Logistics Manager is proud to announce the experts sitting on the panel for a special conference session on the role of the consumer in shaping supply chain operations at Akabo Media’s co-located IntraLogisteX, Robotics and Automation, and Sustainable Supply Chain exhibitions on 25-26 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham.
Entitled “The customer is always right: how changing consumer attitudes influence the supply chain”, this session will take place at the show’s IntraLogisteX Theatre on 25 March from 12:35pm. This is part of the event’s comprehensive multi-theatre conference programme, which will see experts in logistics, supply chain, sustainability, robotics and automation discuss today’s biggest trends and challenges across both days of the exhibition.
So who are the panellists?
First on the panel is Dominique von Oppell, project manager for strategy and transformation at popular chocolatier Hotel Chocolat.
She is a supply chain transformation leader with a holistic, end-to-end perspective, spanning commercial strategy, customer demand channels, sourcing, manufacturing and operations. Having worked across multiple facets of the supply chain, she brings a unique depth of understanding, enabling her to see how each function interconnects and ensuring transformation initiatives work seamlessly across the entire network.
With deep experience in FMCG, von Oppell understands how shifts in consumer behaviour translate into supply chain realities, balancing strategic ambition with operational execution.
Next up, we have Chris Warn, supply chain director for AS Watson, which owns Superdrug, Savers and The Perfume Shop, amongst various other health and beauty retailers across the world.
His role encompasses the end-to-end multi-channel supply chain, including demand planning, merchandising, supply operations, distribution and transport. Prior to joining AS Watson, Chris worked for Pentland, Homebase and Sainsbury’s in senior supply chain roles.
Warn will be sharing some insight into the topic of consumer influence from his extensive experience in retail and supply chain.
And last but not least is Dr Maria Pia Ciano, assistant professor in operations management at the University of Nottingham.
She holds a PhD in Management, Finance and Accounting with a focus on industrial engineering.
Currently convening the university’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management module, Dr Ciano’s research explores lean manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and 5.0, supply chain decarbonisation and circular economy integration.
James McLoughlin, deputy editor of Logistics Manager, will moderate the 50-minute session. He said: “In today’s rapidly evolving market, consumer expectations are reshaping the logistics landscape. The demand for faster deliveries, real-time tracking and sustainable practices is compelling supply chains to adapt swiftly. Our upcoming panel discussion at IntraLogisteX will delve into these transformative trends.
“We’ll explore how businesses can align their operations with shifting consumer preferences, ensuring resilience and competitiveness. From integrating advanced technologies to adopting sustainable logistics solutions, our discussion aims to provide actionable insights for industry professionals.
“I look forward to engaging with our esteemed panellists and audience members on this critical topic. Understanding and responding to consumer-driven changes is essential for the future success of supply chains. This session promises to be an enlightening exchange of ideas and strategies.”
In addition to the IntraLogisteX Theatre, the Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition Theatre will play host to a plethora of insightful presentations themed around the transition to more environmentally-friendly supply chains, while the Robotics & Automation Theatre will feature both case-study presentations from exhibitors focusing on the benefits delivered by their products as well as seminars from industry thought-leaders and experts on the latest trends and developments in the robotics and automation market.
Across the three co-located shows, more than 10,000 attendees are expected, representing sectors such as logistics, intralogistics, manufacturing, transport, robotics, automation, food and beverage, retail and government.
Don’t miss out on all these insightful conference sessions and the opportunity to discover how the latest innovations are transforming supply chains and logistics operations – click here to register for IntraLogisteX! It’s free to register and doing so grants access to all three exhibitions!
