Episode 793

7-Eleven: Loyalty, AI & Redefining Convenience for the Next 100 Years (#793)

Published on: 30th July, 2026

This episode is available in audio format on the Let’s Talk Loyalty podcast and in video format on www.Loyalty.TV.

In this episode, Nyeleti reconnects with Raghu Mahadevan, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer at 7-Eleven, five years after his first appearance on the show, to explore how one of the world's most iconic retailers is evolving its loyalty, digital, and AI strategy.

The conversation explores the growth of 7Rewards, the integration of Speedy Rewards, and how personalization is expanding across fuel, in-store, and digital experiences to create more connected customer journeys.

A key theme is that innovation is rarely a straight line. From mobile checkout and conversational AI to customer engagement and loyalty, Nyeleti and Raghu discuss why successful innovation depends on continuous testing, learning, and knowing when to pivot as customer expectations evolve.

Looking ahead to 7-Eleven's centenary, they explore what the future of convenience looks like—and how loyalty, technology, and customer insight will shape the next 100 years.

This episode offers a practical perspective on building loyalty at scale while continuously redefining convenience.

Hosted by Nyeleti Sue-Angel Nkuna.

Show Notes:

1) Raghu Mahadevan

2) 7-Eleven

3) 7Rewards

4) Proximity - Book recommendation

5)#161: 7-Eleven Shares Secrets to Success & Driving Loyalty with 7REWARDS.

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About the Podcast

Let's Talk Loyalty
“Let’s Talk Loyalty” is an industry podcast for loyalty marketing professionals.

If you work in loyalty marketing, join us every week to learn the latest ideas and marketing insights from loyalty specialists around the world.

Check out our website on: http://www.letstalkloyalty.com/

About your host

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Paula Thomas

Paula Thomas is the Founder and CEO of Let’s Talk Loyalty and Loyalty TV.

Paula Thomas is an award-winning podcaster who founded the “Let’s Talk Loyalty” podcast and business in 2019, and Loyalty TV in 2023.

She has over twenty-five years blue-chip marketing experience, including almost a decade leading consumer loyalty programmes in multiple sectors including telecommunications, the energy sector, banking and airline loyalty programmes.

She is from Ireland and lives in Dubai.

Paula is a former judge for the “International Loyalty Awards”, and the author of the book “Driving Loyalty in Convenience Retail”.

She holds an Executive MBA from Smurfit Business College, one of Ireland’s top universities, and is a “Certified Loyalty Marketing Professional”.

In 2025, she was chosen as the International Loyalty Industry Personality of the Year.