Retail Gazette’s Boardroom community rolls into London next week

Retail has always been fast-moving. It’s an industry full of professionals who thrive in vibrant chaos. However, in 2025, the pace of change is unlike anything the industry has faced before.

From shifting consumer behaviour and supply chain uncertainty, to ongoing economic instability and legislation changes, retailers are being pushed to act quicker, think smarter, and build organisations that can move with the times. For many leaders, that’s easier said than done.

That’s why, on May 20, Retail Gazette’s Boardroom community will come together in central London to talk honestly about what it really takes to lead with agility in this environment, and how to stay resilient when the pressure doesn’t let up.

Titled Retail agility: Thriving in a world of constant change, the event is an exclusive session for board-level leaders from across the sector. Attendees will hear from a panel of top retail decision-makers before joining the conversation themselves, sharing challenges, lessons, and ideas in a relaxed, off-the-record setting.

Confirmed speakers include Seasalt chief transformation officer Adam Cotgreave, Reserved UK managing director Corinne Facey, Hakim Group chief executive Imran Hakim, and Jollyes chief executive Joe Wykes.

Each speaker brings a different view on the topic, from transformation and international expansion, to fast growth, cultural change, and leadership at scale.

This session will explore the big questions senior leaders are facing right now:

• How do you balance long-term goals with the need to act fast?
• What does real agility look like in a large business?
• How do you keep people engaged when plans keep changing?
• And what’s holding most organisations back from moving quicker?

The line-up includes leaders who’ve made big moves in difficult conditions.

Adam Cotgreave has helped lead Seasalt through major transformation, developing new systems, processes and ways of working to help the business grow without losing its identity.

Corinne Facey brings a global perspective to the table, having led Reserved’s growth in the UK while balancing the demands of a fast fashion model with the realities of a shifting global retail market.

Imran Hakim has scaled a successful business built on independent practices, using central innovation and agility to keep pace with rapid growth across the group.

Joe Wykes, meanwhile, has overseen a period of expansion and reinvention at Jollyes, bringing agility into both strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at how these leaders are thinking, and how they’re acting, in the face of constant change.

It’s also a chance to step away from day-to-day pressures and connect with peers who are navigating the same challenges. There will be plenty of time for informal networking, as well as food and drinks provided on the day.

The event is free to attend, but spaces are limited. It’s ideal for senior decision-makers looking to compare notes, share ideas, and leave with fresh thinking they can bring back to their own teams.

We’re proud to host this session with support from our partners, Trust Retail and Workday, who play a vital role in making these kinds of conversations possible. Their continued support shows their commitment to real progress in retail, not just in technology or systems, but in leadership and culture too.

In a sector where the only constant is change, this is a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan for whatever comes next – together. If you’d like to attend, you can sign up for free to both the community and the event here.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter