Paul Lees

Group Managing Director CheckoutSmart

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

11:30 AM Case Study: How AI is already shaping what shoppers see first and why brands need to act now

AI influence on FMCG purchase decisions is still relatively small, but it is growing at a startling pace. This session explores how AI models already interpret and prioritise brand content, drawing on new survey data from FMCG marketers alongside exclusive early research from food and health and beauty categories. You will see real examples of how reviews, FAQs and brand websites are used by AI to answer shopper questions, often before a retailer site is ever visited. You will come away with a clear view of what AI is using today, what that means for visibility and trust, and how to get ahead now by shaping the inputs AI relies on rather than reacting once the narrative has set.

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

Download The Latest Agenda