Archie Norman, Chairman of M&S, returns as keynote for Retail Technology Show (RTS) 2026

Back by popular demand, Marks & Spencer Chairman, Archie Norman, will return to the Retail Technology Show (RTS) in 2026 as a headline speaker, after drawing a standing-room-only crowd last year as M&S was named as one of the top retail brands visitors wanted to hear from.

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

Speaking on the Supernova Stage on Day 2, Norman will join Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle MBE, for a wide-ranging fireside chat exploring how deep-rooted customer trust, brand authority, technology innovation and the power of its own-brand product.

The session will also explore how M&S has doubled down on broadening its customer appeal, from social-first marketing and live shopping events to re-establishing itself as a High Street fashion destination. It will also look at how the retailer is using technology partnerships to embed sustainability across the business, spanning resale, circularity food redistribution and renewable energy and accelerate its global reach.

During his keynote, Norman will draw on his extensive retail experience and track record in business transformation and value creation. In 2025, his tenure as Chairman was extended to lead M&S through the next phase of its Reshaping for Growth strategy. He has also played a key role in re-shaping major retailers and brands including Kingfisher, Asda, ITV and Hobbycraft, and remains the only FTSE 100 Chairman to have been elected as a Member of Parliament, serving for eight years.

Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS, commented: “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 Marks & Spencer.  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.  We’re delighted to welcome Archie back to the Headline Stage in 2026 for what promises to be another unmissable conversation for retailers looking to drive long-term growth and customer connection.”

To register to attend RTS 2026, visit: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com. The event is free to attend for retailers and consumer brands. Solution & Service Providers Passes are available.