Red Badger hires former John Lewis Head of Product to lead Retail & Hospitality practice

Red Badger strengthens its Retail and Hospitality capabilities with strategic hire. Retail is in Red Badger’s DNA and this renewed focus builds on its strong track record with consumer-facing brands like Selfridges, Nando’s, Tesco, Levi’s and Fortnum & Mason, delivering high-impact digital products and platforms at speed and scale across the retail and hospitality landscape.

With shifting customer expectations and rising commercial pressure, retailers and hospitality brands need fast, effective digital solutions grounded in real customer insight. The new practice will build on Red Badger’s proven delivery capability and customer-first approach to make it a natural partner for ambitious businesses looking to modernise and innovate.

Experienced Leadership for a Critical Sector

To lead the new practice, Red Badger welcomes Rachael Rea-Palmer as Director of Retail and Hospitality. Rachael brings over 15 years of invaluable experience driving product strategy and digital transformation, having held key roles at major brands including Head of Product at John Lewis, and Net-a-Porter.

Her appointment significantly enhances and deepens Red Badger’s ability to deliver credible, hands-on retail expertise, empowering retail and hospitality leaders to move quickly from insight to tangible impact.

Rachael commented: “Across retail and hospitality customers today expect hyper-personalised, instant and frictionless experiences. While many businesses are on a journey to deliver this, the real excitement lies in transforming digital product ecosystems to meet and exceed these demands. That's why I'm thrilled to join Red Badger; their track record in building customer-first products with measurable impact positions them perfectly to help businesses seize this moment and shape their future. I am excited for what lies ahead”

Rachael will report to UK MD, Shelley Quinn. Shelley says:

“Rachael’s appointment is a milestone commitment to our leadership in the retail space. Her digital and leadership experience is from the largest, most complex places. Rachael will connect us deeply with the challenges that matter most to our clients and their customers and help them deliver the modernisation needed.” 

Accelerating Sector-Focused Growth

With new leadership now in place for both Public Sector and Retail & Hospitality, Red Badger is sharpening its focus on the deep sector-specific needs of clients. Rachael’s appointment enhances the company’s ability to partner with customer-centric brands and deliver results where they matter most.