Digital FMCG 2026

3 - 4 March 2026

The Hurlingham Club, London

Paul Lees

Paul Lees

Group Managing Director CheckoutSmart
Paul Lees
Paul Lees founded and leads CheckoutSmart, the UK’s leading platform for helping FMCG brands improve their online performance through authentic shopper engagement. Under his leadership, CheckoutSmart has developed award-winning solutions, including SmartInsights, SmartReputation and SmartActivation, that combine real shopper data with advanced analytics to strengthen reputation, drive trial, and unlock actionable category intelligence. With CheckoutSmart’s proprietary, patented technology, Paul and his team deliver genuine shopper reviews and insights that help brands perform better on the digital shelf. Their work enables companies to understand what shoppers really think, act on live feedback, and turn everyday customers into powerful brand advocates. A long-time FMCG expert at Mars and Heinz, with leadership roles in marketing, sales, and research, Paul is passionate about helping brands convert insights into measurable business growth.

Day 2 | 4th March

12:10 PM Case Study: How to use AI-powered feedback analysis to uncover emerging needs that drive smarter decisions in real time

In today’s fast-paced grocery market, understanding consumers can no longer be treated as a once-a-year research project. This session will explore how leading FMCG brands are moving beyond static surveys and traditional reviews to harness AI-powered analysis of shopper feedback at scale. You will hear how to transform everyday signals - from product reviews to behavioural data - into continuous, real-world insights that reveal what truly matters to consumers. From identifying emerging themes and sentiment to uncovering usage behaviours and unmet needs, this new approach is helping brands move faster, act with more confidence, and make decisions rooted in real-time understanding. You will come away with a clear view of how to use AI to drive sharper, more agile consumer insight, and how to future-proof your approach to decision-making in a dynamic retail environment. 

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Paul.

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