking how much value there is in strategic collaboration. He also emphasises the importance of the ‘two-way street’ approach in driving supply chain improvement, and will openly share his opinions and expertise, and encourage questions and debate.

  At the helm of Pepsico’s supply chain strategy Duncan is perfectly placed to share his knowledge and experience, offering an alternative perspective on complex supply chains, and how improved partnerships can contribute to the bottom line.

• Bob Willett

  Bob Willett, CEO, Best Buy International

  Adam Street Private Members Club, WC2

  October 2008

  Viewed by many as the world’s best electricals retailer, Best Buy sent shockwaves through the market when it announced its intention to enter the UK with the £1.1billion acquisition of 50 percent of Carphone Warehouse’s retail division in May.

  The arrival comes as many of the UK’s top electricals players are struggling to cope with the fall in consumer confidence and spend. It is crucial therefore that the excellent standards of customer service Best Buy are renowned for continue to be delivered successfully.

  An efficient and well-oiled supply chain is integral to support the investment growth and is vital for their successful entry into the UK market and whilst Bob describes himself as a ‘simple shopkeeper’, his credentials and experience in supply chain are second to none.

  Prior to Best Buy he worked with fashion retail giants Arcadia and Marks & Spencer, developing a wealth of retail experience and a deep understanding of supply chain concepts.
  Willett now adopts an holistic approach with people-friendly technology goals, and is recognised as being one of the most forward-thinking minds in the industry, and will be sharing his insights and experiences.

• The growing demand in retail supply chain: Roundtable discussion

  Chandos House, Mayfair , London

  24th June 2008

  The dramatic rise in online sales and the increased consumer expectations for quality, flexibility, value and sustainability mean growing challenges. It is crucial that your business finds innovative and long-lasting solutions in a changing market.

  Spotlight focus on:

  • Best-in-class customer service & industry standards for delivery integrity
  • Delivering a successful multichannel operation
  • International development & global trends
  • Greening supply chain and reducing environmental impact

• Carl Gerold-Mendez, Director International, Royal Mail

  Held at Retail Week Conference , London

  28th March 2008

  Different businesses, common concerns: thriving successfully and prosperously in the consumer market.

  Spotlight focus on:

  • How should Supply Chain Leaders move the Green Agenda forward?
  • Industry standards for delivery integrity - How to be the best
  • Sustainable models for sharing customer information between retailers and distribution partners
  • How awareness of international market trends in Supply Chain add value to the UK market

• London