Champions of Growth – recapping Zilch Connect | Retail

Retail leaders came together at Emirates Stadium to explore what it takes to build sustainable growth, earn customer trust and stay ahead of a changing industry.

Earlier this month, we hosted Zilch Connect | Retail at Emirates Stadium, bringing together brands and leaders from across retail, media and technology.

This year's theme was Champions of Growth - a thread that ran through every conversation, from the changing expectations of younger shoppers to the role of brand, data, technology and partnerships in building long-term momentum.

The afternoon opened with a welcome from Richard Garlick, CEO of Arsenal Football Club, followed by our CEO/Co-Founder Philip Belamant sharing the Zilch mission and the direction of the business. Sara Davies MBE then set the tone for the day with an energising keynote on grit, growth and the new rules of retail.

Growth is becoming more connected

Our Chief Revenue Officer Andreas Andreou shared how Zilch's growth stack is coming together for brands with our Intelligent Commerce product, before hosting a conversation with Rosalyn Berrisford (MD, Awin), Marc Allsop (Head of EMEA, Rokt) and Sam Pitt (MD International, adMarketplace).

The discussion explored where search, performance marketing and transaction moments are heading - and how brands can connect these opportunities to create more relevant, measurable growth.

Understanding the next-generation shopper

The next-generation shopper panel was hosted by retail analyst Natalie Berg, with Jem Maidment (CCO, Utilita), Dan Calvert (CGO, Snappy Shopper) and Chris Phylactou (SVP MD International, Papa John's) exploring how younger customers are thinking about spending, flexibility and brand trust.

The conversation highlighted the importance of understanding not just what customers buy, but why they make decisions - and what brands need to do to earn attention and loyalty in a more demanding retail environment.

Our Chief Marketing Officer Kirsty Spickett then took the audience inside the work behind building the Zilch brand, showing how strong growth is supported by a clear sense of purpose and a consistent customer experience.

The day closed with DJ Roman Kemp in conversation with Arsenal legend Ray Parlour, who shared stories about what it takes to perform at the highest level. It was a fitting close to a day built around ambition, performance and the people who keep pushing forward.

What makes a champion of growth?

We also asked leaders from eBay and Nike to share their perspective on the question at the heart of the event:

Their answers reflect the broader conversations from the day - growth requires curiosity, resilience and a willingness to keep adapting to what customers need next.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, including our speakers, partners and especially our sponsors: Rokt, Awin Global, adMarketplace, Reward and impact.com.

And thank you to the Zilch team who brought the day to life.

Interested in exploring how Zilch can help your brand unlock growth? Contact us at [email protected].