Gina Acosta
Progressive Grocer
Editor-in-Chief
THE EXPERTS SHARE ALL: How to succeed with in-store technology
Using AI to Increase Sales in Wine, Spirits and Cheese
Smart Supermarkets - How will technology change the store experience?
Closing Remarks
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
THE EXPERTS SHARE ALL: How to succeed with in-store technology
Using AI to Increase Sales in Wine, Spirits and Cheese
Smart Supermarkets - How will technology change the store experience?
Closing Remarks
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.
Caitlin Allen
Simbe Robotics
SVP of Market
How an Innovative Regional Is Using ESLs and Complementary Partners to Amplify Its ROI
Caitlin Allen is SVP of Market at Simbe, provider of the Store Intelligence™ platform that retail trusts. Caitlin is a B2B marketing executive with 2 decades experience scaling companies from $0-200M ARR and a track record of 3 exits, including Lyft's IPO and Happy Returns' acquisition by PayPal. She's also a former entrepreneur and Andreessen Horowitz partner.
Simbe Robotics
SVP of Market
How an Innovative Regional Is Using ESLs and Complementary Partners to Amplify Its ROI
Caitlin Allen is SVP of Market at Simbe, provider of the Store Intelligence™ platform that retail trusts. Caitlin is a B2B marketing executive with 2 decades experience scaling companies from $0-200M ARR and a track record of 3 exits, including Lyft's IPO and Happy Returns' acquisition by PayPal. She's also a former entrepreneur and Andreessen Horowitz partner.
Kim Anderson
Schnuck Markets, Inc
Vice President, Store Operations Support
How an Innovative Regional Is Using ESLs and Complementary Partners to Amplify Its ROI
THE EXPERTS SHARE ALL: How to succeed with in-store technology
Kim Anderson has been with Schnucks for 38 years and currently serves as Vice President of Operations Support. In this position, she oversees workforce management, sanitation/maintenance, inventory management, task management and operational execution of initiatives. Over the years, Kim’s overall excellence in managing various high profile issues and daily activities has allowed her to make invaluable contributions to the success of multiple projects at Schnucks. Kim received the Top Women In Grocery-Senior Level Executive award in 2022.
Schnuck Markets, Inc
Vice President, Store Operations Support
How an Innovative Regional Is Using ESLs and Complementary Partners to Amplify Its ROI
THE EXPERTS SHARE ALL: How to succeed with in-store technology
Kim Anderson has been with Schnucks for 38 years and currently serves as Vice President of Operations Support. In this position, she oversees workforce management, sanitation/maintenance, inventory management, task management and operational execution of initiatives. Over the years, Kim’s overall excellence in managing various high profile issues and daily activities has allowed her to make invaluable contributions to the success of multiple projects at Schnucks. Kim received the Top Women In Grocery-Senior Level Executive award in 2022.
Anshu Bhardwaj
Walmart Global Technology
SVP/COO
Keynote: Emerging Tech and Saas Technologies: How Walmart Is Transforming Into an Adaptive Retailer
Anshu is a seasoned executive with experience in building businesses at the intersection of technology and Commerce. She leads operations for Walmart Global Tech as well as monetization of technology platforms while creating a partner ecosystem that enables productivity, speed and innovation at scale. In addition, her team defines and executes strategies for enterprise technology, M&A, and emerging technology to further strengthen Walmart’s competitive advantages.
Anshu served as Vice President, Product at Sam's Club for eCommerce, Membership, Marketing and Innovation. Anshu serves on Walmart’s President’s Inclusion Council and is a Vice Co-Chair of Walmart’s Womens Officer Caucus. She was conferred the prestigious ‘Sam's Club Blue Coat’ award in 2019 in recognition of her leadership and contributions towards driving eCommerce sales and membership income for Sam's Club. Anshu was conferred the ‘2014 Industry Leader Award’ by the Professional businesswomen of California in recognition of her efforts as co-founder of the Women's Resource Council at Walmart eCommerce and driving membership through impactful programs.
Walmart Global Technology
SVP/COO
Keynote: Emerging Tech and Saas Technologies: How Walmart Is Transforming Into an Adaptive Retailer
Anshu is a seasoned executive with experience in building businesses at the intersection of technology and Commerce. She leads operations for Walmart Global Tech as well as monetization of technology platforms while creating a partner ecosystem that enables productivity, speed and innovation at scale. In addition, her team defines and executes strategies for enterprise technology, M&A, and emerging technology to further strengthen Walmart’s competitive advantages.
Anshu served as Vice President, Product at Sam's Club for eCommerce, Membership, Marketing and Innovation. Anshu serves on Walmart’s President’s Inclusion Council and is a Vice Co-Chair of Walmart’s Womens Officer Caucus. She was conferred the prestigious ‘Sam's Club Blue Coat’ award in 2019 in recognition of her leadership and contributions towards driving eCommerce sales and membership income for Sam's Club. Anshu was conferred the ‘2014 Industry Leader Award’ by the Professional businesswomen of California in recognition of her efforts as co-founder of the Women's Resource Council at Walmart eCommerce and driving membership through impactful programs.
Rick Bossie
Big Y Foods, Inc
Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer
Keynote: Shaping the Future of Retail at Big Y Foods
Rick D. Bossie is the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Big Y Foods Inc. Rick oversees the development and implementation of business operations strategies that are critical to the Company’s growth and success. He has direct responsibility for all of the company’s operating divisions, including store operations; procurement, merchandising, and marketing; as well as logistics and distribution. A strong advocate for technology he spearheaded the roll out of Computer Generated Ordering systems, store cleaning automation, store associate mobile technology and Self Checkout innovation as well as the introduction and implementation of Mobile Checkout.
Rick has over 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry. Prior to his current position, He was Senior Vice President of Operations and Customer Experience. In this role, he led Big Y’s retail team of 10,000 employees and was responsible for directing the execution of sales and marketing initiatives, customer experience, continuous improvement, expense controls, asset protection and employee engagement for all 85 Big Y locations.
Big Y Foods, Inc
Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer
Keynote: Shaping the Future of Retail at Big Y Foods
Rick D. Bossie is the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Big Y Foods Inc. Rick oversees the development and implementation of business operations strategies that are critical to the Company’s growth and success. He has direct responsibility for all of the company’s operating divisions, including store operations; procurement, merchandising, and marketing; as well as logistics and distribution. A strong advocate for technology he spearheaded the roll out of Computer Generated Ordering systems, store cleaning automation, store associate mobile technology and Self Checkout innovation as well as the introduction and implementation of Mobile Checkout.
Rick has over 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry. Prior to his current position, He was Senior Vice President of Operations and Customer Experience. In this role, he led Big Y’s retail team of 10,000 employees and was responsible for directing the execution of sales and marketing initiatives, customer experience, continuous improvement, expense controls, asset protection and employee engagement for all 85 Big Y locations.
Beth Brickel
EnsembleIQ
Vice President, Research
Unpacking the 2024 GroceryTech Technology Trends Study
Beth Brickel is Vice-president, research at EnsembleIQ. Beth brings 20 years of market and customer research experience to EnsembleIQ and holds a Masters of Marketing Research (MMR) degree from Southern Illinois University. Her industry experience encompasses CPG, Retail, Restaurant, Healthcare, Education, Media and Nonprofits/Foundations. A RIVA-trained moderator, Beth has conducted interviews, focus groups, online discussion groups, ethnographies, and shop-alongs with hundreds of individuals across both B2B and B2C studies.
EnsembleIQ
Vice President, Research
Unpacking the 2024 GroceryTech Technology Trends Study
Beth Brickel is Vice-president, research at EnsembleIQ. Beth brings 20 years of market and customer research experience to EnsembleIQ and holds a Masters of Marketing Research (MMR) degree from Southern Illinois University. Her industry experience encompasses CPG, Retail, Restaurant, Healthcare, Education, Media and Nonprofits/Foundations. A RIVA-trained moderator, Beth has conducted interviews, focus groups, online discussion groups, ethnographies, and shop-alongs with hundreds of individuals across both B2B and B2C studies.
Barry Clogan
Wynshop
Chief Product Evangelist
Smart Supermarkets - How will technology change the store experience?
Barry is a retail veteran with 20+ years of experience working in retail, grocery, and e-commerce in the USA, UK, Ireland, and China. As Chief Product Evangelist, Barry leverages his extensive e-commerce experience to guide product strategy for Wynshop, the leader in digital commerce for local, store-based retailers. Before joining Wynshop, Barry helped the world’s largest grocers launch online grocery services and execute multichannel strategies for MyWebGrocer. He also led the international online grocery business for Tesco, growing revenue from zero to over $300 million annually, across eight international markets. Barry is an expert contributor to Grocery Dive, Grocery Doppio, and other industry media, a speaker at retail events, and a former member of the Forbes Technology Council.
Wynshop
Chief Product Evangelist
Smart Supermarkets - How will technology change the store experience?
Barry is a retail veteran with 20+ years of experience working in retail, grocery, and e-commerce in the USA, UK, Ireland, and China. As Chief Product Evangelist, Barry leverages his extensive e-commerce experience to guide product strategy for Wynshop, the leader in digital commerce for local, store-based retailers. Before joining Wynshop, Barry helped the world’s largest grocers launch online grocery services and execute multichannel strategies for MyWebGrocer. He also led the international online grocery business for Tesco, growing revenue from zero to over $300 million annually, across eight international markets. Barry is an expert contributor to Grocery Dive, Grocery Doppio, and other industry media, a speaker at retail events, and a former member of the Forbes Technology Council.
Will Costello MS
Preferabli
Managing Director of Business Development
Using AI to Increase Sales in Wine, Spirits and Cheese
Will Costello is a Master Sommelier by the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers. Costello was named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s “Top New Sommeliers” and has competed in numerous national and international competitions as both a judge and competitor.
As the Managing Director of Business Development for Preferabli, Will is involved in a wide range of activities which support the growth of this exciting software. His experience in both business and technology cover nearly 20 years in the areas of hospitality, adult beverage supply and international sales.
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.
Will is married to Yvette and lives with their son Liam and 2 dogs in Las Vegas, NV. He has climbed some of the highest mountains in the world including Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Denali, and Mt. Aconcagua.
Preferabli
Managing Director of Business Development
Using AI to Increase Sales in Wine, Spirits and Cheese
Will Costello is a Master Sommelier by the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers. Costello was named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s “Top New Sommeliers” and has competed in numerous national and international competitions as both a judge and competitor.
As the Managing Director of Business Development for Preferabli, Will is involved in a wide range of activities which support the growth of this exciting software. His experience in both business and technology cover nearly 20 years in the areas of hospitality, adult beverage supply and international sales.
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.
Will is married to Yvette and lives with their son Liam and 2 dogs in Las Vegas, NV. He has climbed some of the highest mountains in the world including Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Denali, and Mt. Aconcagua.
Randy Crimmins
Mercatus
President, AisleOne
How Grocers Can Win Back Market Share Through Contextualized Commerce
Randy Crimmins, President of AisleOne, A Relationshop Company, is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in enhancing retail digital engagement and commerce technology solutions. His strategic expertise has helped retailers leverage first-party data to create personalized experiences that drive sales and foster customer loyalty.
Prior to his current role, Crimmins excelled as VP of Marketing at United Supermarkets, leading a successful shift towards data-driven marketing strategies. With a background at Kmart, The Polk Co., Yankelovich and Adplex, Crimmins has extensive experience in marketing, data analytics and loyalty programs and is dedicated to transforming the grocery retail industry through innovative digital engagement.
Mercatus
President, AisleOne
How Grocers Can Win Back Market Share Through Contextualized Commerce
Randy Crimmins, President of AisleOne, A Relationshop Company, is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in enhancing retail digital engagement and commerce technology solutions. His strategic expertise has helped retailers leverage first-party data to create personalized experiences that drive sales and foster customer loyalty.
Prior to his current role, Crimmins excelled as VP of Marketing at United Supermarkets, leading a successful shift towards data-driven marketing strategies. With a background at Kmart, The Polk Co., Yankelovich and Adplex, Crimmins has extensive experience in marketing, data analytics and loyalty programs and is dedicated to transforming the grocery retail industry through innovative digital engagement.
Pam Dillon
Preferabli
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Using AI to Increase Sales in Wine, Spirits and Cheese
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
Using AI to Increase Sales in Wine, Spirits and Cheese
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.
Gabe Disbrow
Leevers Supermarkets, Inc.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Synergy in Action: Uniting Customer Needs with Technology for Collective Success
Gabe Disbrow is an Army Veteran and Colorado native who leads one of the largest employee-owned companies in the state. He has a demonstrated track record of helping companies significantly enhance shareholder value by achieving aggressive growth through organizational design focused on core scale methodology, detailed strategic planning, disciplined capital deployment, and strong financial acumen. He has extensive experience in ESOP governance, large acquisition integration, and commercial real estate development.
He believes in the importance of strong employee ownership culture, and is passionate about leadership development and employee engagement as organizational competencies. He brings unique perspective on the business use case of emerging technologies from the senior management lens.
Gabe holds an MBA from Michigan State University. His wife Melanie and their 4 children call Castle Rock, CO home.
Leevers Supermarkets, Inc.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Synergy in Action: Uniting Customer Needs with Technology for Collective Success
Gabe Disbrow is an Army Veteran and Colorado native who leads one of the largest employee-owned companies in the state. He has a demonstrated track record of helping companies significantly enhance shareholder value by achieving aggressive growth through organizational design focused on core scale methodology, detailed strategic planning, disciplined capital deployment, and strong financial acumen. He has extensive experience in ESOP governance, large acquisition integration, and commercial real estate development.
He believes in the importance of strong employee ownership culture, and is passionate about leadership development and employee engagement as organizational competencies. He brings unique perspective on the business use case of emerging technologies from the senior management lens.
Gabe holds an MBA from Michigan State University. His wife Melanie and their 4 children call Castle Rock, CO home.
Amir El Tabib
Ibotta
Chief Business Development Officer
Modernizing Marketing Spend to Break Barriers to Growth
Amir leads the Business Development and Strategic Partner Management teams at Ibotta. His team partners with the nation’s leading retailers and publishers to design, launch, and manage digital offer programs on their apps and websites. He joined Ibotta in 2016 and helped establish the company’s retail partnerships and affiliate program before transitioning to build out the Ibotta Performance Network (IPN).
Ibotta
Chief Business Development Officer
Modernizing Marketing Spend to Break Barriers to Growth
Amir leads the Business Development and Strategic Partner Management teams at Ibotta. His team partners with the nation’s leading retailers and publishers to design, launch, and manage digital offer programs on their apps and websites. He joined Ibotta in 2016 and helped establish the company’s retail partnerships and affiliate program before transitioning to build out the Ibotta Performance Network (IPN).
Mark Fairhurst
Mercatus
Global Chief Growth Officer
How Grocers Can Win Back Market Share Through Contextualized Commerce
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
Global Chief Growth Officer
How Grocers Can Win Back Market Share Through Contextualized Commerce
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.
Michael Halverson
Albertsons Media Collective
Principal Product Manager
The State of Retail Media
Michael Halverson leads part of product innovation at Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media arm of Albertsons Companies. With over a decade of experience in adtech product and operations, he develops internal and external partnerships to create innovative ad products that are changing the retail media landscape.
In the last year, Mike spearheaded partnership pilots with Kargo Commerce, an omni-channel advertising platform specializing in high impact creative, and YouTube to pilot replacing print circular ads with dynamic social media ad campaigns. Additionally, Mike leads growth driving initiatives around push notification and fuel screen advertising.
Prior to joining Albertsons Media Collective in the Fall of 2022, Mike built retail media products at Kargo and Quotient where he created successful partnerships with large retailers like Kroger, Walmart and Dollar General and ad platforms like Meta, Pinterest, Google, Snap and TikTok. His efforts lead to lasting, scalable solutions for brand and circular media.
Mike holds a degree in economics from the University of Utah and was named a “Rising Star in Adtech” by Business Insider.
Albertsons Media Collective
Principal Product Manager
The State of Retail Media
Michael Halverson leads part of product innovation at Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media arm of Albertsons Companies. With over a decade of experience in adtech product and operations, he develops internal and external partnerships to create innovative ad products that are changing the retail media landscape.
In the last year, Mike spearheaded partnership pilots with Kargo Commerce, an omni-channel advertising platform specializing in high impact creative, and YouTube to pilot replacing print circular ads with dynamic social media ad campaigns. Additionally, Mike leads growth driving initiatives around push notification and fuel screen advertising.
Prior to joining Albertsons Media Collective in the Fall of 2022, Mike built retail media products at Kargo and Quotient where he created successful partnerships with large retailers like Kroger, Walmart and Dollar General and ad platforms like Meta, Pinterest, Google, Snap and TikTok. His efforts lead to lasting, scalable solutions for brand and circular media.
Mike holds a degree in economics from the University of Utah and was named a “Rising Star in Adtech” by Business Insider.
Jennifer Hopper
Save A Lot
Chief Information Officer
Synergy in Action: Uniting Customer Needs with Technology for Collective Success
Jennifer Hopper is Chief Digital and Information Officer at Save A Lot. In her current role, she spearheads the company’s comprehensive technology strategy, from developing networking and infrastructure solutions to support Retail Partners to concepting future-oriented digital programs that resonate with customers. Jennifer’s strong credentials include expertise in customer data and modernizing business systems to align with company strategy.
Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience and success in IT Management, leading major projects that span across multiple business functions in Retail, from Supply Chain to Store POS. Prior to joining Save A Lot, she held leadership roles at Accenture and Mastercard, where she served as the North America Chief Technology Officer.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Save A Lot
Chief Information Officer
Synergy in Action: Uniting Customer Needs with Technology for Collective Success
Jennifer Hopper is Chief Digital and Information Officer at Save A Lot. In her current role, she spearheads the company’s comprehensive technology strategy, from developing networking and infrastructure solutions to support Retail Partners to concepting future-oriented digital programs that resonate with customers. Jennifer’s strong credentials include expertise in customer data and modernizing business systems to align with company strategy.
Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience and success in IT Management, leading major projects that span across multiple business functions in Retail, from Supply Chain to Store POS. Prior to joining Save A Lot, she held leadership roles at Accenture and Mastercard, where she served as the North America Chief Technology Officer.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Kabir Jain
Erewhon
Chief Growth Officer
The Erewhon Way
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
The Erewhon Way
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.
Scott Kessler
Northeast Grocery
Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Navigating the Grocery Tech Landscape: An Opportunistic Approach to M&A Consolidation and IT Modernization
Scott Kessler is a distinguished Chief Information Officer (CIO) renowned for his transformative leadership in the retail industry. With over three decades of experience, Scott has held key executive positions at prominent companies such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, Belk, GSI Commerce/eBay Enterprise, and Accenture. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and CIO at Northeast Grocery, overseeing technology strategy for Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets, Scott is recognized for his expertise in driving business consolidation, digital innovation and operational efficiency. Beyond his professional endeavors, he volunteers as CIO Council Chair for NRF and is a council member of FMItech, showcasing his commitment to advancing the industry. Scott's visionary leadership has propelled startup eCommerce businesses to billion-dollar enterprises, and his domestic and international experience has guided retailers through digital growth and expansion. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in taking a company public and harnessing technology to consistently boost annual revenue and profitability, cementing his reputation as a transformative force in the retail landscape.
Northeast Grocery
Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Navigating the Grocery Tech Landscape: An Opportunistic Approach to M&A Consolidation and IT Modernization
Scott Kessler is a distinguished Chief Information Officer (CIO) renowned for his transformative leadership in the retail industry. With over three decades of experience, Scott has held key executive positions at prominent companies such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, Belk, GSI Commerce/eBay Enterprise, and Accenture. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and CIO at Northeast Grocery, overseeing technology strategy for Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets, Scott is recognized for his expertise in driving business consolidation, digital innovation and operational efficiency. Beyond his professional endeavors, he volunteers as CIO Council Chair for NRF and is a council member of FMItech, showcasing his commitment to advancing the industry. Scott's visionary leadership has propelled startup eCommerce businesses to billion-dollar enterprises, and his domestic and international experience has guided retailers through digital growth and expansion. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in taking a company public and harnessing technology to consistently boost annual revenue and profitability, cementing his reputation as a transformative force in the retail landscape.
Tyler King
SpartanNash
Vice President, Finance Operations
THE EXPERTS SHARE ALL: How to succeed with in-store technology
Tyler King is the Vice President of Finance Operations for SpartanNash (NASDAQ: SPTN), a Fortune 400 food solutions company that operates two complementary business segments in food wholesale and grocery retail. He currently serves as an advisor for the company’s retail business segment of 147 grocery stores. Tyler’s expertise in delivering strong company financials, making strategic business decisions and maintaining a People First culture has made him an integral part of the company.
SpartanNash
Vice President, Finance Operations
THE EXPERTS SHARE ALL: How to succeed with in-store technology
Tyler King is the Vice President of Finance Operations for SpartanNash (NASDAQ: SPTN), a Fortune 400 food solutions company that operates two complementary business segments in food wholesale and grocery retail. He currently serves as an advisor for the company’s retail business segment of 147 grocery stores. Tyler’s expertise in delivering strong company financials, making strategic business decisions and maintaining a People First culture has made him an integral part of the company.
Lee Lambeth
Mercatus
Vice President, Retail Operations
How Grocers Can Win Back Market Share Through Contextualized Commerce
Lee Lambeth is a seasoned retail professional who has demonstrated dedication to the grocery industry throughout his career. He has a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and has honed his skills working for grocery retailers such as Wilson's, Hannaford Brothers and Lowes Foods.
With a keen eye for innovation, Lambeth has consistently sought out opportunities to enhance retail operations through technology and strategic partnerships. His forward-thinking approach has positioned him as a trusted advisor within the industry.
Lambeth plays a pivotal role in shaping the retailer community at Mercatus, leveraging his expertise to drive meaningful impact. His collaborative nature and ability to connect with others have made him an influential figure in the grocery retail space. Lee's dedication to empowering retailers and fostering a sense of community has left a lasting impression on those he has worked with. His contributions continue to make a positive impact, and his commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to those around him.
Mercatus
Vice President, Retail Operations
How Grocers Can Win Back Market Share Through Contextualized Commerce
Lee Lambeth is a seasoned retail professional who has demonstrated dedication to the grocery industry throughout his career. He has a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and has honed his skills working for grocery retailers such as Wilson's, Hannaford Brothers and Lowes Foods.
With a keen eye for innovation, Lambeth has consistently sought out opportunities to enhance retail operations through technology and strategic partnerships. His forward-thinking approach has positioned him as a trusted advisor within the industry.
Lambeth plays a pivotal role in shaping the retailer community at Mercatus, leveraging his expertise to drive meaningful impact. His collaborative nature and ability to connect with others have made him an influential figure in the grocery retail space. Lee's dedication to empowering retailers and fostering a sense of community has left a lasting impression on those he has worked with. His contributions continue to make a positive impact, and his commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to those around him.
