Sam Knights, CEO, SMG

Earlier this year, SMG partnered with MAD//Fest to launch Now That’s What I Call Retail Media 25 vol. 1, a report created to spotlight the most innovative campaigns, ideas, and partnerships shaping the future of commerce media.

We’re delighted to follow this up with Now That’s What I Call Retail Media vol. 2.

While vol. 1 focused on the work, vol. 2 is all about the people. This list celebrates the best and brightest in our industry: the leaders - or Hitmakers - driving progress as retail media continues its rapid rise.

Whether you're a retailer CMO, a visionary brand marketer, or a journalist keeping us honest, your work is pushing commerce media into its next chapter.

Retail media is evolving fast, and it’s the dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking of individuals like you that makes that evolution possible.

At SMG, we believe retail media is the smartest investment brands can make. Across Capture, Plan-Apps, and our seven retail media networks, our teams are committed to helping brands unlock that value every day. We see the same commitment in the Hitmakers we’re celebrating in this report and we’re thrilled to honor your impact.

Congratulations again.

Gemma Goldfingle, Editor, MAD//Fest

The seemingly unstoppable rise of retail media in recent years hasn’t happened by chance. 

Behind the scenes there are innovators pushing this industry forward. Be it retailers developing game-changing new features for their media networks, or brand marketers masterminding compelling campaigns, many have played their part in making retail media a must-invest marketing channel.

MAD//Fest + SMG think it’s time to shine a light on those innovators, which is why we’ve created Now That’s What I Call Retail Media vol 2: The Hitmakers.

This report celebrates the individuals that have made retail media a smash hit globally, and continue to push the industry forward. 

I urge everyone to delve into not just who has made our list of Hitmakers, but why. The reasons should inspire everyone working in this burgeoning sector and push us all to greater heights.

And to the Hitmakers - we congratulate you, we thank you, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!