Former River Island Chief Information Officer Simon Pakenham-Walsh joins The Premier League - Retail Technology Innovation Hub

SJ Grabiec River Island recently appointed SJ Grabiec as Customer Director. She joined from AllSaints where she had spent the past 15 years, most recently serving as Global Head of Customer (CX, CS & CRM).

She said: "I've just passed the four week mark in my new role at River Island. After almost 15 years with AllSaints, it felt like the right moment to step back and reflect on a really important chapter in my career.

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She added: "I'm genuinely the most grateful to AllSaints. It's an incredible brand with incredible people.

Leaving wasn't easy, but I do so with a lot of respect, appreciation and love for the talent and people there, as well as everything I experienced and learned." At River Island, she steps into a Director level role covering paid media, CRM and growth retention, as well as customer product, customer operations (including contact centre, payments and post-purchase), and CX and UX. Grabiec added: "I'm loving it, a big thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome.

I'm supported by three expert Heads of Department, and their strong operational and technical teams who are driving the customer and marketing vision."

"What's stood out for me at River Island is the energy and ambition across the business, along with a real love for the brand.

People genuinely care about it, and you can feel that straight away. The long tenures here also say a lot about the positive work culture, and that's something I've already felt since joining.

It's a great place to be, and I'm excited for what's ahead."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards CX will be a key focus area at the2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.