Conferences

Programme

Click on each speaker's name to read their biography

08.30 Registration & Coffee   09.15 Chairman’s Introduction Michael Buerk 09.20 Opening Address: Listening and Learning - Tesco Tesco continues to deliver strong sales and profit growth, and with operations across Europe, Asia and now North America, its international business accounts for over 60% of group space. Philip will review Tesco’s overseas operations and highlight the challenges and opportunities the company faces in the years ahead. Philip will then discuss the issues in more detail with Michael Buerk.     Philip Clarke International & IT Director, Tesco 10.00 The Shifting Sustainability Agenda: Responding to Consumer Priorities Sustainability has been shooting up the priority list for both consumers and the food & grocery industry globally. However, consumers view sustainability from different vantage points and their priorities for the future also vary. So how can retailers and FMCG brand owners manage this variability? Joanne will unveil IGD’s latest thinking on the shifting sustainability agenda and share the results of exclusive IGD consumer research from across Europe.     Joanne Denney-Finch OBE Chief Executive, IGD 10.25 The World Economy: What are the Challenges Ahead for Retailers & Manufacturers? Although around 80% of global consumption still takes place in the developed world, the pool of active "global consumers" has been growing faster than the world's population given the boom in key emerging markets. Rising commodity and energy prices have been part of this boom but also pose a challenge for business. What trends do we see ahead and how will they affect the retail and manufacturing industry in the years to come? Vanessa Rossi will discuss consensus versus alternative forecasts for the global economy and will highlight key risks that businesses must be prepared to face in the future.     Vanessa Rossi Associate Fellow, Chatham House 10.50 Refreshment Break 11.35 Achieving High Performance in Turbulent Times: Implications for Retailers and Their Suppliers John will share recent results from Accenture’s ongoing research into what it takes to achieve sustained high performance in retail and consumer goods companies. He will also consider the opportunities and challenges for the sector and what this means for the way that retailers and their suppliers will interact in future.     John Zealley Managing Partner, Products Management Consulting, Accenture 12.00 Going Shopping for Retailers: Reflections from Private Equity on Global Retailing Simon will reflect on what attracts private equity to retailers, identifying common themes that he has seen in looking at national markets, retailers and retail management across the world and draw out conclusions about what this might mean for the future ownership structure of retailers, competitiveness, property and leverage.     Simon Laffin European Retail Adviser, CVC Capital Partners 12.25 What It Takes to Build a Global Brand Rita will share Interbrand’s perspective on what it takes to become a truly global brand. How can brand presence be adapted at a local level and how are the world’s best brands tackling the area of sustainability?     Rita Clifton Chairman, Interbrand 12.50 Lunch 14.10 Supplier Panel Several leading suppliers come together to discuss some of the key themes of the day, including: Can global brands connect with consumers over different regions and markets? How to make sustainability a core part of the brand and not just PR Can innovation and profitable growth be achieved together in today’s competitive environment? Giles Turrell President - Customer Development, Kimberly-Clark Europe Gianni Ciserani President - Western Europe, Procter & Gamble Frank van Oers CEO International Beverage & Bakery Division, Sara Lee Fernando Acosta Senior Vice-President, Dove, Unilever 14.50 Retail Innovation and Sustainability As Switzerland’s largest retailer, Migros is well known for its brand strength and socially responsible stance. Daniel will discuss how Migros is connecting with its shoppers through an innovative approach to private label and a leading approach to sustainability, and will outline what Migros sees as the challenges ahead.     Daniel Furrer Marketing Director, Head of Business Unit Non Food, Migros 15.15 Refreshment Break 15.35 Perspectives on Russia & Ukraine Antonio Melo, Chief Operational Officer of leading Russian retailer X5, will share his vision for fast and sustainable growth in Russia and Ukraine. He will also highlight X5's supply chain strategy and explore the existing and future opportunities for suppliers.     Antonio Melo Chief Operational Officer, X5 Retail Group N.V. 16.05 Keynote Presentation & Interview: Taking Carrefour into the Future Under José Luis Duran’s leadership, Carrefour is emerging as a true multi-format, single brand retailer. In this keynote presentation, Carrefour’s CEO will update delegates on the group’s progress as it seeks to accelerate growth and strengthen its brand presence in the years ahead.   José Luis will then discuss his views on the group’s future direction with Michael Buerk and will also take questions from the audience.     José Luis Duran Chairman of the Management Board, Carrefour 16.45 Conference close and drinks reception