Asos bolsters its retail tech function with appointment of Przemek Czarnecki as EVP Technology

Asos has announced the appointment of Przemek Czarnecki, who joined as EVP Technology in February, taking over from Interim EVP Technology, Hugh Williams.

Przemek brings 30 years of experience in digital engineering and engineering management, with a focus on digital technology and e-commerce. He has worked across Europe and the US, most recently as VP, Software Engineering at Zalando.

The appointment is part of organisational changes to align Asos’ structure with its strategy and customer focused approach to driving growth. This follows the progress that the company, which last year slid to a huge loss as customers grappled with a cost-of-living crisis, has made to date, which includes reducing its stock levels, improving its product, and refinancing its debt, while making its operations more efficient and profitable.  

According to a press release: “As a fashion business powered by tech, the first stage of reorganising was focused on the technology function in Q1 FY25, creating a more agile and effective structure focused on better serving our customers and driving growth. Asos fundamentally reorganised its approach to building technology by transitioning to a Product Operating model, creating Product Development Teams (PDTs) focused on strategic priorities such as Topshop.com, loyalty, and Test & React.”

“Each PDT is led by an Engineering Lead partnered with a Product Manager and Asos has already hired more than 100 additional software engineers and over 40 product managers. These changes are cost neutral and ensure we have the right support to achieve our ambitions by investing in the areas that have the greatest impact for our customers and business.”

With the reorganisation of the Digital Product and Technology functions complete, the pureplay is now turning its attention to other key areas of its business, including consolidating Commercial and Customer functions into a single team.

José Antonio Ramos Calamonte, Chief Executive Officer, says: "These changes represent an exciting new chapter for us. By reorganising and focusing on our strengths, we're better equipped to seize opportunities and accelerate our growth.”

“The talent and dedication of our teams are our greatest assets, and these organisational updates are designed to harness those qualities more effectively than ever so we can deliver the best product and most exciting experiences for our customers.”   

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.