Panel Discussion

President EMEA at Sage, World Leader in Kitchen Appliances
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David Gubbin is a visionary leader recognised for his strategic business acumen and his ability to turn ambitious plans into reality. For the past 23 years, he has been instrumental in Australia’s Breville Group’s growth and success overseas. His down-to-earth attitude and approachable leadership style have made him a popular figure in the industry.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Flinders University in South Australia, David has honed his expertise and has become a significant figure in the international home appliance industry. A testament to his strategic approach is the remarkable growth of the Sage Kitchen Appliances brand in the UK, which he launched in 2012. David took a single-country operation with just three employees and expanded it into a powerhouse that consolidated six European distributors under one brand. His leadership not only extended Sage Appliances’ reach across ten more countries within 11 years but also demonstrated his ability to master the complexities intrinsic to the EMEA region.

To David, what’s on the plate or in the cup means everything. He has always known that at the core of Breville’s business is not just the creation of machines, but the joy and quality of what customers create with them.

Head of Retail Operations at Samsung Electronics UK
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Colin is an inspiring leader standing at the crossroads of operational expertise and creative strategy. He is known for transforming shopping venues into destinations that resonate with consumers on a deeper level.

With an eye for detail, a flair for innovation and a storied career that spans the dynamic sectors of electronics and sporting goods, Colin has been instrumental in launching multiple successful retail ventures.

Colin’s foundation in retail is built upon an academic background with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Hertfordshire. His wealth of knowledge is matched by impressive skills in sales, which has driven his ability to exceed performance benchmarks consistently.
His most notable achievements include the inception and grand opening of Samsung KX, a cutting-edge 20,000 sqm retail experience space, which stands testimony to his visionary approach and his ability to create immersive brand experiences.

Director at Pattern, E-commerce Accelerator
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James Bennett stands as a pivotal force in defining digital futures. James oversees the EMEA region at Pattern, the largest ecommerce accelerator helping brands to sell globally on ecommerce marketplaces, D2C and other digital channels. His keen insight and strategy have not only fast-tracked digital growth for names like Nike, Converse and TomTom but have also boosted their digital footprint on a global scale.

James’ expertise not only raises the bar within the industry but also serves as a catalyst for brands looking to achieve their full online potential. In his previous role as Head of Growth, B2B and Partnerships at WatchShop (formerly part of Watches of Switzerland Group) he conceptualised, launched & grew three new business verticals forging new commercial partnerships with Marks & Spencer, Next, Net-a-Porter, Decathlon & Jasper Conran.

Apart from his relational finesse and expertise in digital strategy and partnerships, James has a deep appreciation for Classical Music, with a BA (Hons) in the subject from Edinburgh University.

CEO at Stellar, Omnichannel Retail Experiences
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Emma has over two decades of experience in the retail industry and is a co-founder of Stellar, a retail experience agency established in 2019. Emma has been instrumental in shaping immersive shopping environments that captivate consumers across multiple channels and drive significant sales growth for brands.

Under Emma’s leadership, Stellar rapidly expanded, breaking into 8 European markets — her strategy has been to focus on delivering consistent high-quality experiences, to the right people, in the right places. Emma’s approach is to not only understand market trends but also to anticipate and shape them.

Founding Stellar represents a significant achievement in Emma’s career, combining her entrepreneurial spirit with her extensive industry experience. Emma believes in the power of retail to connect with people on an emotional level and sees her work as a way to bring joy and inspiration to consumers.

Journalist, Master of Ceremony & Moderator
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Charlotte will be hosting the panel and is an eminent figure in journalism, media coaching, and thought leadership, in French and English. With a career spanning global news outlets like Bloomberg TV and Euronews, she’s a distinguished presenter and moderator known for her impactful narratives. As a media presence coach and thought leadership content editor for major corporations like Deloitte and IBM, she’s conducted over a thousand interviews across business, sustainability, finance, disruption and tech sectors.

Charlotte is also a passionate advocate for sustainable innovation and proudly serves as an ambassador for the Zayed Sustainability Prize. She’s also a President of Humanity Diaspo, a humanitarian and gender equality NGO. In 2024, Charlotte created the #Xennials podcast, exploring the legacy of the 90s, adding yet another dimension to her multifaceted career.