AUTOMATE UK, organisers of the PPMA Total Show 2025, has announced that Mike Coupe is to give a keynote address at the event which returns to Birmingham’s NEC from September 23-25.
The former CEO of Sainsbury’s was responsible for a strategic review of the business which saw a shift from developing large Sainsbury’s stores in favour of a focus on online and convenience shopping.
Mike’s approach is credited with transforming the Sainsbury’s brand – in addition to increasing the business’ online sales from 5 to 20%. In 2020, he announced new sustainable operations for the business, with a commitment to invest £1 billion into achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Also a former non-executive director at Greene King plc, and the chair of Oak Furnitureland, New Look, and Harding Retail, Mike’s speech –Â Running up the Down Escalator – is tipped to demonstrate his understanding of business and its challenges, as well as giving visitors insight into predicting and responding to customer behaviours, rewarding loyalty, and growing a successful brand. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A.
Scott McKenna, chief operating officer for Automate UK, said, “With the PPMA Total Show now less than two months away, plans for the event are gaining momentum, and Mike’s address is something attendees are not going to want to miss.
“A definite trailblazer within the retail sector, Mike’s foresight and leadership has seen him position Sainsbury’s as the standard for other supermarkets, both in terms of its digital transformation and its approach to sustainability.
“From the implementation of till-free stores, the digitisation of the UK’s largest loyalty scheme, Nectar, and the acquisition of Argos, Mike’s vision addressed the challenges of a changing retail landscape and helped revolutionise convenience shopping.
“His understanding of consumer needs and innovative, strategic approach to both fulfilling and shaping them is inspirational to anyone within the field, and we have no doubt that we will have a full house when it comes to drawing on his experience.”
The PPMA Total Show 2025 is free to attend. To register, click here.
