Former The Range COO Glen Richardson joins RTIH AI in Retail Awards judging panel for 2025

We’re hugely pleased to announce the addition of Glen Richardson to our RTIH AI in Retail Awards judging panel.

PoundFun recently appointed Glen, former COO at The Range, as Non-Executive Director.

This coincided with the launch of a £2 million investment round, which aims to fuel expansion, create over 200 jobs in Keighley, and position the business for a projected £60 million valuation by 2027. 

The company was created to provide affordable high quality toys from trusted brands amid rising costs. Offering over 800 items at £1 or less, including ranges from LEGO, Barbie, Marvel, and Disney, PoundFun has shipped more than 143,000 orders since launching in July 2023. It has grown to £3.9 million in sales, with no outside capital and a 32.18% repeat customer rate. 

“We’re building the go to destination for value toys, where families can say yes more often without breaking the bank,” said Rob Owlett, CEO and Co-Founder at PoundFun. “Saying no all the time sucks, whether it’s to a birthday treat, a surprise gift, or just something fun. We make it possible to say yes to those little moments of joy. Glen coming onboard is massive; he’s scaled the big guys, and now he’s helping us build something really special.” 

As COO at The Range, Glen led digital growth for the retailer, including e-commerce, fulfilment, customer experience and marketing. He also served as CMO at Fruugo, helping drive the global marketplace through exponential growth. 

He said: “From the moment I saw what PoundFun are doing, I was hooked. It’s a brand built on heart, value, and serious commercial firepower. I’m thrilled to bring my experience to the board and help shape what will be one of the standout retail growth stories of the next few years.” 

Don’t delay, enter today!

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.