iO achieves AWS Retail Competency and underscores comprehensive expertise in the retail sector

Recognition by Amazon Web Services confirms that iO is among the few combining marketing, technology and cloud expertise for complete retail transformation

16/10/2025

iO, one of Europe's leading digital agencies, has officially achieved AWS Retail Competency. This places the agency among a globally select group that Amazon Web Services (AWS) recognises for proven expertise in the retail market. The eighteen-month validation process demonstrates that iO possesses the right knowledge, processes and client cases to realise sustainable, scalable and innovative retail solutions together with AWS.

Exclusive recognition following intensive validation process

AWS currently awards around fifty different competencies. To achieve one of these, an organisation undergoes an intensive validation process where technical solutions must meet AWS's high-quality standards, and proven client cases must also demonstrate successful application of those solutions.

For iO, this meant an extensive audit by the independent ISSI Group, commissioned by AWS. The result is recognition that confirms iO optimally deploys the cloud for retail - from B2C to B2B2C, throughout the entire chain.

Unique combination of marketing and technical expertise

Where many agencies focus on marketing and customer experience, iO combines this with in-depth technical expertise. According to Friso Geerlings, Technology Director at iO, this is precisely what makes the agency unique:

"With this AWS competency, we demonstrate that we understand the customer journey and the complex cloud infrastructure that underpins it. Retail has seasonal peaks, high scalability demands and numerous data streams. With AWS, we help our clients operate cost-effectively, automate processes and innovate faster."

Total approach delivers concrete benefits

Clients save costs through scalable cloud solutions and receive proven security for their daily customer data streams. They have direct access to new AWS developments such as AI for personalised recommendations.

Rick Hoving, Head of E-Commerce Strategy at iO, explains:

"Retailers increasingly combine physical stores and online channels to continue engaging and inspiring customers. We see data streams, content, identity and infrastructure becoming increasingly intertwined. Retail is evolving into an always-on landscape of touchpoints."

The AWS Retail Competency positions iO to support retailers in this transformation towards seamless experiences where all contact moments converge in one integrated journey.

About iO

iO is one of Europe's leading digital agencies and home of ambitious people, organisations and brands.

Since 2005, we deliver marketing that performs, content that connects, and platforms that scale - all seamlessly integrated across data, media, AI, infrastructure and digital operations.

With more than 2,000 experts across 12 campuses in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Bulgaria, we help brands such as Audi, Brussels Airport, Efteling, Lidl, Philips, and AkzoNobel to transform their digital experiences. iodigital.com