NAJ Retail Congress 2026: Former Burberry Executive Roisin Hurley-Gondim Joins Speaker Lineup

Empowering Jewellery Retailers for Future Success

Former Burberry Executive to Address Retail Congress 2026

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has proudly revealed that Roisin Hurley-Gondim, formerly the Global Director of Retail Excellence at the renowned luxury brand Burberry, will be a featured speaker at its upcoming Retail Congress in 2026. Her participation is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event, especially regarding high-end retail practices.

Focus on Growth Amid Economic Challenges

Scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Drayton Manor Resort in Tamworth, the Retail Congress will be sponsored by Goodman Bros. The central theme for the 2026 event is 'Growth amid a discretionary spending squeeze.' This theme aims to provide jewellery retailers with actionable strategies to bolster their business performance, refine leadership skills, and optimize customer experience during periods of economic uncertainty and reduced consumer spending.

Insights from a Luxury Retail Veteran

With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in international retail, Roisin Hurley-Gondim has consistently driven sales growth, developed impactful training programs, and elevated service quality across various global luxury brands. Her most recent role at Burberry involved shaping performance and culture across more than 400 stores worldwide, demonstrating her profound influence in the sector.

Applying Sports Psychology to Business Leadership

Roisin's expertise extends to understanding how organizational culture, mindset, and leadership styles profoundly impact customer experience and commercial triumphs across diverse markets. Drawing inspiration from her family's background in elite sports, she integrates principles of sports psychology and coaching techniques to help businesses realize their full potential and cultivate highly effective teams.

Key Learnings for Retailers

During her session at Retail Congress 2026, Roisin will delve into the critical role of immediate and constructive feedback in driving retail performance. She will also explore what it genuinely means to foster a client-centric approach in today's fiercely competitive environment. Attendees are anticipated to leave feeling inspired and equipped with practical tools to strategically grow their businesses by prioritizing both exceptional customer experiences and robust team development.

Distinguished Speaker Line-up

The 2026 Retail Congress boasts an impressive roster of speakers, offering a comprehensive blend of economic analysis, leadership wisdom, and practical retail strategies. Confirmed speakers include Glynn Jones, the Bank of England's Midlands Agent, who will provide an economic overview; Liz Barclay, former UK Small Business Commissioner, offering guidance on profitable growth; Olivia Duvall, sharing insights from the luxury cruise sector on customer retention; and Dr. John Pates, a chartered performance psychologist, discussing leadership qualities for high performance.

Event Registration Details

Tickets for the Retail Congress 2026 are priced at £245 + VAT for NAJ members and £295 + VAT for non-members. A special 20% discount is available for businesses purchasing additional tickets for multiple staff members, encouraging broader participation and team learning.