Alex Sbardella

Fee Band


Whether it’s how companies are merging their high street and online experiences or how drones might affect our entire concept of shopping, Alex considers the latest developments in one of the world’s biggest industries and one that touches all of our lives. He asks if Amazon is a threat or an opportunity, will VR remove the need for stores, and what are the best strategies to engage with customers in the digital era.


Biography

Alex Sbardella is a retail technology expert looking at the latest developments, companies and people changing the face of an industry that affects everyone’s lives. From social media and supply chain to drones and logistics to augmented reality and shops, he looks at the present and near future of one of the world’s biggest industries.

The former Senior Vice-President of Global Innovation at GDR, one of the world’s leading retail consultancies, Alex worked with many of the world’s biggest retailers as well as industry groups. He monitors trends in the sector as well as technological developments of all types that might affect retail. He examines areas such as the relationship between online and real world stores, and how technology is used to create loyalty between customer and brand. He looks at the huge influence of Amazon and asks whether they represent a threat or an opportunity for many retailers. From changes to the high street landscape to consumer awareness of supply chain and ethical practices to AI, VR and blockchain, he considers the key areas anyone connected to retail needs to be aware of.

Prior to GDR Alex was a director at a retail tech company working on apps and strategy for the likes of Topshop (where he developed both customer and staff apps), Asos and Mastercard. He also worked on omnichannel platforms and in-store technology for over 2,500 stores in over 50 countries, including many award-winning projects.

Contact

We’re on hand to help you find the perfect speaker, presenter or performer for your events. Call or email our London office and use our agents' experience to expertly match you with the right person for your programme!


From time to time we send out emails announcing new speakers and free tickets to our showcase events including Speakers Breakfasts and the JLA Real Variety Show. Please tick the box below if you would like to receive these emails.

Don't miss anything!

We will never share the data you submit here with a third party. Information is stored in a database in order to service your enquiry, but is deleted once it is no longer required. You may request to have this data removed at any time.

JLA Presents


Event - 30/04/2024 - 9:00 am

Speakers Breakfast

Understanding AI Now

Speakers
Priya Lakhani and Anne-Marie Imafidon

We were joined at 87 Barts Close by three brilliant speakers on a panel that delved into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence. Over the hour our panellists de-mystified AI, speaking about AI’s immense promise for enhancing our lives, alongside the apprehension it has generated regarding job security, privacy infringement, and ethical considerations.

Location

87 Barts Close, 87 Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7EB

WATCH

Event - 06/02/2024 - 9:00 am

Speakers Breakfast

Looking Ahead to International Women’s Day

Speakers
Samira Ahmed, Eniola Aluko, Julia Gillard, and Alex Mahon

We were joined by four fantastic speakers to look ahead at International Women’s Day. With the theme of this year’s event being #InspireInclusion, we were lucky enough to hear from four women who have each blazed a trail in their respective fields: CEO of Channel 4, Alex Mahon; the former Australian Prime Minister and Chair of Kings’ Global Institute of Women’s Leadership, Julia Gillard; one of the leading voices in football, Eniola Aluko MBE; and broadcaster and journalist, Samira Ahmed.

Location

Bishopsgate Institute, London

WATCH