Colin Rice

As Head of Technology at Lakeland—one of the UK’s original home-shopping trailblazers—I lead the tech that brings 60 years of innovation in kitchenware and home solutions to life. From ecommerce and retail systems to logistics and customer platforms, I drive the digital and operational transformation that keeps Lakeland inspiring customers across generations.

Head of IT for the iconic brand Barbour, which began in 1894 in the Market Place in South Shields. Today the 5th generation family owned business remains in the North East, where some of Barbour's classic wax jackets are still manufactured & repaired by hand in the factory in Simonside. Barbour has retail stores presence in over 55 countries worldwide including the UK, USA and Germany.

Aesop was established in Melbourne, Australia in 1987 and is now present in 23 countries, with more than 240 unique stores worldwide. Aesop offers skin, hair and body care formulations created with meticulous attention to detail, and with efficacy and sensory pleasure in mind. The role coordinates and directs the head office and retail technology related activities of the Europe region, as well as provide administrative direction and support for the operational activities of the local technology departments and vendors. Oversees the regional technology team and works closely with the global technology management and both local retail and global department’s decision makers to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions and products for all aspects of the organisation.

Responsible for Information Technology globally with core operations in London and Wales. Supported over 150 stores across the UK, Ireland and France; franchises in 29 countries; and e-Commerce operations across 11 European countries. Categories of home accessories, made-to-order upholstery, cabinet furniture, decorating and fashion. Led an IT team of 44 to support e-commerce, software development and operations.

Experience in IT Leadership, Retail sector, Infrastructure Architecture, IT Procurement, Cloud computing, Outsourcing and Off-shore support centres, Information Security, ITIL, ISO 27001, Service Management and ISO 20000

Was responsible for the IT Infrastructure of DFI, a Global 100 retailer. Owned the Group information security policy. Led the Group IT Procurement function, managing vendor relationships and deals globally. Was Director of the Global Support Centre based in the Philippines, delivering annual savings of over £1m, providing software development and 24x7 support across 12 countries in Asia. Operations of 150 staff operating to ISO-certified service and security. Supported IKEA, Giant hypermarkets, Wellcome supermarkets, Mannings and Guardian health & beauty stores, 7-Eleven, Starbucks and Maxim's Restaurants (over 6,600 stores in total). Development of merchandise systems, store back-office systems, point-of-sales and time & attendance systems.

The role was responsible for all Business Systems and technology of DFI Group in Hong Kong, Macau and China. Led a team of 69 in Hong Kong and 82 in Philippines. Included the store and supply chain systems supporting 1,600 stores of Wellcome, Olivers, ThreeSixty and Marketplace supermarkets; Mannings Health and Beauty stores, GNC Vitamins and 7-Eleven. The role was also responsible for the Group's Offshore IT Support Centre in the Philippines, supporting businesses across Asia.

Responsible for all the Infrastructure of Dairy Farm in Hong Kong, including the data centres processing the supply chain of Dairy Farm stores in Hong Kong, Macau, China, and Taiwan. Technical authority for Dairy Farm North Asia, designing infrastructure, developing and monitoring compliance to North Asia Security and Technical standards

Various infrastructure roles in the civil engineering and health sectors