Swiss department store operator Manor appoints Nicolas Kroeger as Chief Digital Transformation Officer

Nicolas Kroeger is taking on the role of Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Manor, the largest department store operator in Switzerland with 56 branches.

In a LInkedIn post, Kroeger said: "After a year serving as interim Chief Digital Officer at Manor, the board and I have decided for me to fully commit to the role of Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) on a permanent basis."

"This is not just a title change - it reflects a conscious decision to take responsibility for shaping the next phase of Manor’s digital evolution. Alongside the digital business, app, and omnichannel efforts, my mandate now expands to driving cross-departmental process optimisation and improving data quality and accessibility across the organisation."

He added: "To achieve this, we are building a hands on transformation unit, combining business process expertise with advanced technologies - machine learning, generative and agentic AI, computer vision, predictive analytics, and more. The focus is not just on experimentation but on measurable business impact and faster adoption."

Manor is also launching the AI Circle, a think tank bringing together mid-management leaders from across departments. The goal: to make sure technology adoption is not a top down directive, but a collaborative movement that taps into the real operational challenges and opportunities on the ground.

Kroeger added: "On the customer side, we will apply the same technological toolbox to further enhance our digital touchpoints, ensuring the innovation we pursue directly translates into better experiences for our customers."

"None of this will succeed without one key factor: our people. Technology is an amplifier, but it’s our teams’ creativity, operational knowledge, and customer understanding that turn digital tools into real business value. The combination of technology, processes, and people will define the success of this transformation."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Digital transformation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.