After Oxford St debut, Future Stores names EMEA MD

Fresh from launching “the world’s most advanced retail store concept” on London’s Oxford Street, Future Stores has named Engin Celikbas managing director for the EMEA region.

A “global leader in retail data, AI and innovative marketing”, Celikbas “brings an unmatched wealth of experience in pioneering innovative consumer concepts, moving them from ideation to mainstream success”.

At Future Stores, he will be working with company founder, chair and retail innovator Ariel Haroush to provide “retail at the speed of culture… catering to vibrant, consumers used to absorb information at Tik-Tok-style speed” while overseeing the development of the Future Store expansion in Europe “into other tier-1 city locations”.

The Amsterdam native’s career spans almost three decades, including non-exec board member of AI marketing specialist Billy Grace, CEO of communications company Anomaly and owner of art and commerce crossover KeselsKramer in London’s Shoreditch.

Celikbas was also responsible for the design strategy and concept development of Amsterdam’s W Amsterdam hotel and X Bank design store, alongside hotel entrepreneur Liran Wizman.

Celikbas said: “Believe the hype. Future Stores is not just a concept, it is the future of retail, which is why I [joined]… we will transform the retail world for consumers and brands alike.”

Haroush added: “Engin’s appointment… brings unrivalled skills to Future Stores. Throughout his career, he has not just had his finger on the pulse of modern culture but has been several steps ahead of the mainstream. This makes him the perfect fit for what Future Stores will achieve.”