The Very Group has made a significant move in the retail media space by appointing Paul Stafford, formerly of Superdrug, as head of retail media for its Very Media Group division. Stafford’s arrival is set to strengthen the group’s leadership and fuel ambitions in the competitive retail media landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Stafford, with over 18 years of marketing and retail media experience, joins Very Group from Superdrug.
- Stafford led Superdrug’s launch of its retail media platform, Optimo.
- He will spearhead the development of Very Media Group’s strategy and brand relationships.
- The appointment coincides with the launch of Very iD, a first-party data solution for enhanced targeting.
- Very Group continues to invest in high-profile talent to accelerate its leadership in retail media.
Strategic Leadership Shift for Very Media Group
Very Media Group, operated by The Very Group, has set its sights on becoming the preferred retail media network for brands across various categories. The recruitment of Paul Stafford is a pivotal move. Stafford brings a wealth of experience from his recent roles at Superdrug, where he was instrumental in the launch of its Optimo retail media network and previously headed digital marketing and online brand development.
At Very, Stafford is tasked with developing the division’s long-term vision, boosting existing brand relationships, and forging new strategic partnerships. The group aims to capitalise on its position as a retailer with strong first-party data and robust in-house creative capabilities, positioning itself as a challenger ready to innovate.
New Data Product: Very iD
Stafford’s appointment comes as Very rolls out Very iD, a new first-party data solution designed to supercharge retail media campaigns for its brand partners. This tool leverages Very’s proprietary customer, shopping, and financial data to deliver sharper insights and greater returns on marketing investments. The platform promises to empower brands with the ability to craft more resonant, high-impact campaigns tailored to their target audiences.
Comments from Leadership
Jessica Myers, The Very Group’s Chief Customer Officer, hailed the timing of Stafford’s arrival: “Having operated in retail media for over a decade, our decision to bring Paul on board builds on a strong foundation. With our new data capabilities and Paul’s industry expertise, we are poised to deliver better value to our brand partners.”
Stafford himself acknowledged Very’s commitment to data-led innovation and its brand mission: “Very is embracing retail media with a bold, data-first approach. I look forward to unlocking new growth opportunities alongside the talented team and our partners.”
Continued Investment in Talent
The addition of Stafford follows other notable appointments at The Very Group, underscoring its commitment to investing in senior leadership with global retail and marketing expertise. This ongoing strategy positions the company to stay ahead in an increasingly technology-driven market, particularly as competition heats up among multi-category retail media networks.
References
- Very Media Group names Paul Stafford as head of retail media, Retail Sector.
- The Very Group poaches former Supedrug retail media boss, Retail Week.
- Very Group hires Superdrug exec as retail media boss, Marketing Beat.
- Very Group hires Paul Stafford as retail media boss, Retail Gazette.
- The Very Group raids Superdrug to bring in Paul Stafford as head of its retail media proposition — Retail
Technology Innovation Hub, Retail Technology Innovation Hub.
