Conversation with… People in Retail Awards Judge Giles Smith
In this latest Conversations interview, we chat with Giles Smith, former head of digital, customer and data technology at Selfridges, about his career in retail and why he’s back as a judge for The People in Retail Awards. He also discusses the importance of celebrating the people behind the industry and not just commercial performance.
Giles will be speaking at Retail Ecom North in Manchester on 4 February. Find out more and book free places here
Subscribe to TRBCould you tell us a bit about yourself, your career to date, and what you’re focused on now?
I’ve spent my whole career in retail and consumer goods, driving technology strategy, delivery and innovation either in-house at famous brands and retailers, or as a trusted advisor. The consulting part has come from a big consultancy environment, boutique or my own independent streak recently. I also work intimately with 100s of the most exciting new and established technology companies that serve our industry.
So, I’ve sat in all three corners of the industry when it comes to technology delivery and strategy and right now I have found my edge in the neutral and insightful spot sitting right in the middle of all three. Today I advise some of the worlds most famous brands and retailers, helping CIOs, CTOs and CPOs to navigate technology challenges and opportunities.
We’re very grateful that you’ve committed to being a judge again this year. What made you want to return?
I love The People in Retail Awards, above all because we get to recognise individuals doing amazing work who are sometimes unseen. It’s about celebrating the people on the shop floor or in departments who are doing things that are game-changing or genuinely wholesome; people setting standards for others and driving positive change.
It’s not about the executives. It’s about the real people who keep our industry moving. I also love learning about the companies championing those behaviours. Every year, I discover brands I didn’t previously have an opinion on, and suddenly I realise they’re doing incredible things – like COOK or American Golf. You start to see the cultures you’d want to work in or champion.
Why do you believe it’s important to recognise people and not just commercial performance in retail?
At the end of the day, we’re all here to deliver results whether it’s sales, projects, or performance. But the only thing that truly sticks with me, the standard I hold myself to, is around people.
Helping people, learning from people, watching others thrive and realise their ambitions; that’s the impact that matters. It’s not just about their jobs and their lives; it affects customers and consumers too. Retail can create an environment that’s incredibly positive for society for both the people who work in the sector and the people who love shopping.
How do awards like these help elevate morale and culture within the industry?
The People in Retail Awards shine a light on so many positive stories. They’re uplifting. Mainstream media often focuses on the challenges in retail, but the awards remind us how misguided that narrative can be.
For every brand facing store closures, there’s another, like Rituals for example, who are opening as many as 200 stores in a single year.
The awards bring to life the winning stories and the winning people who don’t make the BBC news, but who absolutely deserve to be celebrated.
What message would you give to retailers who are thinking of entering their people?
When you see the excitement and positivity, both on the awards night and throughout the judging process, you realise how powerful the awards are.
We get to know so many individuals beyond just the winners. It not only puts them on the map, but also the brands and retailers.
For the individuals, I’ve seen people who were deeply excited and proud to be there. The recognition gives them something meaningful; something that might influence their next promotion, spark a new conversation, or even connect them with a mentor. The compound benefit of being named in this process is tremendous. Entering is totally worthwhile.
Entries for The People in Retail Awards are now open. Find out more and enter here
