Vinted CEO Adam Jay heads the Disruptors and Innovators in Retail Top 30 list for 2025, as pre-loved and recommerce’s role in supporting a more circular economy continues to grow.
The list from trade publication Retail Insider and its editor, Glynn Davis, which is published in association with Retail Technology Show, champions progressive individuals from across the retail world – people who are fundamentally impacting the constantly changing retail landscape.
The Vinted CEO heads a top five that also includes: Carl Pei, founder & CEO of Nothing; Tom & Phil Beahon, co-founders of Castore; Clare Hornby, founder of ME+EM; and George & Michael Heaton, co-founders of Represent Clothing.
Other sustainability-minded individuals appearing on this year’s list include Jon Lane, CEO of B Corp business Passenger, Isabella West, CEO of rental platform Hirestreet and accompanying tech company Zoa Rental, and Layla Sargent, founder of clothing repair services provider Seam.
Selecting this year’s top 30 involved the input of consultants, retailers, service providers and advisors whose expertise encompasses all aspects of the retail sector. In addition, a key input came from the carefully selected advisory panel, which was chosen on the basis of participants’ combined knowledge of retail – leaning towards digital experience.
A long list of recommendations was filtered into a top 30 and from within this grouping they selected a Top 10 ‘Hall of Fame’ grouping based on overall achievement to date, level of disruption/innovation, and potential for future achievement. The advisory panel did not score any individual from their own organisation.
Davis said Jay’s appearance at the top of the list, for the second year running, is “not only a validation of his achievements but also the ongoing impact of circular economy models”.
Vinted Group was valued at €5 billion last year after closing a secondary share sale of €340 million.
Matt Bradley, event director at the Retail Technology Show, said: “Once again, Glynn and his Retail Insider advisory board have done a stellar job in discovering and shining a light on those disruptors who are reimagining retail.
“Whether it’s blending innovation with compelling retail offers, bringing new, greener ways for shoppers to consume goods, or optimising operating models and channel mix, the top ten disruptors are showcasing the art of the possible and shaking up the status quo of the sector.”
[image credit: Vinted]
