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2026 Programme

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Culture eats software for breakfast: Why leadership still determines tech success

30 Mar 2026
Hospitality Leaders Forum
Panel session , Leadership , CPO/ HR , CIO/COO/CTO , CEO/ CFO , Foodservice , CMO

In an era where new platforms, apps, and integrations launch almost daily, it’s tempting to believe that technology alone can transform a hospitality business. But as many operators know, even the most sophisticated tools fall flat without the right people, mindset, and culture behind them.

Tom James from Bill’s will lead a discission with Kuvi CEO Shereen Ritchie, Pizza Pilgrims CEO Gavin Smith, and Maria McCann of Blacklock, to explore how leadership guides the adoption of tech, champions its value, and nurtures teams through change. The session will unpack how culture influences digital transformation, why teams resist or embrace new systems, and what leaders must do to align technology investments with genuine operational impact. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for building a culture that empowers people, accelerates tech adoption, and ultimately drives better guest experiences and commercial result.

Moderator
Tom James, Managing Director - Bill's Restaurants
Speakers
Gavin Smith, CEO - Pizza Pilgrims
Maria McCann, Director of Operations - Blacklock
Shereen Ritchie, CEO - Kuvi

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