The KPMG/Ipsos Retail Think Tank (RTT) has appointed a new industry specialist to its panel of retail experts.
James Sawley will join the RTT from its next meeting on 12th July 2016. The panel meets quarterly to discuss issues and opportunities within the UK retail market, and to assess the overall health of the sector through the Retail Health Index.
James is the head of retail & leisure for HSBC’s UK Corporate Banking division. Working directly with the country’s biggest retailers, James advises on event driven activity including M&A, capital projects and IPOs.
“It’s a great privilege to be invited to join the RTT,” commented James, “At what is a pivotal moment for retailers, when the shopping landscape is changing and external forces are continuously adding new pressures, I am excited to get started and add my views to those of the group.”
James replaces Richard Lowe, Barclays, following his promotion toHead of Central London & Industry, Barclays Corporate Banking in July 2015.
Tim Denison, director of retail intelligence and founder member of the RTT commented: “Richard has been a stalwart member of the RTT since 2008 and the expertise and experience he brought to the table will be much missed. Everyone in the RTT wishes him well in his new post and thanks him for his contribution over the years.”
David McCorquodale, UK head of retail at KPMG and member of the RTT, added:
“Speaking on behalf of all of the RTT members, we are delighted to welcome James on board. His sector knowledge and enthusiasm he brings with his a banker’s perspective to our deliberations will be highly valued. I have no doubt he will be an excellent addition to the group, adding energy to our discussions on the state of retail health and the strategic issues facing retailers.”
The RTT was established in 2006 to provide an authoritative, credible and trusted view on what is happening in the retail sector and develop thought leadership on the key areas influencing the future of retailing in the UK. Following the quarterly meetings it produces the Retail Health Index, which assesses the state of retail health by examining the effect to demand, costs and margins on the sector, as well as regular white papers on issues facing the sector.
James Sawley joins the existing nine-strong panel which also includes Nick Bubb, independent retail analyst; Dr. Tim Denison, Ipsos Retail Performance; Martin Hayward, Hayward Strategy and Futures; Maureen Hinton, Conlumino; James Knightley, ING; David McCorquodale, KPMG; Jonathan de Mello, Harper Dennis Hobbs; Martin Newman, Practicology; and Mike Watkins, Nielsen.