Session Title 

AI Without the Hype: Connecting Retail, Supply Chain and Operations

Session Description 

Retailers are under pressure to use AI, but value only comes when data, platforms and operational processes are ready. This seminar explores how technology leaders can move from AI ambition to practical use cases across inventory, fulfilment, service operations and decision-making, while balancing integration, governance, security and measurable return on investment.

About Yashar Soltanzadeh

Yashar Soltanzadeh is Head of IT at Harvey Nichols, leading technology across a multi-site luxury retail and hospitality environment in the UK and Ireland. His remit spans infrastructure, cloud, networks, cybersecurity, service delivery and transformation, alongside the development of the organisation’s AI strategy.

He has led major programmes across Azure, SD-WAN, omnichannel technology, payments, POS, order management, warehouse technology and enterprise collaboration. Yashar focuses on connecting technology investment to operational outcomes: improving resilience, reducing complexity, strengthening security and enabling better customer and colleague experiences. He works closely with senior business leaders and suppliers to translate business priorities into pragmatic technology roadmaps, with a particular interest in how AI, automation and connected data can improve retail operations without losing sight of governance, cost and measurable value.