Back by popular demand, Marks & Spencer Chairman, Archie Norman, will return as a headline speaker at the Retail Technology Show, following a standing-room-only session last year.

Speaking on the Supernova Stage on Day 2, Norman will joined by customer experience specialist, Kate Hardcastle MBE, for a wide-ranging fireside chat.

Winning customer trust

The session will explore how deep-rooted customer trust, brand authority, technology innovation and the strength of M&S’s own-brand proposition saw it voted the UK’s most trusted retailer in 2025, even in spite of the cyberattack which impacted the business last year. The discussion will highlight how M&S has continued to demonstrate resilience amid operational disruption and challenging external trading conditions.

With M&S named as one of the top retail brands RTS visitors wanted to hear from, the fireside chat will also examine how the retailer has doubled down on broadening its customer appeal, spanning social-first marketing, live shopping events and its focus on re-establishing itself as a High Street fashion destination.  

Norman will also discuss how M&S is working with technology partners to embed sustainability across the business, including resale, circularity, food redistribution and renewable energy, while accelerating its international growth.

Drawing on his extensive retail experience and track record in business transformation and value creation, Norman will reflect on the next phase of M&S’ strategy. In 2025, his tenure as chairman was extended to lead the business through the next stage of its Reshaping for Growth plan.

Setting the pace for innovation

“Archie’s session was one of the standout moments of RTS 2025, with his no-holds-barred discussion and invaluable insights drawing a standing-room-only crowd, reinforcing just how strongly our audience wants to hear from M&S,” commented Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS.  

“As an iconic British retailer, M&S continues to set the pace, embedding technology and innovation across the business while maintaining the trust and confidence of customers in a fast-changing and unpredictable market,” Bradley continued. “We’re delighted to welcome Archie back to headline in 2026 for what promises to be another unmissable conversation.”

Taking place at London’s ExCeL on 22–23 April 2026, the Retail Technology Show will bring together more than 16,000 senior retail professionals for its largest-ever showcase of retail innovation, spotlighting the technologies shaping growth and long-term performance.

To register to attend, visit: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com.