The data and AI landscape is evolving fast, and the centre of gravity within many organisations is shifting.
For years, ERP systems have sat at the heart of enterprise operations, shaping how data, processes, and decisions are structured. But as modern data platforms, real-time analytics, and AI mature, more insight and automation is happening outside traditional ERP environments, closer to live, multi-source data.
So where does that leave ERP?
Join us for a small breakfast event at 8:00am on Thursday 12th March at Snowflake’s London HQ, where we’ll explore a simple but important question:
Is ERP still the brain of the business, or has it become just another execution system?
What we’ll explore
This session will cut through hype and theory to focus on real-world experience. Together, we’ll discuss:
- How modern data platforms and AI are reshaping enterprise architecture
- Where ERP still adds value, and where it is starting to fall short
- Whether ERP can realistically remain the orchestration layer in an AI-led organisation
- What this shift means for senior leaders balancing innovation, control, and scale
Our panel
You’ll hear from a carefully selected group of leaders who have lived through large-scale technology and data transformation in complex retail environments:
Simon Pakenham-Walsh, CIO, River Island
Simon brings more than 25 years of experience building high-performing technology teams and leading digital transformation across retail and consumer brands, including senior roles at Sweaty Betty, Arcadia, and Sainsbury’s.
Paul Winsor, Head of Retail EMEA, Snowflake
Paul has spent over three decades in retail, including nearly 20 years at Sainsbury’s, helping organisations use data more effectively to drive commercial outcomes. Today, he supports retailers across EMEA using the Snowflake Retail AI Data Cloud.
Andy Tudor, CEO, Clekt
Formerly Technology and Data Director at Monsoon Accessorize and Head of Business Systems at Debenhams, Andy founded Clekt to help organisations unlock the commercial value hidden within their data.
Peter Swann, Group Operating Director, WHSmith
With over 40 years in retail leadership, Peter has overseen major technology and data transformation programmes across WHSmith, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer, holding roles including CIO, IT Director, and Chief Systems Architect.
The discussion will be chaired by Iain Blair, Founder of Revoco.
Agenda
When? Thursday 12th March | 08:00 am - 10:45 am
Where? 44 Edgware Rd, London, W2 2EH, United Kingdom
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast buffet
- 09:00 - 09:45: Panel event
- 09:45 - 10:00: Q&A
- 10:00 - 10:45: Networking
Who this is for
This event is designed for senior technology, data, and transformation leaders who are actively shaping the future operating model of their organisation.
What this isn’t
This is not about ripping out ERP. It’s about understanding how leadership, architecture, and operating models need to evolve as intelligence moves upstream and how organisations can make smarter decisions in an AI-led world.
