For retailers around the world, marketing will evolve along two broad lines. Firstly, greater data-driven marketing programmes, developed from understanding the millions of daily transactions – in store, online and on the phone. The second will be in the greater involvement of our customers in our business process, getting them to help us shape our decisions through forums, social networks and advocacy networks.

Read more from Ian Cheshire in The Future of Marketing..

Ian Cheshire
Group Chief Executive, Kingfisher plc

Ian was appointed group chief executive of Kingfisher plc in January 2008. Prior to this he was chief executive of B&Q from June 2005. His previous roles at Kingfisher include chief executive of international and development, chief executive of e-Kingfisher and group director of strategy and development. Before joining Kingfisher in 1998, he worked for a number of retail businesses including Sears plc, where he was group commercial director.

He is also a member of the Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change and a member of the Employers’ Forum on Disability President’s Group.