Celebrating Women Who Are Shaping the Future of Loyalty!

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women who are not only at the forefront of the most impactful loyalty programs worldwide but are also driving the conversations that shape the industry’s future.

 

From crafting data-driven strategies to leading innovative customer and community engagement initiatives, these superwomen are redefining the way brands connect with their audiences. Their expertise fosters collaboration, inspires innovation, and strengthens the loyalty community, making the industry more inclusive and forward-thinking.

 

As they pioneer new approaches and set new standards, these women are not just transforming customer loyalty—they’re inspiring the next generation of leaders.

 

Join us in recognizing some of the standout visionaries making their mark in loyalty marketing today. We’d also like to give a huge shoutout to WiseMarketer’s Women in Loyalty Series and the Loyalty Trailblazer’s initiative from International Loyalty Awards that has highlighted the work of exceptional women:

 

 

1. Alisha Malik – President, E-Commerce & Marketing, Metro Brands

 

Alisha Malik has been a driving force behind Metro Brands’ digital transformation, shaping how the brand connects with customers in a fast-evolving retail landscape. With a sharp focus on omnichannel expansion and innovative marketing, she has played a key role in blending digital convenience with personalized rewards to create seamless, engaging experiences.

Her leadership has strengthened Metro’s customer loyalty, ensuring that shoppers don’t just return but build lasting relationships with the brand. Through data-driven strategies and forward-thinking execution, Alisha continues to redefine customer engagement in retail.

 

 

2. Amanda Cromhout – Founder & CEO, Truth

 

When it comes to simplifying the complex world of customer loyalty, Amanda Cromhout is a true master. Based in Cape Town, she’s the powerhouse behind Truth, a global consultancy that helps brands build smarter, more effective loyalty programs. In 2023, she was named International Loyalty Personality of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for her work in reshaping how brands approach customer loyalty through education, consulting, and strategy.

 

 

3. Amy Barnett – Vice President Loyalty and Digital Experience at Cracker Barrel

 

Amy Barnett is a seasoned marketing leader with a deep understanding of CRM and loyalty programs. With decades of experience, she has mastered the art of blending data-driven strategy with customer-centric engagement to drive long-term brand loyalty.

 

As Vice President of Loyalty and Digital Experience at Cracker Barrel, Amy is leading the brand’s digital transformation while staying true to its heritage and core values. Before Cracker Barrel, she sharpened her expertise at Brierley, a top loyalty consulting firm, where she specialized in CRM strategy and analytics. Her ability to balance innovation with tradition makes her a key force in shaping the future of loyalty.

 

 

4. Anna Khomukha – Director of Sales, Global Flight SARL

 

Anna Khomukha is at the intersection of loyalty, travel, and business growth. As Director of Sales at Global Flight SARL, she plays a pivotal role in shaping loyalty strategies for the travel industry and leading the commercial success of the annual Loyalty & Awards conference—a premier event bringing together the brightest minds in travel loyalty.

With a keen eye for new opportunities and business development, Anna is responsible for driving commercial strategy, managing sponsorships, and crafting tailored business solutions that align with client needs. She thrives on building strong industry relationships, curating high-value partnerships, and ensuring each conference delivers maximum impact for attendees and sponsors alike.

 

 

5. Barbara Hagen Vice President, Sales and Marketing at ThriftBooks

 

Barbara Hagen is a marketing leader who knows how to turn strategy into success. With over 16 years of experience at Fortune 100 companies, she has built a reputation for driving brand growth through data, analytics, and consumer insights. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ThriftBooks, Barbara is all about innovation and impact—leading high-performing teams, shaping brand strategy, and delivering solutions that don’t just meet business goals but push them further. Her ability to blend data-driven decision-making with creative thinking makes her a standout force in the industry.

 

 

6. Devon Wylie – CEO, CRMC

 

With 23 years in the event industry—20 of them dedicated to CRMC—Devon Wylie has been at the heart of curating, shaping, and elevating conversations in the CRM and Loyalty space. As the driving force behind CRMC, she doesn’t just manage an event; she crafts an experience where the most impactful stories in customer loyalty, marketing, and retail take center stage each year. Her passion lies in bringing people together, fostering connections, and making sure the right voices are heard—turning CRMC into a must-attend event for loyalty and CRM professionals worldwide.

 

 

7. Elisabeth Keller – Senior Vice President, Client Success, Capillary Technologies

 

 With 20+ years of experience, Elisabeth Keller has helped some of the biggest brands in retail, travel, and consumer goods turn data into loyalty gold. As the SVP of Client Success at Capillary Technologies, she’s all about using AI, omnichannel engagement, and personalization to keep customers coming back. If there’s anyone who knows how to transform customer relationships into long-term business growth, it’s Elisabeth.

 

 

8. Geetha Raghuvanshi – Chief Technology & Data Officer, Al-Futtaim Group

Click the GIF to Watch the Loyalty TV episode

 

Geetha Raghuvanshi is currently the driving force behind Blue Rewards, one of the Middle East’s most successful loyalty programs. As a leader in customer loyalty at Al-Futtaim Group, she’s all about putting customers at the heart of every strategy, strengthening brand relationships, and ensuring long-term engagement. Her contributions have played a key role in Al-Futtaim’s success as a regional leader in loyalty, supporting the seamless integration of rewards across its automotive, retail, real estate, and finance businesses. With a strong focus on enhancing customer experiences, Geetha continues to drive impactful loyalty initiatives in the region.

 

 

9. Hadie Perkas – CEO and Founder, European Loyalty Association

 

Hadie Perkas is on a mission to bring the loyalty industry together. As the CEO and Founder of the European Loyalty Association (ELA), she has built an exclusive network where loyalty professionals can connect, collaborate, and drive innovation. Her passion for knowledge-sharing and industry growth led her to launch The Gift Club in 2020—an international community for Gift Cards, Incentives, Rewards, and Loyalty. Through her work, Hadie has become a key force in shaping the future of loyalty, creating opportunities for brands to network, learn, and evolve in an ever-changing landscape.

 

 

10. Helen Maxfield – Head of Personalisation, Vodafone 

 

Helen Maxfield is a highly driven, commercial marketer experienced in all aspects of strategic and operational loyalty program delivery. She has extensive experience in loyalty, CRM and personalisation program delivery. Helen specialises in creating customer-centric solutions with a track record across grocery retail, e-commerce, telecommunications and media. 

 

 

11. Jaimi Farrey – Group Head of Loyalty, Hanes Brands Australia

 

Jaimi Farrey is making waves in the loyalty space, earning recognition as a Loyalty Trailblazer at the International Loyalty Awards 2025. Her leadership at Hanes Brands has transformed the company’s approach to loyalty, introducing data-driven solutions, sustainability-focused rewards, and hyper-personalized engagement strategies. Jaimi’s ability to blend innovation with customer-centric thinking has set new industry benchmarks, ensuring that Hanes Brands’ loyalty programs are not just effective, but truly meaningful and future-ready.

 

 

12. Katie Dalton – Executive Vice President, Audience Rewards

 

Katie Dalton has been instrumental in shaping Audience Rewards into what it is today—a thriving, sustainable loyalty program built for Broadway fans. As Executive Vice President, she has played a key role in transforming the program from a startup into a powerhouse of customer engagement and rewards. In partnership with Capillary Technologies, Katie continues to push the boundaries of loyalty innovation, ensuring Audience Rewards delivers memorable, meaningful experiences that keep Broadway fans coming back for more.

 

 

13. Katherine Boulware – Vice President, Consumer Insights and Consulting, Capillary Technologies

 

Katherine Boulware is a powerhouse in customer analytics and loyalty marketing. With over 15 years of experience in CRM, segmentation, and campaign strategy, she’s helped brands across travel, healthcare, and beyond turn data into real customer connections. Her expertise in building insights-driven programs has made her a go-to expert for brands looking to create loyalty experiences that truly resonate.

 

 

14. Kelly Goldsworthy – Head of Live Better at Capitec Bank

 

Kelly Goldsworthy is redefining what loyalty looks like in banking. As the head of Capitec’s Live Better Rewards program, she’s taking charge of creating customer-first loyalty strategies that go beyond traditional perks. Under her leadership, Capitec has transformed customer engagement, offering rewards that encourage healthy behaviors and smarter financial choices. By seamlessly aligning banking services with wellness incentives, Kelly is setting a new standard for loyalty in financial services, proving that rewards can be both impactful and meaningful.

 

 

15. Marian Kelly – Co-CEO & Co-Founder, International Loyalty Awards & Loyalty Connect Global

 

Marian Kelly is passionate about celebrating the visionaries shaping the future of customer loyalty. As Co-CEO and Co-Founder of International Loyalty Awards & Loyalty Connect Global, Marian plays a key role in curating, organizing, and championing loyalty excellence on a global scale. From shaping the awards criteria to ensuring the most impactful stories and strategies get the spotlight, she is deeply invested in bringing together the loyalty community to learn, celebrate, and push the industry forward.

 

 

16. Megan Fiorendino – US/EU Marketing Lead, Capillary Technologies

 

Megan Fiorendino is at the forefront of customer engagement and loyalty transformation at Capillary, driving growth across the US and European markets. She combines data-driven marketing with innovative brand storytelling, helping brands build deeper connections with their customers. What makes Megan stand out is her ability to blend strategy with creativity—turning insights into impactful loyalty experiences. 

 

 

17. Michelle Williams – Senior Loyalty Manager, Vodafone

 

Michelle Williams is all about creating seamless, customer-first experiences that keep Vodafone customers engaged and coming back. With over five years at Vodafone, she has been instrumental in shaping Vodafone Rewards, a loyalty program designed to offer personalized perks, exclusive experiences, and meaningful savings.

 

Her strategic insights go beyond just rewards—they’re about building genuine brand affinity and ensuring Vodafone’s loyalty initiatives evolve with customer needs. Through her work, she’s redefining what customer engagement looks like in the telecom space.

 

 

18. Nida Unas – Director of Loyalty, Alshaya

 

Nida Unas is a seasoned expert in loyalty and CRM, with a track record of designing and launching large-scale loyalty programs across retail and hospitality. At Alshaya, she has been instrumental in building a robust loyalty ecosystem that connects multiple global brands, offering personalized rewards, seamless omnichannel engagement, and exclusive benefits.

 

With a strategic vision focused on customer experience, Nida ensures that Alshaya’s loyalty programs go beyond transactions, creating meaningful connections that drive long-term engagement and brand affinity.

 

 

19. Paula Thomas – CEO and Founder, Let’s Talk Loyalty & Loyalty TV

 

If there’s one voice that loyalty professionals worldwide recognize, it’s Paula Thomas. She’s the brains behind Let’s Talk Loyalty, the world’s first podcast dedicated to loyalty marketing, and more recently, Loyalty.TV, an industry-leading media platform. With over 25 years of experience, Paula has not only shaped discussions in the loyalty space but has also created a global community of loyalty experts who learn, share, and grow together.

 

 

20. Sara Galloway – Vice President of Global Strategy Consulting, Kognitiv

 

Sara Galloway is a trusted name in loyalty strategy, guiding C-suite leaders on how to build high-impact programs that optimize customer lifecycles and drive real business growth. As the head of Kognitiv’s strategy and consulting group, she’s worked with both B2B and B2C brands, transforming their approach to loyalty. What makes Sara stand out is her ability to see the bigger picture—balancing customer engagement with P&L performance to ensure loyalty isn’t just a retention tool, but a true driver of revenue. 

 

 

21. Sina Gasnier – Head of Consumer Engagement & Membership, C&A

 

Sina Gasnier is a driving force behind customer loyalty and engagement at C&A, shaping the way the brand connects with its consumers. With over 10 years of experience in CRM and loyalty, she has spent the last two years building and strengthening ‘C&A for you’, the brand’s loyalty program, ensuring customers receive more than just rewards—they experience real value and connection. Under her leadership, ‘C&A for you’ has earned a nomination for Best Retail Loyalty Program of the Year Worldwide at the International Loyalty Awards this upcoming May in Dubai.

 

22. Tammy Phan – Chief Digital Marketing Officer, Masan

 

Tammy Phan is a dynamic leader who knows how to blend technology and business strategy to create real impact. With 16+ years of experience in strategy consulting, sales, partnerships, and marketing, she has been instrumental in shaping Masan’s digital transformation. As Chief Digital Marketing Officer at one of Vietnam’s largest consumer goods and retail conglomerates, Tammy is driving customer engagement and business growth across Masan’s diverse portfolio—including food, beverages, retail, and financial services. Her ability to harness digital innovation is helping Masan stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.

 

23. Tanya Alexander – AVP Loyalty & Operations, Arvind Fashions Ltd

 

Click the image to watch the episode!

 

With over 20 years in fashion retail, Tanya Alexander is a seasoned expert in CRM and loyalty who knows how to turn customer insights into lasting brand connections. As AVP of Loyalty & Operations at Arvind Fashions Ltd, she has contributed to shaping customer-centric loyalty strategies that enhance engagement, improve retention, and reinforce brand loyalty.

 

What sets Tanya apart is her data-driven approach—using analytics to design personalized experiences that truly resonate with customers. Her ability to collaborate across teams and create seamless loyalty journeys has made her a key player in shaping the future of customer engagement.

 

 

24. Zamabomvu Ngubane – Head of FNB eBucks Rewards

 

Zamabomvu Ngubane too has been nominated as a Loyalty Trailblazer at the International Loyalty Awards 2025, a testament to her impact in shaping financial services loyalty. As the leader of FNB eBucks Rewards, one of South Africa’s most recognized loyalty programs, she has redefined how customers engage with their finances. Her approach is all about personalization—offering tailored rewards, travel perks, and financial incentives that align with customer spending behavior. 

 

 

25. Zsuzsa Kecsmar – Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Antavo

 

Named International Loyalty Personality of the Year 2024, Zsuzsa Kecsmar is a true trailblazer in loyalty marketing. As Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Antavo, she’s redefining how brands build loyalty programs that go beyond just points and rewards. What sets Zsuzsa apart is her vision for next-generation loyalty—one that’s deeply data-driven, highly personalized, and built for long-term engagement. Her work has transformed the way companies connect with their customers. 

 

 

 

These incredible women are more than just loyalty experts—they’re pioneers, innovators, and changemakers. Their leadership, vision, and expertise continue to push the boundaries of what loyalty marketing can achieve.

 

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate their impact, achievements, and dedication to shaping the future of customer loyalty.

Here’s to the women who inspire, lead, and innovate. Happy International Women’s Day!

Customer Loyalty in Spain: AI, Digital Transformation & Top Loyalty Players

The modern consumer demands more personalized, seamless, and most importantly rewarding experiences, and enterprises have understood the assignment. Mere discount coupons or flashy sales won’t keep customers coming back—customer engagement and retention have a lot more going for them and the name of the game is—customer loyalty. 

 
Spain’s loyalty landscape aligns closely with broader European trends, reflecting a shift from transactional to experiential and value-driven loyalty. Just like in France, Germany, and the UK, Spanish consumers are increasingly drawn to coalition programs, tiered reward structures, and financial service-linked loyalty offerings. The adoption of digital-first, AI-driven personalization and seamless omnichannel integration is becoming the norm across Europe, with Spain rapidly embracing these innovations.

 
Furthermore, sustainability-focused loyalty programs—gaining traction across Nordic countries and Western Europe—are making inroads in Spain as brands recognize the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious incentives and ethical rewards. Multi-brand partnerships, like Repsol Más’ collaboration with Air Miles Spain, parallel successful coalition models in Germany and the Netherlands, reinforcing the idea that loyalty in Spain is not evolving in isolation but as part of a broader European loyalty revolution.

 
With the huge influx of data and AI innovation, Spain’s loyalty strategies are evolving to become more customer-centric and data-driven. In this comprehensive read, we explore why having a robust customer loyalty strategy in place is a must in Spain and how some of the big names are leveraging it.

 

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Loyalty Programs

Digital transformation has catapulted Spain’s loyalty space. More than ever, modern consumers are engaging with brands through multiple channels, from e-commerce platforms to mobile applications and social media. 

 
Traditional point-based loyalty models are being replaced or supplemented by hyper-personalized rewards, experiential benefits, and AI-powered customer engagement.

 

Factors Driving Digital Transformation in Spain

Mobile First Engagement: With an all-time high smartphone penetration in Spain, enterprises are prioritizing app-based loyalty experiences.
AI-Driven Personalization: Loyalty programs are more aligned with changing consumer preferences thanks to predictive analytics and AI-powered recommendation engines.
Omnichannel Integration: Brands are needing to unify rewards programs across platforms, with customers expecting seamless interactions whether it be online or in-store. 
Emphasis on Emotional Loyalty: The modern consumer is looking beyond transactional rewards, through community-building, exclusive experiences, and value-driven connections to foster deeper engagement.

 

How AI is Enhancing Customer Loyalty

AI can be attributed to the adoption of automated loyalty engines by enterprises, revamping customer loyalty in Spain. How you ask?

 

AI + Loyalty Strategy Benefits

Analyze customer behavior in real-time to deliver hyper-personalized offers and recommendations.
Automate reward mechanisms based on consumer interactions, preferences, and past purchasing history.
Enhance predictive analytics to understand potential churn risks and proactively re-engage customers.
AI-powered loyalty solutions are particularly beneficial in competitive industries like retail, travel, and financial services, where differentiation and customer retention are crucial.

 

Leading Loyalty Programs in Spain

We’ve discussed why loyalty will work in Spain and how digital transformation and AI can drive that. In this section, we’ll tie all of the above together and quickly examine a few notable loyalty programs in Spain. 

 

Top 5 Loyalty Programs in Spain

1. Repsol Más

Repsol Más is a fuel rewards program that goes beyond simple discounts by offering personalized incentives based on user refueling habits. Members can accumulate points and enjoy exclusive discounts on purchases, movie tickets, and free car washes, enhancing the program’s overall value.

2. El Corte Inglés Club Card

Spain’s largest department store chain offers a loyalty card that not only provides flexible payment options but also includes seasonal promotions, exclusive access to sales, and discounts on fashion, electronics, and groceries. For instance, members can accumulate 10% of purchase value and redeem it in future transactions at their department stores. The program promotes higher spending through structured rewards for customers who are looking for differentiated benefits.

3. Iberia Plus

Iberia’s frequent flyer program enables members to earn Avios or Elite points on flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and retail purchases with 90+ partner brands. These points can be redeemed for free cabin upgrades, priority boarding, or access to VIP lounges globally, making it one of Spain’s most valuable airline loyalty programs

4. Club Carrefour

Carrefour’s loyalty program is designed to reward everyday spending by offering cashback on purchases, personalized discount coupons, and extra benefits for frequent shoppers. For instance, members can avail daily offers like 10% discounts on fruits and vegetables across all stores through the Carrefour app. Carrefour also adds gamification to their program where Club members sign up for a challenge and save up to €50 per month on selected brands.

5. Esfera

Esfera is the rewards program for Banco Santander—a multinational fintech. The program enhances customer retention through a multi-tiered rewards system that offers preferential loan rates, cashback on transactions, low-cost air tickets or hotel stays. Members can even convert accumulated Esfera points to ALL Rewards Points which could be used across Accor’s 5000 hotels. The program leverages experiential rewards like tourist tours, cultural activities, and much more.

 

The Future of Loyalty in Spain

As customer expectations continue to evolve, brands in Spain must adapt their loyalty strategies to remain competitive. Future trends likely to shape the loyalty landscape include:

 

Subscription-Based Loyalty Models: More enterprises are adopting subscription-based loyalty models that feel flexible and offer enhanced experiences.
Blockchain-Based Rewards: Blockchain tech is yet another aspect taking Spain’s loyalty space by storm, offering secure, transparent, and flexible reward systems.
Gamification and Interactive Rewards: Enterprises are adopting gamification loyalty models, engaging customers through interactive experiences, challenges, and gamified rewards, bringing new meaning to customer engagement.
Real-Time Loyalty Engagement: Automation has been at the core of loyalty with AI-powered chatbots & conversational AI showing promise in making program interactions feel engaging and easy to use. 
Sustainability-Driven Loyalty Initiatives: Spaniards are increasingly favoring brands that offer sustainability initiatives that are aligned with their values, favoring stronger brand recall.

 
Brands that embrace these trends will build deeper connections and stronger customer loyalty.

 

Key Metrics: Spanish Loyalty Market

Metric

Value

Market Size (2025)

$1.34 billion

Projected Market Size (2029)

$2.23 billion

CAGR (2025-2029)

13.5%

Annual Growth Rate (2025)

16.1%

Historical CAGR (2020-2024)

18.1%

Key Growth Drivers

Coalition programs, financial service integration, tiered loyalty structures, and value-based rewards

 

Find All Your Loyalty Needs with Capillary

That’s a wrap of this fun read. Traditional earn-and-burn programs won’t please this demographic. Your loyalty strategies must be aligned with your consumer preferences, striking the right balance between rational and emotional loyalty. 

 
Brands need to invest in robust loyalty software to cater to dynamic customer-centric experiences to drive long-term engagement and foster brand affinity. Businesses looking to enhance their loyalty strategies must stay ahead of emerging trends, integrate AI-driven insights, and create value-driven connections with their customers. As the loyalty landscape in Spain continues to evolve, brands that innovate and prioritize customer-centricity will stand out in a highly competitive market.

 
How about an all-in-one loyalty solution for all your customer engagement and retention efforts? Explore Capillary’s Loyalty+, a robust loyalty management software powered by AI and ML algorithms leveraged by 400+ enterprises globally with the likes of NASCAR, Indigo, Shell, Al Futtaim Group and many more! Get in touch with our Loyalty Experts today!