We take a look at House of Fraser IT boss Julian Burnett’s priorities ahead of his keynote at Retail Week Buzz on September 15.

The former John Lewis and Sainsbury’s technology boss Julian Burnett joined House of Fraser as chief information officer in October 2015.

Julian Burnett

Julian Burnett

Julian Burnett is transforming the way House of Fraser manages its digital and physical assets

In this role, he reports to chief executive Nigel Oddy. He will also work closely with the new chief customer officer, David Walmsley, who joins at the end of this month, but is firmly in charge of the technology strategy.

Burnett is currently overseeing a transformational programme that will modernise the retailer’s systems. During his keynote at Retail Week Buzz, Burnett will share insight into the story so far, the story yet to come and the steps they are taking in anticipation of the next phase of growth.

Customer experience

The ultimate aim for House of Fraser is to move firmly away from the notion of channel towards the notion of customer experience. Having made enormous leaps to marry digital processes to physical assets, Julian will uncover the important role of technology in this radical retail transformation. 

dir 300713 Patrick Bousquet Chavanne

dir 300713 Patrick Bousquet Chavanne

Marks and Spencer executive director of customer, marketing and M&S.com, Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne

Retail Week Buzz is a new launch event on September 14 and 15 at O2 InterContinental. The event explores the digital strategies required to turbocharge your customer experience.

Julian is the closing keynote speaker, joining a line-up that includes the Co-operative chief digital officer, Mike Bracken, notonthehighstreet.com chief technology officer, Hugh Fahy, and Marks & Spencer executive director of customer, marketing and M&S.com, Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne.

For a full list of speakers and sessions, visit buzz.retail-week.com