Gina Acosta
Progressive Grocer
Editor-in-Chief
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
Gina is obsessed with grocery stores, food retailers, international travel and her favorite place in the world is the 6th Arrondissement of Paris. She has covered the retail and CPG industries for various business publications since 2014. Previously she was a writer and editor for the Tampa Bay Times. She served on the editorial board of the Washington Post and as an assistant editor there for more than 13 years. She has also worked for the Hartford Courant, Tallahassee Democrat, and Miami Herald. In 2010 she was awarded the Wharton Fellowship for Business Journalists, allowing her to study and earn business journalism certification from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In 2006 she was awarded the Nieman Fellowship for Journalism at Harvard University, where she spent more than a year studying retail, agribusiness and teaching journalism. She has received the Hispanic Media 100 Award, Women in Communications Leadership Award, Tallahassee Democrat Award for Newsroom Excellence, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Intern Award and Hearst Journalism Award. She has also been selected as a fellow by Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Poynter Institute, the Maynard Media Academy and American Society of Newspaper Editors. A native of Miami, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Florida A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa. When she is not geeking out about grocery and retail news, Gina loves hiking with her Border Collie, Riley, and planning her next trip to Paris. Gina speaks fluent English, Spanish, Italian and is trying really hard to learn French.
Progressive Grocer
Editor-in-Chief
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
Gina is obsessed with grocery stores, food retailers, international travel and her favorite place in the world is the 6th Arrondissement of Paris. She has covered the retail and CPG industries for various business publications since 2014. Previously she was a writer and editor for the Tampa Bay Times. She served on the editorial board of the Washington Post and as an assistant editor there for more than 13 years. She has also worked for the Hartford Courant, Tallahassee Democrat, and Miami Herald. In 2010 she was awarded the Wharton Fellowship for Business Journalists, allowing her to study and earn business journalism certification from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In 2006 she was awarded the Nieman Fellowship for Journalism at Harvard University, where she spent more than a year studying retail, agribusiness and teaching journalism. She has received the Hispanic Media 100 Award, Women in Communications Leadership Award, Tallahassee Democrat Award for Newsroom Excellence, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Intern Award and Hearst Journalism Award. She has also been selected as a fellow by Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Poynter Institute, the Maynard Media Academy and American Society of Newspaper Editors. A native of Miami, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Florida A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa. When she is not geeking out about grocery and retail news, Gina loves hiking with her Border Collie, Riley, and planning her next trip to Paris. Gina speaks fluent English, Spanish, Italian and is trying really hard to learn French.
Kirk Ball
Giant Eagle
EVP and Chief Information Officer / Chief Technology Officer
The New Customer-Centric Grocery Experience
Kirk Ball joined Giant Eagle, Inc. in June 2020. Kirk and his Teammates have responsibility for delivering Information Technology solutions for the Giant Eagle enterprise including eCommerce development, strategic technology planning, infrastructure and applications for the Enterprise. In addition, Kirk serves on the Giant Eagle Innovation Steering Team to help identify, develop and implement solution innovation. Giant Eagle is a regional grocery retailer with ~570 locations including supermarkets and convenience stores.
Prior to joining Giant Eagle, Mr. Ball served as the VP and Chief Information Officer for The Christ Hospital Health Network (TCHHN). TCHHN is a $3B clinically integrated Healthcare Network with 2 Hospitals, 6 Ambulatory Surgery Centers and 150 other locations in the Southwest Ohio region. Significant accomplishments are implementing D.R. solutions, development of Cloud strategy, development / implementation of Analytics strategy, development / implementation of Digital Customer Strategy and development / implementation of Technology Group organizational and technology strategy.
Prior to his arrival at TCHHN, Mr. Ball served as the Chief Technology Officer for The Kroger Company. While at Kroger, Mr. Ball was a key participant in the development of the company’s emerging Digital Customer Strategy, led the organization responsible for delivery of enterprise technology solutions serving over 3,000 locations across the U.S., and Mr. Ball served as the Chief Operating Officer of Sunrise Technology (wholly owned subsidiary of The Kroger Company focusing on technology R & D and Innovation). While at Kroger Mr. Ball also co-led the acquisitions of You Technology, Inc. and Vitacost. In addition, Mr. Ball was a key contributor to the development and execution of the Kroger Digital Strategy.
In addition, Mr. Ball has held Sr. Technology Leadership positions at The Iams Company, Honda of America Mfg., The Berry Company and Emro Marketing.
Mr. Ball has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting / Finance and an Associates degree in Systems Analysis and Design from Miami University.
In addition, Mr. Ball currently serves on the Advisory Board of for The Mercury Fund, Board of Directors for TrackX, Growth Advisory Board SILK, Member of the Cincinnati CIO Roundtable, Advisor Miami University Technology Advisory Board. Previous Board appointment with You Technology in the Bay Area.
Giant Eagle
EVP and Chief Information Officer / Chief Technology Officer
The New Customer-Centric Grocery Experience
Kirk Ball joined Giant Eagle, Inc. in June 2020. Kirk and his Teammates have responsibility for delivering Information Technology solutions for the Giant Eagle enterprise including eCommerce development, strategic technology planning, infrastructure and applications for the Enterprise. In addition, Kirk serves on the Giant Eagle Innovation Steering Team to help identify, develop and implement solution innovation. Giant Eagle is a regional grocery retailer with ~570 locations including supermarkets and convenience stores.
Prior to joining Giant Eagle, Mr. Ball served as the VP and Chief Information Officer for The Christ Hospital Health Network (TCHHN). TCHHN is a $3B clinically integrated Healthcare Network with 2 Hospitals, 6 Ambulatory Surgery Centers and 150 other locations in the Southwest Ohio region. Significant accomplishments are implementing D.R. solutions, development of Cloud strategy, development / implementation of Analytics strategy, development / implementation of Digital Customer Strategy and development / implementation of Technology Group organizational and technology strategy.
Prior to his arrival at TCHHN, Mr. Ball served as the Chief Technology Officer for The Kroger Company. While at Kroger, Mr. Ball was a key participant in the development of the company’s emerging Digital Customer Strategy, led the organization responsible for delivery of enterprise technology solutions serving over 3,000 locations across the U.S., and Mr. Ball served as the Chief Operating Officer of Sunrise Technology (wholly owned subsidiary of The Kroger Company focusing on technology R & D and Innovation). While at Kroger Mr. Ball also co-led the acquisitions of You Technology, Inc. and Vitacost. In addition, Mr. Ball was a key contributor to the development and execution of the Kroger Digital Strategy.
In addition, Mr. Ball has held Sr. Technology Leadership positions at The Iams Company, Honda of America Mfg., The Berry Company and Emro Marketing.
Mr. Ball has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting / Finance and an Associates degree in Systems Analysis and Design from Miami University.
In addition, Mr. Ball currently serves on the Advisory Board of for The Mercury Fund, Board of Directors for TrackX, Growth Advisory Board SILK, Member of the Cincinnati CIO Roundtable, Advisor Miami University Technology Advisory Board. Previous Board appointment with You Technology in the Bay Area.
Steve Benteau
Mercatus
Chief Technology Officer
Workshop: The Key to Digital Growth and Profitability: Connecting E-commerce Strategy, Technology and Operations
Steve Benteau is Chief Technology Officer of Mercatus, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience along with a track record of creating high performance teams. Prior to joining Mercatus, Benteau served as CTO at Precima, a leading global retail strategy and analytics company acquired by NeilsenIQ. His experiences include delivering products and solutions to leading retailers across North America and Europe along with years of services consulting across various sectors.
Mercatus
Chief Technology Officer
Workshop: The Key to Digital Growth and Profitability: Connecting E-commerce Strategy, Technology and Operations
Steve Benteau is Chief Technology Officer of Mercatus, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience along with a track record of creating high performance teams. Prior to joining Mercatus, Benteau served as CTO at Precima, a leading global retail strategy and analytics company acquired by NeilsenIQ. His experiences include delivering products and solutions to leading retailers across North America and Europe along with years of services consulting across various sectors.
Beth Brickel
EnsembleIQ
Vice President, Research
Grocery Study Breakfast Panel
Beth Brickel is Vice-President, Research, at EnsembleIQ, which is the parent company of Convenience Store News Canada and related brands, including The Convenience U CARWACS Show. Beth brings more than 20 years of market and customer research experience to EnsembleIQ. Her industry experience encompasses retail, CPG, retail, restaurant, healthcare, education, media and non-profits/foundations.
EnsembleIQ
Vice President, Research
Grocery Study Breakfast Panel
Beth Brickel is Vice-President, Research, at EnsembleIQ, which is the parent company of Convenience Store News Canada and related brands, including The Convenience U CARWACS Show. Beth brings more than 20 years of market and customer research experience to EnsembleIQ. Her industry experience encompasses retail, CPG, retail, restaurant, healthcare, education, media and non-profits/foundations.
Garry Church
Inmar
SVP, Commercial Strategy & Development
Keeping Shoppers at the Center of Personalization Products
Garry Church has been with Inmar Intelligence for over seven years, and has a reputation for strong client advocacy. During his 15+ years in the retail industry, he's unlocked value for organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 1 — giving him a lens on the retail landscape that fosters creativity in the relentless pursuit of driving growth & innovation. His responsibility for Inmar's most strategic client relationships speaks to the organization's confidence in his decisions and the trust he builds with key client stakeholders.
Garry leverages his experience in merchandising, supply chain, health & wellness, technology & CPG strategy to support the strategic objectives of the clients he partners with. A self-proclaimed retail nerd with a passion for solving clients’ challenges, he’s always looking for opportunities to leverage Inmar’s many technologies and services.
Garry values community involvement and is currently on the Steering Committee for Doing Business in Bentonville & the Onboarding Committee for Next Up. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Appalachian State University and is a graduate of the Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management’s Executive Development Institute.
Inmar
SVP, Commercial Strategy & Development
Keeping Shoppers at the Center of Personalization Products
Garry Church has been with Inmar Intelligence for over seven years, and has a reputation for strong client advocacy. During his 15+ years in the retail industry, he's unlocked value for organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 1 — giving him a lens on the retail landscape that fosters creativity in the relentless pursuit of driving growth & innovation. His responsibility for Inmar's most strategic client relationships speaks to the organization's confidence in his decisions and the trust he builds with key client stakeholders.
Garry leverages his experience in merchandising, supply chain, health & wellness, technology & CPG strategy to support the strategic objectives of the clients he partners with. A self-proclaimed retail nerd with a passion for solving clients’ challenges, he’s always looking for opportunities to leverage Inmar’s many technologies and services.
Garry values community involvement and is currently on the Steering Committee for Doing Business in Bentonville & the Onboarding Committee for Next Up. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Appalachian State University and is a graduate of the Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management’s Executive Development Institute.
Michael Criscuolo
Wakefern Food Corp.
VP, Infrastructure and Operations
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
As the son of two longtime grocers, Michael Criscuolo has long had an affinity for the grocery industry. His first job was in a supermarket and now, as Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations in the IT department of Wakefern Food Corp., he and his team of nearly 150 associates focus on key issues facing grocers today including cyber security, stability and support.
In his ten years at Wakefern, Criscuolo has spearheaded the technology powering Wakefern’s digital presence that has made Wakefern a key player in online shopping. Additionally, he was instrumental in the development of a multi-year cyber security roadmap and the modernization of key communications systems, replacing legacy systems and introducing newer, smarter ways of working across the Wakefern cooperative, its 50 member/owners and 350+ stores operating as ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway.
Prior to Wakefern, Criscuolo spent ten years at Gristedes/Red Apple Group as Director, managing the organization’s marketing, financial reporting and technology.
Criscuolo holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a concentration in Physics from Rutgers University.
Wakefern Food Corp.
VP, Infrastructure and Operations
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
As the son of two longtime grocers, Michael Criscuolo has long had an affinity for the grocery industry. His first job was in a supermarket and now, as Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations in the IT department of Wakefern Food Corp., he and his team of nearly 150 associates focus on key issues facing grocers today including cyber security, stability and support.
In his ten years at Wakefern, Criscuolo has spearheaded the technology powering Wakefern’s digital presence that has made Wakefern a key player in online shopping. Additionally, he was instrumental in the development of a multi-year cyber security roadmap and the modernization of key communications systems, replacing legacy systems and introducing newer, smarter ways of working across the Wakefern cooperative, its 50 member/owners and 350+ stores operating as ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway.
Prior to Wakefern, Criscuolo spent ten years at Gristedes/Red Apple Group as Director, managing the organization’s marketing, financial reporting and technology.
Criscuolo holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a concentration in Physics from Rutgers University.
Kate Cullen
Kroger
Product, Search & Monetization
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
Kate Cullen, recognized as a Top Woman in Grocery by Progressive Grocer in 2022, is a Group Product Manager of Search and Monetization at Kroger. From the early days of standing up Kroger Precision Marketing to bridging Search and Monetization strategy and technology, Kate has held a range of roles that have led to a unique understanding of ecommerce and alternate revenue streams. Kate is motivated by finding ways of utilizing data and technology to anticipate customer needs and inspire them along the path to purchase. Outside of work, she’s an advocate of advancing literacy and loves to chat about books.
Kroger
Product, Search & Monetization
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
Kate Cullen, recognized as a Top Woman in Grocery by Progressive Grocer in 2022, is a Group Product Manager of Search and Monetization at Kroger. From the early days of standing up Kroger Precision Marketing to bridging Search and Monetization strategy and technology, Kate has held a range of roles that have led to a unique understanding of ecommerce and alternate revenue streams. Kate is motivated by finding ways of utilizing data and technology to anticipate customer needs and inspire them along the path to purchase. Outside of work, she’s an advocate of advancing literacy and loves to chat about books.
Alexa Dash
Dash's Markets
Director, E-Commerce
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
My name is Alexa Dash, I am a fourth-generation grocer. I've been in the industry since I could walk, but legally since I was 14. I am the Director of eCommerce, Customer Loyalty, and Marketing/Design. Dash's has been around since 1923 starting with a small market on the east side of Buffalo. We currently have four family-run locations throughout Buffalo, NY. While sticking to many traditional practices, such as our Butcher Blocks and Bakery, we also continuously strive to offer a progressive and unique experience to our customers.
Dash's Markets
Director, E-Commerce
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
My name is Alexa Dash, I am a fourth-generation grocer. I've been in the industry since I could walk, but legally since I was 14. I am the Director of eCommerce, Customer Loyalty, and Marketing/Design. Dash's has been around since 1923 starting with a small market on the east side of Buffalo. We currently have four family-run locations throughout Buffalo, NY. While sticking to many traditional practices, such as our Butcher Blocks and Bakery, we also continuously strive to offer a progressive and unique experience to our customers.
Pam Dillon
Preferabli
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Creating Next-Gen Customer Experiences
Pam Dillon, co-founder and CEO of Preferabli, has over 25 years of experience in technology, focused on the retail and hospitality industries. Dillon, a named inventor on 11 patents, was honored by Goldman Sachs as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs and VentureBeat as an AI Entrepreneur nominee. Dillon has also been a featured speaker on AI for WSJ Tech Live.
Preferabli is the leading B2B2C product discovery and recommendation software for wine, spirits and food, including specialty and grocery retail, hospitality, travel, distribution and consumer platforms. Preferabli licenses software to help the industry market and sell to individual taste preferences in the way a human expert would – at scale – across web, mobile and GenAI.
Preferabli software uses a novel form of machine learning that was built by PhDs in physiology and applied mathematics, and the largest group of Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers in the world. The Preferabli database is the most comprehensive in the industry, with hundreds of characteristics for millions of products. Preferabli has users in over 70 countries.
A frequent guest speaker on the nature of sensory experiences in the context of machine learning, Dillon has spoken at the Code Conference, as well as at Stanford, Harvard and MIT. Dillon has lived and worked in Los Angeles, New York, London and Tokyo, and is an expert in wine, beer and spirits.
Preferabli
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Creating Next-Gen Customer Experiences
Pam Dillon, co-founder and CEO of Preferabli, has over 25 years of experience in technology, focused on the retail and hospitality industries. Dillon, a named inventor on 11 patents, was honored by Goldman Sachs as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs and VentureBeat as an AI Entrepreneur nominee. Dillon has also been a featured speaker on AI for WSJ Tech Live.
Preferabli is the leading B2B2C product discovery and recommendation software for wine, spirits and food, including specialty and grocery retail, hospitality, travel, distribution and consumer platforms. Preferabli licenses software to help the industry market and sell to individual taste preferences in the way a human expert would – at scale – across web, mobile and GenAI.
Preferabli software uses a novel form of machine learning that was built by PhDs in physiology and applied mathematics, and the largest group of Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers in the world. The Preferabli database is the most comprehensive in the industry, with hundreds of characteristics for millions of products. Preferabli has users in over 70 countries.
A frequent guest speaker on the nature of sensory experiences in the context of machine learning, Dillon has spoken at the Code Conference, as well as at Stanford, Harvard and MIT. Dillon has lived and worked in Los Angeles, New York, London and Tokyo, and is an expert in wine, beer and spirits.
Mark Fairhurst
Mercatus
Chief Growth Marketing Officer
Workshop: The Key to Digital Growth and Profitability: Connecting E-commerce Strategy, Technology and Operations
As Chief Growth Officer, Mark Fairhurst spearheads efforts to drive revenue acceleration, achieve profitable growth, expand market share, and increase Mercatus brand affinity.
The CGO is accountable for establishing long-term and short-term strategic growth initiatives, including building, and managing a healthy pipeline of prospects and opportunities, generated through the effective use of sales and marketing resources, and the conversion of those opportunities into recurring revenue streams for the company. Fairhurst is responsible for managing our marketing and sales functions and plays a pivotal role in building a customer-centric organization. Just as important, Fairhurst strives to enable, motivate, and inspire people across the organization by communicating a compelling direction and purpose. Prior to Mercatus, Fairhurst held senior marketing positions at leading business software companies including GS1, Solera and Intelex.
Mercatus
Chief Growth Marketing Officer
Workshop: The Key to Digital Growth and Profitability: Connecting E-commerce Strategy, Technology and Operations
As Chief Growth Officer, Mark Fairhurst spearheads efforts to drive revenue acceleration, achieve profitable growth, expand market share, and increase Mercatus brand affinity.
The CGO is accountable for establishing long-term and short-term strategic growth initiatives, including building, and managing a healthy pipeline of prospects and opportunities, generated through the effective use of sales and marketing resources, and the conversion of those opportunities into recurring revenue streams for the company. Fairhurst is responsible for managing our marketing and sales functions and plays a pivotal role in building a customer-centric organization. Just as important, Fairhurst strives to enable, motivate, and inspire people across the organization by communicating a compelling direction and purpose. Prior to Mercatus, Fairhurst held senior marketing positions at leading business software companies including GS1, Solera and Intelex.
Jamie Grill-Goodman
RIS
Editor-in-Chief
Jamie Grill-Goodman is the editor in chief of RIS News and has been with the retail technology brand and award-winning website since 2015. A thought leader in the retail and consumer goods space, with two decades of experience in multichannel content creation, Jamie’s writing weaves a keen observation of retail trends into a smooth communication of complex information for general audiences. Jamie has worked for both consumer and B2B publications during her media career, covering the retail, consumer goods, private label, technology, and real estate industries. Before RIS, she worked for such publications as, PL Buyer, Private Label, and Unique Homes.
Jamie holds a BA in Communication with a Specialization in Journalism and Creative Writing from Rowan University, studied abroad in Limerick, Ireland, and resides in Bloomfield, NJ, with her husband and two children where she can often be found volunteering at the elementary school and in community projects.
RIS
Editor-in-Chief
Jamie Grill-Goodman is the editor in chief of RIS News and has been with the retail technology brand and award-winning website since 2015. A thought leader in the retail and consumer goods space, with two decades of experience in multichannel content creation, Jamie’s writing weaves a keen observation of retail trends into a smooth communication of complex information for general audiences. Jamie has worked for both consumer and B2B publications during her media career, covering the retail, consumer goods, private label, technology, and real estate industries. Before RIS, she worked for such publications as, PL Buyer, Private Label, and Unique Homes.
Jamie holds a BA in Communication with a Specialization in Journalism and Creative Writing from Rowan University, studied abroad in Limerick, Ireland, and resides in Bloomfield, NJ, with her husband and two children where she can often be found volunteering at the elementary school and in community projects.
Albert Guffanti
EnsembleIQ
VP, Group Publisher - CGT & RIS
Albert Guffanti is VP, retail technology group and brand director of RIS News and CGT. He is responsible for RIS and CGT sales and editorial efforts, along with all of the brand's products, services and events. He has extensive experience in the consumer goods and retail technology industries and is passionate about leading the RIS and CGT communities through the challenges of an increasingly disruptive landscape.
EnsembleIQ
VP, Group Publisher - CGT & RIS
Albert Guffanti is VP, retail technology group and brand director of RIS News and CGT. He is responsible for RIS and CGT sales and editorial efforts, along with all of the brand's products, services and events. He has extensive experience in the consumer goods and retail technology industries and is passionate about leading the RIS and CGT communities through the challenges of an increasingly disruptive landscape.
Jilea Hemmings
Nourish + Bloom Market
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
Jilea is a visionary entrepreneur and futurist who is driven by her passion for tackling the issue of food deserts. Her pioneering approach to utilizing autonomous grocery technology to tackle food insecurity has made her a trailblazer in the Retail Technology industry. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by communities lacking access to healthy food options, Jilea has established herself as a leader in the quest to make a positive impact in the world..
Her work in business development expands beyond the current generation to the next with her program, I am Kid Boss. The program reaches out to inner-city kids and offers them the same personal mentorship and tools to start their own successful companies that Jilea gives to her clients. Through her Nourish + Bloom Foundation they focus on teaching the next generation about STEM and providing training and development in careers in the retail technology.
Jilea is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an influential speaker promoting the important role of women in technology. She believes that there should be no boundaries—neither class, race, nor gender—that should stand in the way of being able to use one’s purpose, passion, strengths, and talents to fuel entrepreneurial endeavors. Jilea Hemmings was named one of the 25 Most Influential & Prominent Black Women in Business and is a SXSW Release It finalist.
Nourish + Bloom Market
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
Jilea is a visionary entrepreneur and futurist who is driven by her passion for tackling the issue of food deserts. Her pioneering approach to utilizing autonomous grocery technology to tackle food insecurity has made her a trailblazer in the Retail Technology industry. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by communities lacking access to healthy food options, Jilea has established herself as a leader in the quest to make a positive impact in the world..
Her work in business development expands beyond the current generation to the next with her program, I am Kid Boss. The program reaches out to inner-city kids and offers them the same personal mentorship and tools to start their own successful companies that Jilea gives to her clients. Through her Nourish + Bloom Foundation they focus on teaching the next generation about STEM and providing training and development in careers in the retail technology.
Jilea is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an influential speaker promoting the important role of women in technology. She believes that there should be no boundaries—neither class, race, nor gender—that should stand in the way of being able to use one’s purpose, passion, strengths, and talents to fuel entrepreneurial endeavors. Jilea Hemmings was named one of the 25 Most Influential & Prominent Black Women in Business and is a SXSW Release It finalist.
Jamie Hemmings
Nourish + Bloom Market
President & Founder
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
Jamie Michael Hemmings is a dynamic and innovative serial entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in both the technology and food industries. His journey began when his son was diagnosed with autism, and he struggled to find healthy meal options for him. In response, Jamie co-founded Greenie Tots, the first line of healthy frozen meals based on traditional kids' favorites using plant-based meats.
But that was just the beginning. Jamie went on to create two scheduling tech apps for the pharmaceutical and cannabis industries. His cannabis app Leaf Tyme was the first cannabis tech solution to be a finalist in the Release It competition at SXSW, one of the most prestigious tech conferences in the world.
Driven by his passion for making healthy food more accessible, Jamie combined his skills in tech and food to create Nourish + Bloom Market. This groundbreaking store is not only the first checkout-free grocery store in the southeastern United States, but it is also the first automated grocery store to be open 24 hours a day and the first black-owned automated grocery store in the world. Jamie's pioneering work in autonomous grocery technology is transforming the shopping experience by providing customers with a seamless and convenient way to shop for their favorite products.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Jamie is also a nationally syndicated writer for Medium and Thrive Global. His column, Inspirational Black Men In Tech, showcases the stories of black men who are making a difference in the technology industry.
Jamie's entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to making a positive impact, and unwavering commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable communities are truly remarkable. He is a visionary leader who is driving change and truly making a difference in the world.
Nourish + Bloom Market
President & Founder
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
Jamie Michael Hemmings is a dynamic and innovative serial entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in both the technology and food industries. His journey began when his son was diagnosed with autism, and he struggled to find healthy meal options for him. In response, Jamie co-founded Greenie Tots, the first line of healthy frozen meals based on traditional kids' favorites using plant-based meats.
But that was just the beginning. Jamie went on to create two scheduling tech apps for the pharmaceutical and cannabis industries. His cannabis app Leaf Tyme was the first cannabis tech solution to be a finalist in the Release It competition at SXSW, one of the most prestigious tech conferences in the world.
Driven by his passion for making healthy food more accessible, Jamie combined his skills in tech and food to create Nourish + Bloom Market. This groundbreaking store is not only the first checkout-free grocery store in the southeastern United States, but it is also the first automated grocery store to be open 24 hours a day and the first black-owned automated grocery store in the world. Jamie's pioneering work in autonomous grocery technology is transforming the shopping experience by providing customers with a seamless and convenient way to shop for their favorite products.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Jamie is also a nationally syndicated writer for Medium and Thrive Global. His column, Inspirational Black Men In Tech, showcases the stories of black men who are making a difference in the technology industry.
Jamie's entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to making a positive impact, and unwavering commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable communities are truly remarkable. He is a visionary leader who is driving change and truly making a difference in the world.
R.J. Hottovy
Placer.ai
Head of Analytical Research
Key Themes for Grocery in 2023
R.J. Hottovy, CFA is Head of Analytical Research for Placer.ai. He has covered the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce sectors for nearly 20 years, most recently serving as a Fund Manager for Aaron Allen Capital Partners. He has held several analyst positions in the past, including Global Consumer Equity Strategist at Morningstar and equity analyst roles at William Blair & Co. and Deutsche Bank. Hottovy also brings a wealth of experience with early-stage investments as an investor and member of the investment committee for the IrishAngels/Vitalize venture capital group. Over the past three years, he has worked with more than 50 consumer and technology companies, advising on more than $200 million in early-stage capital raises and other buy- and sell-side M&A transactions. Hottovy is also a member of the Chicago Seed Co. network, a group of Chicago-area investors focused on early-stage food & beverage companies.
Hottovy's efforts have been recognized by several financial and trade publications, including CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Investors Business Daily, Barron's, BusinessWeek, Forbes, and The Economist. He is an active member of the CFA Society of Chicago and maintains a regular teaching schedule through the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business and the Girls Who Invest program. He was also a finalist for Crain's Chicago ""40 Under 40"" award in 2011. Hottovy graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Finance and a second degree in Computer Applications.
Placer.ai
Head of Analytical Research
Key Themes for Grocery in 2023
R.J. Hottovy, CFA is Head of Analytical Research for Placer.ai. He has covered the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce sectors for nearly 20 years, most recently serving as a Fund Manager for Aaron Allen Capital Partners. He has held several analyst positions in the past, including Global Consumer Equity Strategist at Morningstar and equity analyst roles at William Blair & Co. and Deutsche Bank. Hottovy also brings a wealth of experience with early-stage investments as an investor and member of the investment committee for the IrishAngels/Vitalize venture capital group. Over the past three years, he has worked with more than 50 consumer and technology companies, advising on more than $200 million in early-stage capital raises and other buy- and sell-side M&A transactions. Hottovy is also a member of the Chicago Seed Co. network, a group of Chicago-area investors focused on early-stage food & beverage companies.
Hottovy's efforts have been recognized by several financial and trade publications, including CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Investors Business Daily, Barron's, BusinessWeek, Forbes, and The Economist. He is an active member of the CFA Society of Chicago and maintains a regular teaching schedule through the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business and the Girls Who Invest program. He was also a finalist for Crain's Chicago ""40 Under 40"" award in 2011. Hottovy graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Finance and a second degree in Computer Applications.
Kabir Jain
Erewhon
Chief Growth Officer
Live Commerce: The Fresh Market Stakes Its Flag in the Live Shopping Wars
Kabir Jain is the Chief Growth Officer at Erewhon, a Los Angeles based organic grocer & café. Since joining Erewhon in 2019, Kabir has focused on growth across digital ordering, membership, ecommerce, partnerships and more. Prior to Erewhon, he worked in consumer growth equity at TSG Consumer Partners and Butterfly Equity investing across food and consumer broadly. Kabir is an Austin native now living in LA with his wife and puppy.
Erewhon
Chief Growth Officer
Live Commerce: The Fresh Market Stakes Its Flag in the Live Shopping Wars
Kabir Jain is the Chief Growth Officer at Erewhon, a Los Angeles based organic grocer & café. Since joining Erewhon in 2019, Kabir has focused on growth across digital ordering, membership, ecommerce, partnerships and more. Prior to Erewhon, he worked in consumer growth equity at TSG Consumer Partners and Butterfly Equity investing across food and consumer broadly. Kabir is an Austin native now living in LA with his wife and puppy.
Arvin Jawa
Diebold Nixdorf
Vice President Global Retail Strategy
Grocery Study Breakfast Panel
Arvin Jawa is Vice President, Global Retail Strategy and Marketing, Regional Vice President, Americas at Diebold Nixdorf, a world leader in providing self-service technology/solutions for the retail industry. In his role, he is responsible for driving an ongoing consumer-centric strategy for growth in the retail business, globally. He also oversees the commercial aspects and all customer relationships for the retail segment within the Americas.
A dedicated advocate for the future of retail, Arvin has held various leadership roles focused on retail strategy throughout his career. Before joining Diebold Nixdorf, he served as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives – Strategy and Business Development at Vera Bradley Designs where he played a crucial role in shaping the company's long-term strategic planning, leading key consumer-oriented initiatives, and facilitating the development of new business lines.
Prior to this, Arvin contributed as Vice President at LakeWest Group, a premier, independent retail management consulting firm. At LakeWest, he offered strategic advice to retail clients, guiding business process redesign, technology selection and implementation, and the creation of consumer-centric, revenue-driven plans.
Diebold Nixdorf
Vice President Global Retail Strategy
Grocery Study Breakfast Panel
Arvin Jawa is Vice President, Global Retail Strategy and Marketing, Regional Vice President, Americas at Diebold Nixdorf, a world leader in providing self-service technology/solutions for the retail industry. In his role, he is responsible for driving an ongoing consumer-centric strategy for growth in the retail business, globally. He also oversees the commercial aspects and all customer relationships for the retail segment within the Americas.
A dedicated advocate for the future of retail, Arvin has held various leadership roles focused on retail strategy throughout his career. Before joining Diebold Nixdorf, he served as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives – Strategy and Business Development at Vera Bradley Designs where he played a crucial role in shaping the company's long-term strategic planning, leading key consumer-oriented initiatives, and facilitating the development of new business lines.
Prior to this, Arvin contributed as Vice President at LakeWest Group, a premier, independent retail management consulting firm. At LakeWest, he offered strategic advice to retail clients, guiding business process redesign, technology selection and implementation, and the creation of consumer-centric, revenue-driven plans.
Andy Jump
Inmar Intelligence
Vice President & General Manager, Incentives & Loyalty
Keeping Shoppers at the Center of Personalization Products
Andy is the head of retail for the Incentives and Loyalty Division at Inmar Intelligence, responsible for business overall, product strategy, and customer engagement. Inmar Intelligence exists to make businesses smarter to improve consumers' lives. Andy holds multiple patents for the incentives business including patents for extending personalization into new and next consumer products.
Inmar Intelligence
Vice President & General Manager, Incentives & Loyalty
Keeping Shoppers at the Center of Personalization Products
Andy is the head of retail for the Incentives and Loyalty Division at Inmar Intelligence, responsible for business overall, product strategy, and customer engagement. Inmar Intelligence exists to make businesses smarter to improve consumers' lives. Andy holds multiple patents for the incentives business including patents for extending personalization into new and next consumer products.
Andy J. Walter
AJW-Advisory LLC
Board Director & Strategic Advisor Chief Information Officer Global Shared Services Executive
The New Customer-Centric Grocery Experience
Andy Walter is a business results-driven professional with extensive experience in strategy, development,
execution, and operations across Global Shared Services, Analytics, and IT. He led the Commercial Services
& Delivery Organization (over 1500 IT and multifunctional professionals) for Procter & Gamble’s Global
Business Services (GBS). He was responsible for IT & Shared Services for all Global Business Units and
Markets around the world. His team was accountable for developing cutting-edge digital capabilities for
Procter & Gamble to win “where it matters most,” with Consumers, Shoppers, and Retailers. This included
all eBusiness, Consumer Services, BI/Analytics, Sales Force Solutions, Project Delivery, Business Process
Services, and A&D / Company restructuring efforts.
He has over 20 years working on Boards and in Board level advisory roles. As a member of the Digimarc
Board (Nasdaq: DMRC), Chair of Business Development Committee and Board Audit & Compensation
Committees, he is advising on company strategy, Cyber-security, and execution into the Consumer Goods &
Retail environments. As a Strategic Advisor and Investor, he focuses on disruptive innovators in
Digitization, Sustainability, Platform Models, and Advanced Analytics domains.
He is author of Waiting Is Not an Action. A business leadership book for executives across industries with
focus on Disruptive Innovation, Strategy, and Career Development.
His passions include Vintage Racing and Touring classics as co-CEO (with Laurie, his wife) of L&A Touring
Design. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati. Andy
and Laurie reside in Cincinnati, Ohio USA.
AJW-Advisory LLC
Board Director & Strategic Advisor Chief Information Officer Global Shared Services Executive
The New Customer-Centric Grocery Experience
Andy Walter is a business results-driven professional with extensive experience in strategy, development,
execution, and operations across Global Shared Services, Analytics, and IT. He led the Commercial Services
& Delivery Organization (over 1500 IT and multifunctional professionals) for Procter & Gamble’s Global
Business Services (GBS). He was responsible for IT & Shared Services for all Global Business Units and
Markets around the world. His team was accountable for developing cutting-edge digital capabilities for
Procter & Gamble to win “where it matters most,” with Consumers, Shoppers, and Retailers. This included
all eBusiness, Consumer Services, BI/Analytics, Sales Force Solutions, Project Delivery, Business Process
Services, and A&D / Company restructuring efforts.
He has over 20 years working on Boards and in Board level advisory roles. As a member of the Digimarc
Board (Nasdaq: DMRC), Chair of Business Development Committee and Board Audit & Compensation
Committees, he is advising on company strategy, Cyber-security, and execution into the Consumer Goods &
Retail environments. As a Strategic Advisor and Investor, he focuses on disruptive innovators in
Digitization, Sustainability, Platform Models, and Advanced Analytics domains.
He is author of Waiting Is Not an Action. A business leadership book for executives across industries with
focus on Disruptive Innovation, Strategy, and Career Development.
His passions include Vintage Racing and Touring classics as co-CEO (with Laurie, his wife) of L&A Touring
Design. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati. Andy
and Laurie reside in Cincinnati, Ohio USA.
Jody Kalmbach
Kroger
Group Vice President, Product Experience
Keynote: Scaling With Personalization
Creating Next-Gen Customer Experiences
Jody is responsible for defining and driving the seamless experience and capabilities for The Kroger Co., ensuring the right solutions are built and optimized to serve customers, associates and partners. This includes Product Strategy & Planning, Product Management & Design, Digital Shopping Experience and Digital Analytics. In this role, Jody partners with leadership across the enterprise ensuring Kroger is solving customer and business needs.
Jody joined the company in 2014 to lead Customer Experience for Vitacost.com. She has more than 25 years of experience leading marketing, brand building, product management and customer experience at consumer brands and eCommerce companies such as Amazon, The North Face and AT&T. During her tenure at Amazon, Jody led Product Management and developed Target.com on the Amazon platform. She was named vice president of Digital Site Experience for Kroger’s Corporate Marketing team in 2016 before she was promoted to her most recent role as vice president of Digital Experience in 2017.
In 2020, Jody was named to Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery, Senior-level Executive. In In 2019, Jody was inducted into the Path to Purchase Institute’s Hall of Fame and is a member of the Network of Executive Women. Jody sits on the board of the Kroger Personal Finance business and the Kroger Foundation.
Jody holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Rhode Island.
Jody lives in Cincinnati with her husband and two children.
Kroger
Group Vice President, Product Experience
Keynote: Scaling With Personalization
Creating Next-Gen Customer Experiences
Jody is responsible for defining and driving the seamless experience and capabilities for The Kroger Co., ensuring the right solutions are built and optimized to serve customers, associates and partners. This includes Product Strategy & Planning, Product Management & Design, Digital Shopping Experience and Digital Analytics. In this role, Jody partners with leadership across the enterprise ensuring Kroger is solving customer and business needs.
Jody joined the company in 2014 to lead Customer Experience for Vitacost.com. She has more than 25 years of experience leading marketing, brand building, product management and customer experience at consumer brands and eCommerce companies such as Amazon, The North Face and AT&T. During her tenure at Amazon, Jody led Product Management and developed Target.com on the Amazon platform. She was named vice president of Digital Site Experience for Kroger’s Corporate Marketing team in 2016 before she was promoted to her most recent role as vice president of Digital Experience in 2017.
In 2020, Jody was named to Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery, Senior-level Executive. In In 2019, Jody was inducted into the Path to Purchase Institute’s Hall of Fame and is a member of the Network of Executive Women. Jody sits on the board of the Kroger Personal Finance business and the Kroger Foundation.
Jody holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Rhode Island.
Jody lives in Cincinnati with her husband and two children.
Nick Klein
Dematic
Senior Director, Enterprise Solution Sales
Grocery Study Breakfast Panel
Nick has been involved in the development of intralogistics solutions for over 20 years with a high focus on grocery retail and distribution. He has developed solutions for some of North America’s largest grocers’ distribution center operations, providing process improvements, best practice logistics methods, performance optimizing software, and material handling automation. He has collaborated with end-users, 3PL companies, and consultants to find optimal solutions for distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. To develop a solution, Nick uses a data driven agnostic approach with an operations focus that includes current state analysis, operations planning, and strategic/tactical planning. As Senior Director of Enterprise Solution Sales, Nick supports Dematic in providing engineered logistics solutions for warehousing and distribution operations across North America.
Dematic
Senior Director, Enterprise Solution Sales
Grocery Study Breakfast Panel
Nick has been involved in the development of intralogistics solutions for over 20 years with a high focus on grocery retail and distribution. He has developed solutions for some of North America’s largest grocers’ distribution center operations, providing process improvements, best practice logistics methods, performance optimizing software, and material handling automation. He has collaborated with end-users, 3PL companies, and consultants to find optimal solutions for distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. To develop a solution, Nick uses a data driven agnostic approach with an operations focus that includes current state analysis, operations planning, and strategic/tactical planning. As Senior Director of Enterprise Solution Sales, Nick supports Dematic in providing engineered logistics solutions for warehousing and distribution operations across North America.
Elizabeth Lafontaine
EnsembleIQ
Chief Retail Analyst
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
Elizabeth Lafontaine is the Chief Retail Analyst at Retail Leader Pro, an EnsembleIQ brand. Backed by nearly a decade of retail experience, she uncovers emerging trends in consumer behavior to help retailers and brands tap into new insights and create winning strategies in the ever-evolving world of commerce. Her analyses and commentary help businesses deepen their industry knowledge while also identifying ways to win with an ever-evolving consumer.
Lafontaine’s previous experience in the broader retail industry included roles at The NPD Group, Stein Mart and Macy’s. She helped to develop and grow NPD’s thought leadership offering, and most recently served as an industry analyst for its Juvenile Products, Toys and Entertainment division.
EnsembleIQ
Chief Retail Analyst
Shaping the Future of Food by Building an AI/ML Strategy
Elizabeth Lafontaine is the Chief Retail Analyst at Retail Leader Pro, an EnsembleIQ brand. Backed by nearly a decade of retail experience, she uncovers emerging trends in consumer behavior to help retailers and brands tap into new insights and create winning strategies in the ever-evolving world of commerce. Her analyses and commentary help businesses deepen their industry knowledge while also identifying ways to win with an ever-evolving consumer.
Lafontaine’s previous experience in the broader retail industry included roles at The NPD Group, Stein Mart and Macy’s. She helped to develop and grow NPD’s thought leadership offering, and most recently served as an industry analyst for its Juvenile Products, Toys and Entertainment division.
Larry Liu
Weee!
CEO
Emerging Grocery Technology Driving Transformation
Larry Liu is the CEO and founder of Weee!, the largest and fastest-growing online Asian and Hispanic e-grocer, which provides exciting, high-quality products to consumers nationwide. Almost two decades ago, Larry came to the United States as an engineer; he quickly realized there was not simply a lack of Asian goods at local stores, but that a social and joyful aspect of shopping was missing. Larry believes that people should celebrate life through food by empowering the shared discovery of delightful, food-at-home products and experiences. Founded in 2015 and valued at over $4.1 billion, today, Weee! has over 2,000 employees and serves ethnic communities with access to authentic and exciting food throughout the nation. Prior to launching Weee!, Larry worked at Intel, Brocade, and Atmel in various engineering and finance roles. He holds a BSEE from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and an MBA from UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
Weee!
CEO
Emerging Grocery Technology Driving Transformation
Larry Liu is the CEO and founder of Weee!, the largest and fastest-growing online Asian and Hispanic e-grocer, which provides exciting, high-quality products to consumers nationwide. Almost two decades ago, Larry came to the United States as an engineer; he quickly realized there was not simply a lack of Asian goods at local stores, but that a social and joyful aspect of shopping was missing. Larry believes that people should celebrate life through food by empowering the shared discovery of delightful, food-at-home products and experiences. Founded in 2015 and valued at over $4.1 billion, today, Weee! has over 2,000 employees and serves ethnic communities with access to authentic and exciting food throughout the nation. Prior to launching Weee!, Larry worked at Intel, Brocade, and Atmel in various engineering and finance roles. He holds a BSEE from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and an MBA from UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
David McIntosh
Instacart
VP and GM of Connected Stores
Creating Next-Gen Customer Experiences
David McIntosh is VP and GM of Connected Stores at Instacart. His team delivers solutions that enable retailers to offer seamless retail experiences across online and in-store, benefitting retailers and their customers. Previously, in his role as VP of Product, Retailer, he led the development of Instacart Platform. Prior to joining Instacart in 2021, David was the CEO and co-founder of Tenor, a leading expression search engine which Google acquired in 2018. At Google, David grew Tenor to over 1 Billion users and more than 1 Billion queries per day.
Instacart
VP and GM of Connected Stores
Creating Next-Gen Customer Experiences
David McIntosh is VP and GM of Connected Stores at Instacart. His team delivers solutions that enable retailers to offer seamless retail experiences across online and in-store, benefitting retailers and their customers. Previously, in his role as VP of Product, Retailer, he led the development of Instacart Platform. Prior to joining Instacart in 2021, David was the CEO and co-founder of Tenor, a leading expression search engine which Google acquired in 2018. At Google, David grew Tenor to over 1 Billion users and more than 1 Billion queries per day.
Brendan O'Brien
84.51°
Director, Commercial Insights
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
Brendan O’Brien leads the Insights portfolio expansion initiative for 84.51°, extending the utility of 84.51°’s data and science assets through technology. Since joining the team in 2020, Brendan has played a key role in building 84.51° Insights product experiences, including 84.51° Collaborative Cloud – a product created for data scientists and data engineers.
His team diagnoses and solves pain points commonly faced by our clients' advanced analytics teams, and he builds productive, long-term relationships with CPG and Agency leaders seeking a competitive advantage through data science.
Brendan joined 84.51° in 2017 as an insights account manager, where his primary role was consulting with CPG partners to drive customer insights in the areas of Price/Promotion, Assortment & Space, Ecommerce and Supply Chain – leveraging tools like 84.51° Stratum.
Brendan graduated from University of Cincinnati with a BBA in Marketing and worked in Brand Strategy at WPP’s Landor prior to joining 84.51°.
84.51°
Director, Commercial Insights
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
Brendan O’Brien leads the Insights portfolio expansion initiative for 84.51°, extending the utility of 84.51°’s data and science assets through technology. Since joining the team in 2020, Brendan has played a key role in building 84.51° Insights product experiences, including 84.51° Collaborative Cloud – a product created for data scientists and data engineers.
His team diagnoses and solves pain points commonly faced by our clients' advanced analytics teams, and he builds productive, long-term relationships with CPG and Agency leaders seeking a competitive advantage through data science.
Brendan joined 84.51° in 2017 as an insights account manager, where his primary role was consulting with CPG partners to drive customer insights in the areas of Price/Promotion, Assortment & Space, Ecommerce and Supply Chain – leveraging tools like 84.51° Stratum.
Brendan graduated from University of Cincinnati with a BBA in Marketing and worked in Brand Strategy at WPP’s Landor prior to joining 84.51°.
John O'Reilly
Google Cloud
Director - Food, Drug, & CPG
Optimizing the Customer Experience With Gen AI
John O’Reilly is the Head of Food, Drug, and Mass Retail for Google Cloud. In his current role, John is helping Retailers future-proof their businesses & create competitive advantages through innovative technology. Before Google, John was a co-founder of Aptaris, a marketing and promotion management platform for retailers that was acquired by dunnhumby. John stayed on at dunnhumby as an SVP for North America, helping launch some of the most successful Personalization/Loyalty programs, as well as, some of the largest Retail Media and Insight Monetization businesses.. John comes from a long-line of grocers dating back to his great-grandfather's independent grocery store and has worked with over 50 different grocers across the globe.
Google Cloud
Director - Food, Drug, & CPG
Optimizing the Customer Experience With Gen AI
John O’Reilly is the Head of Food, Drug, and Mass Retail for Google Cloud. In his current role, John is helping Retailers future-proof their businesses & create competitive advantages through innovative technology. Before Google, John was a co-founder of Aptaris, a marketing and promotion management platform for retailers that was acquired by dunnhumby. John stayed on at dunnhumby as an SVP for North America, helping launch some of the most successful Personalization/Loyalty programs, as well as, some of the largest Retail Media and Insight Monetization businesses.. John comes from a long-line of grocers dating back to his great-grandfather's independent grocery store and has worked with over 50 different grocers across the globe.
Sylvain Perrier
Mercatus
President & Chief Operations Officer
Workshop: The Key to Digital Growth and Profitability: Connecting E-commerce Strategy, Technology and Operations
Sylvain Perrier is President & CEO of Mercatus, a leading provider of grocery eCommerce solutions. Perrier is highly sought after with over 20 years of executive-level experience in retail technology, pushing the boundaries in specialty areas such as mobile commerce, web technology, in-store operations, and Software as a Service (SaaS) architecture. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Perrier hosts the Digital Grocer podcast and is a recipient of Grocery Game Changer award by the editors of Winsight Grocery Business and was named a Top 10 Influential in Retail by RIS News.
Mercatus
President & Chief Operations Officer
Workshop: The Key to Digital Growth and Profitability: Connecting E-commerce Strategy, Technology and Operations
Sylvain Perrier is President & CEO of Mercatus, a leading provider of grocery eCommerce solutions. Perrier is highly sought after with over 20 years of executive-level experience in retail technology, pushing the boundaries in specialty areas such as mobile commerce, web technology, in-store operations, and Software as a Service (SaaS) architecture. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Perrier hosts the Digital Grocer podcast and is a recipient of Grocery Game Changer award by the editors of Winsight Grocery Business and was named a Top 10 Influential in Retail by RIS News.
Marcio Ribeiro
Dom’s Kitchen & Market
Chief Digital & Information Officer
The New Customer-Centric Grocery Experience
Marcio Ribeiro is the Chief Digital and Information Officer of Dom's Kitchen & Market, a Chicago-based startup focused on revolutionizing the meal shopping experience. With over 25 years of leadership experience in global companies, he played a pivotal role in defining Dom's mission, values, brand identity, and culture. In his current role, Mr. Ribeiro is responsible for delivering a differentiated and personalized shopping experience for Dom's customers through the integration e-commerce, mobile app, loyalty program, advanced data analytics, and other innovative digital solutions. Prior to joining Dom's, Mr. Ribeiro spent two decades in the Spirits & Wines industry, and seven years in the Gold & Silver mining industry. Originally from Brazil, Marcio has been in the United States since 2001, and lived in Spain for 6 years while leading teams in 14 countries across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
Dom’s Kitchen & Market
Chief Digital & Information Officer
The New Customer-Centric Grocery Experience
Marcio Ribeiro is the Chief Digital and Information Officer of Dom's Kitchen & Market, a Chicago-based startup focused on revolutionizing the meal shopping experience. With over 25 years of leadership experience in global companies, he played a pivotal role in defining Dom's mission, values, brand identity, and culture. In his current role, Mr. Ribeiro is responsible for delivering a differentiated and personalized shopping experience for Dom's customers through the integration e-commerce, mobile app, loyalty program, advanced data analytics, and other innovative digital solutions. Prior to joining Dom's, Mr. Ribeiro spent two decades in the Spirits & Wines industry, and seven years in the Gold & Silver mining industry. Originally from Brazil, Marcio has been in the United States since 2001, and lived in Spain for 6 years while leading teams in 14 countries across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
Katie Riddle
Verizon
Global Hospitality Strategy Lead
Share Group: Accelerating Innovation and Achieving Omnipresence
Katie Riddle is responsible for leading global retail strategy for Verizon. In this role, she helps Verizon identify and address the challenges of retail's global ecosystem by leveraging the strengths of our global network fabric, technology innovations and partner solutions. As a member of the RetailWire Braintrust, Katie also creates retail thought leadership for Verizon colleagues, clients and industry leaders.
Prior to Verizon, Katie spent her 20+ year career with both agencies and global corporations, including Target, Philips, Intercontinental Hotel Group and many others. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, loves travel and food, and lives in Raleigh, NC with her human and canine daughters.
Verizon
Global Hospitality Strategy Lead
Share Group: Accelerating Innovation and Achieving Omnipresence
Katie Riddle is responsible for leading global retail strategy for Verizon. In this role, she helps Verizon identify and address the challenges of retail's global ecosystem by leveraging the strengths of our global network fabric, technology innovations and partner solutions. As a member of the RetailWire Braintrust, Katie also creates retail thought leadership for Verizon colleagues, clients and industry leaders.
Prior to Verizon, Katie spent her 20+ year career with both agencies and global corporations, including Target, Philips, Intercontinental Hotel Group and many others. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, loves travel and food, and lives in Raleigh, NC with her human and canine daughters.
Rana Schiff
Kroger
Senior Director, HR Business Partner, Technology & Digital
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
Rana earned her bachelor’s in management information systems from Miami University of Oxford. She went on to pursue her masters and graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2008 with an MBA.
As Senior Director of Human Resources, supporting Kroger Technology & Digital (KTD), 84.51° and Alternative Profit for The Kroger Co., Rana leads all direct HR functions to support over 4,000 associates. In addition, she is the key liaison for HR centers of excellence, ensuring KTD, 84.51° and Alternative Profit teams receive appropriate training while also overseeing staffing and recruitment efforts.
Rana joined Kroger in 2011 as a Senior Risk Manager for Kroger Personal Finance (KPF). Since then, she has held numerous leadership roles at Kroger including Senior Risk & Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Manager for Senior Business Partners, Retail Operations and Merchandising where she was the key Human Resources liaison supporting major retail strategies and initiatives. In 2019, she served as Director of Administration of New Business Development, overseeing the strategic relationship with Walgreens. She was then named Human Resources Leader supporting Kroger Health, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and The Little Clinic until she was promoted into her current position. Prior to Kroger, Rana held roles at Axcess Financial where she worked in Risk Management and became a Certified Fraud Examiner. Rana began her career at Fifth Third Bank.
Rana lives in West Chester, Ohio with her husband and two sons. She enjoys exercising, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. When Rana is not at work, she gives focuses on giving back to her community. She currently serves on the advisory board of the Salvation Army Cincinnati Chapter.
Kroger
Senior Director, HR Business Partner, Technology & Digital
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
Rana earned her bachelor’s in management information systems from Miami University of Oxford. She went on to pursue her masters and graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2008 with an MBA.
As Senior Director of Human Resources, supporting Kroger Technology & Digital (KTD), 84.51° and Alternative Profit for The Kroger Co., Rana leads all direct HR functions to support over 4,000 associates. In addition, she is the key liaison for HR centers of excellence, ensuring KTD, 84.51° and Alternative Profit teams receive appropriate training while also overseeing staffing and recruitment efforts.
Rana joined Kroger in 2011 as a Senior Risk Manager for Kroger Personal Finance (KPF). Since then, she has held numerous leadership roles at Kroger including Senior Risk & Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Manager for Senior Business Partners, Retail Operations and Merchandising where she was the key Human Resources liaison supporting major retail strategies and initiatives. In 2019, she served as Director of Administration of New Business Development, overseeing the strategic relationship with Walgreens. She was then named Human Resources Leader supporting Kroger Health, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and The Little Clinic until she was promoted into her current position. Prior to Kroger, Rana held roles at Axcess Financial where she worked in Risk Management and became a Certified Fraud Examiner. Rana began her career at Fifth Third Bank.
Rana lives in West Chester, Ohio with her husband and two sons. She enjoys exercising, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. When Rana is not at work, she gives focuses on giving back to her community. She currently serves on the advisory board of the Salvation Army Cincinnati Chapter.
Grant Shova
PepsiCo
PepsiCo Head of eCommerce Kroger Team
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
Grant Shova is Grant Shova is a seasoned professional in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, currently serving as the PepsiCo Head of eComm for the Kroger Team, based in Cincinnati. With 19 years of experience in the industry, Grant has established himself as a leader in eCommerce sales, sales strategy, and digital transformation within PepsiCo.
In his current role, Grant is responsible for overseeing the eCommerce sales function, driving sales planning, and shaping digital strategy. He is a key driver in fostering an Omnichannel mindset, ensuring seamless integration across all business units and brands at PepsiCo.
Prior to joining PepsiCo, Grant played a crucial role as the Director of Client Leadership & Commercial Solutions at 84.51. During his tenure, he led strategic agendas with CPGs and spearheaded the development of Price/Promo strategies. Before that, Grant held various positions at Reckitt Benckiser and The Hershey Company, where he excelled in sales, category management, business development, and trade marketing. Throughout his career, Grant has worked closely with major retailers such as Kroger, Walmart, Target, Meijer, and Roundy's, gaining valuable insights and fostering strong relationships.
Grant's educational background includes a degree in Finance from the Miami University Farmer School of Business. Beyond his professional endeavors, Grant finds joy in spending quality time with his wife, Amy, and their three children. As a resident of Cincinnati, he embraces the vibrant culture and opportunities offered by the wonderful Queen City.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo Head of eCommerce Kroger Team
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
Grant Shova is Grant Shova is a seasoned professional in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, currently serving as the PepsiCo Head of eComm for the Kroger Team, based in Cincinnati. With 19 years of experience in the industry, Grant has established himself as a leader in eCommerce sales, sales strategy, and digital transformation within PepsiCo.
In his current role, Grant is responsible for overseeing the eCommerce sales function, driving sales planning, and shaping digital strategy. He is a key driver in fostering an Omnichannel mindset, ensuring seamless integration across all business units and brands at PepsiCo.
Prior to joining PepsiCo, Grant played a crucial role as the Director of Client Leadership & Commercial Solutions at 84.51. During his tenure, he led strategic agendas with CPGs and spearheaded the development of Price/Promo strategies. Before that, Grant held various positions at Reckitt Benckiser and The Hershey Company, where he excelled in sales, category management, business development, and trade marketing. Throughout his career, Grant has worked closely with major retailers such as Kroger, Walmart, Target, Meijer, and Roundy's, gaining valuable insights and fostering strong relationships.
Grant's educational background includes a degree in Finance from the Miami University Farmer School of Business. Beyond his professional endeavors, Grant finds joy in spending quality time with his wife, Amy, and their three children. As a resident of Cincinnati, he embraces the vibrant culture and opportunities offered by the wonderful Queen City.
Victor Vercammen
Giant Eagle
Vice President of Enterprise Safety & Healthcare Compliance
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
Victor Vercammen is the Vice President of Enterprise Safety & Healthcare Compliance at Giant Eagle where he leads the protection of guests, team members, assets, and products across all operations. Having held leadership positions at a number of large retailers and supply chain enterprises, Victor is a recognized risk and compliance leader with expertise in healthcare logistics, pharmacy inventory management, FDA and DEA compliance, retail healthcare operations, and environmental regulation. Victor holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Giant Eagle
Vice President of Enterprise Safety & Healthcare Compliance
Automation, Talent, and Recruiting for a Fruitful Future
Victor Vercammen is the Vice President of Enterprise Safety & Healthcare Compliance at Giant Eagle where he leads the protection of guests, team members, assets, and products across all operations. Having held leadership positions at a number of large retailers and supply chain enterprises, Victor is a recognized risk and compliance leader with expertise in healthcare logistics, pharmacy inventory management, FDA and DEA compliance, retail healthcare operations, and environmental regulation. Victor holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Kim Viccaro
Kenvue
North America Data Strategy Lead
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
As North American Head of Data Strategy for Kenvue, Kim is responsible for developing Kenvue’s data foundation and realizing data led value across the organization. With a dynamic background encompassing Sales, Marketing, Category Strategy, Business Intelligence and Advanced Analytics, Kim possesses a unique ability to comprehend the end-to-end value chain. She seamlessly translates this understanding into robust data solutions, ensuring that Kenvue stays at the forefront of data-led innovation.
Kim’s extensive experience has also empowered her to identify strategic partners capable of translating Kenvue’s vision into tangible business outcomes. Through her agility and collaborative approach, she focuses on delivering exceptional results in the present while keeping a sharp focus on future innovation.
When Kim isn’t strategizing about data at work, she is running a hobby farm, sailing with her family and embracing the joy of keeping up with her teenagers. She holds her B.S. Degree from Cal State Long Beach and has continuously learned on her journey most recently attending the executive education program Leading in the Digital Era at Harvard Business School in 2022.
Kenvue
North America Data Strategy Lead
Understanding Customers Together: Retail and CPG Data Partnerships
As North American Head of Data Strategy for Kenvue, Kim is responsible for developing Kenvue’s data foundation and realizing data led value across the organization. With a dynamic background encompassing Sales, Marketing, Category Strategy, Business Intelligence and Advanced Analytics, Kim possesses a unique ability to comprehend the end-to-end value chain. She seamlessly translates this understanding into robust data solutions, ensuring that Kenvue stays at the forefront of data-led innovation.
Kim’s extensive experience has also empowered her to identify strategic partners capable of translating Kenvue’s vision into tangible business outcomes. Through her agility and collaborative approach, she focuses on delivering exceptional results in the present while keeping a sharp focus on future innovation.
When Kim isn’t strategizing about data at work, she is running a hobby farm, sailing with her family and embracing the joy of keeping up with her teenagers. She holds her B.S. Degree from Cal State Long Beach and has continuously learned on her journey most recently attending the executive education program Leading in the Digital Era at Harvard Business School in 2022.