The Retail Retreat 2025, 27th May, Lyrath Estate | Earlybird Tickets Now Live!

2025 Speakers

Stay tuned and follow our socials for speaker announcements in the coming weeks!

Alan Shortt
Alan Shortt

Host for The Retail Retreat 2025

CEO & Founder, Media Skills Ireland; Executive Communication Coach

"Get Comfortable with being Uncomfortable!"

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Peter Cowgill
Peter Cowgill

Former CEO & Chairman, JD Sports

"From Zero to Billions: The JD Sports Growth Story"


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Edoardo Bortolato
Edoardo Bortolato

Director, Large Customer Sales at Google Italy & Iberia

"Human + AI: The New Formula for Peak Performances"


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Holly Hayes
Holly Hayes

Former Social Media Manager for The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett 

"Mastering Social Media: The Subtle Sell"

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Matthew Brown
Matthew Brown

Retail Futurist & Founder, Echochamber  
"Best of Big Apple Retail! Learn the Latest Innovation and Emerging Retail Trends in New York"

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Tommy Smyth
Tommy Smyth

Director, Tom Smyth & Associates

"What’s the Difference? Leadership v Management"

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William Diamond

Founder, Diamond Furniture

“How Embracing Setbacks and Failures Can Become the Foundation to Success”

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Barry Whelan
Barry Whelan

CEO, Excel Recruitment Group

"Talent Tug-of-War: Culture, Costs, and the Future of Irish Retail HR"

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Michele Ryan
Michele Ryan

Head of People, Carrolls Irish Gifts

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Ruth Roberts
Ruth Roberts

Co-Founder, Cogs Toys & Games

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Caroline Walsh Brrowne
Caroline Walsh Browne

HR Manager, Dairygold Agribusiness

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Sharon Kelly
Sharon Kelly

Chief People Officer, Woodies

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Aoibhin Garrihy
Aoibhín Garrihy

Co-Founder, beo

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Hillary Collins
Hillary Collins

People & Culture Director, PHX Ireland

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Gareth McGrane
Gareth McGrane

HR Director, Chadwicks Group

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Jean Marten
Jean Marten

Head of Human Resources, Applegreen

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Gerry Duffy
Gerry Duffy

International Speaker

"Think Outside the Aisle: Untapped Resources That Can Transform Your Retail Landscape."

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Scott Shashua
Scott Shashua

Co-Founder, The Couture Club

"The 360° Marketing Play Book"

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Eric Horgan
Eric Horgan

Chief Product Officer, Elavon Europe

"Every Sale Tells a Story: Making it Simple Across All Channels"

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Cathal Divilly
Cathal Divilly

CEO, Great Place to Work®

"Culture as Strategy: Great Place to Work Visionaries Reshape Retail"

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Sinead O'Sullivan
Sinéad O'Sullivan

Owner, Fifth Avenue






Brad Kearns
Brad Kearns

Sales & Business Development, StudioForty9

"Thriving Online: Trading Through Turbulent Times"

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Anthony Gallagher
Anthony Gallagher

Director, Petstop

"Retail Moves Fast: Petstop is Staying Ahead by Turning Insights into Action"

John Clancy
John Clancy

Founder, Galvia

"Retail Moves Fast: Petstop is Staying Ahead by Turning Insights into Action"

Ed Fitzgerald
Edward Fitzgerald

Independent Retail Consultant

"How Independents Can Stand Out Amongst the Crowd"



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Fiona Dillon
Fiona Dillon

eCommerce Manager, O'Brien's Wines

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Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey

Co-Owner, Windyridge Garden Centre

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Paul Dunne

Country Manager Ireland, Elavon Europe






Seamus Stapleton
Seamus Stapleton

Managing Director, Applegreen

Sean Gleeson
Seán Gleeson

Digital and E-Commerce Leader, McCabes Pharmacy

Hannah Moran
Hannah Moran

Marketing Manager, McElhinneys Department Store

David O'Kelly
David O'Kelly

Partner, Head of M&A, KPMG

"Understanding the How, Where and Why of Irish Shoppers"


Ticket Options

REI Members and Non-Members Welcome

Member Ticket

REI MEMBER ONLY
325/EX VAT
  • Member Only Rate
  • Limited* 100 Tickets at this rate
  • Expert Panel Discussions
  • Retailer Case Studies
  • Fireside Chats
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Exclusive Partner Offers

Non-Member Ticket

NON-MEMBERS WELCOME
495/EX VAT
  • Expert Panel Discussions
  • Retailer Case Studies
  • Fireside Chats
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Access to Partner Expo

Secure your spot today!

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Our Platinum & Gold Partners

Hear it from our attendees:

“Attending the Retail Excellence Retail Retreat gave me fresh ideas to enhance my store’s efficiency and customer experience. The connections I made here will be invaluable for future collaborations!”

— David K., Franchise Owner

Past Attendees At The Retail Retreat Included...

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Book your Ticket for Retail Excellence Retail Retreat 2025

Secure your spot at the Retail Excellence Retail Retreat 2025, the premier event for retail professionals looking to gain cutting-edge insights, network with industry leaders, and explore the future of retail.

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Venue Location

Lyrath Estate Hotel

Lyrath Estate Hotel

Lyrath Estate Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in Kilkenny, set within 170 acres of stunning parkland, offering a serene and inspiring environment, combined with world-class facilities and dining. With its elegant rooms, full-service spa, and expansive meeting spaces, it provides the perfect balance of relaxation and productivity for our Retail Retreat 2025. How to get to thereRead More