Opening Keynote Fireside Chat: In Conversation With Archie Norman, Chairman, Marks and Spencer plc

23 Apr 2026
Supernova Stage
Leadership, Cybersecurity & Economy

The interviewer will ask the interviewee some of the following questions as well as asking the audience to ask some questions of their own

  • You’ve held key board positions at M&S, ASDA, Target, Kingfisher and Coles.  What key lessons has this taught you about retail leadership? 

  • How have board-level job descriptions changed over the last two years within retail companies and why?  

  • Last April, M&S suffered a serious cyber-attack causing huge disruption and a £300m hit to operating profit.  How did M&S fight back and how would you advise other leaders to act in the face of the growing likelihood of further attacks?

  • M&S has recently responded to increasing shoplifting and staff assaults by rolling out body-worn cameras.  What results have you seen so far and what has it taught you about retail crime? 

  • What can retailers do to keep their workforce truly engaged even in a highly disruptive and constantly-changing environments? 

  • M&S is well respected for the success of its recent transformation and turnaround.  What did that look like from a restructuring and culture perspective and why? 

  • Many retail leaders are looking to maximise efficiency and cut costs in 2026.  What advice would you offer them? 

  • M&S were one of the pioneers of sustainability in retail but it’s still a struggle for many companies.  What advice would you give retailers on the topic of sustainability? 

  • You were previously Chair of Signal AI for five years.  What are you most excited about and concerned about regarding the impact of AI  on retail? 

  • Which new innovations should retailers be embracing to take personalisation, customer experience and loyalty to the next level? 

  • How do you see food and clothing trends evolving over the next three years and what are M&S doing today to capitalise on it? 

And finally, what’s next for M&S, Archie Norman and retail in general?  
Host
Kate Hardcastle MBE
Kate Hardcastle MBE, The Customer Whisperer & Broadcaster - Hardcastle Collective 
Speakers
Archie Norman
Archie Norman, Chairman - Marks & Spencer plc