Brad Eckhart

Extensive Experience in Business Process & Systems Solutions

Brad is a Partner and Consultant with Columbus Consulting.  Prior to joining Columbus, Brad held various executive leadership roles throughout his 30+ year career with both global and national brands including Ralph Lauren, J. Jill, Finish Line, Juicy Couture and Warner Bros. Studio Stores. Brad’s various leadership roles have included responsibilities in Merchandise Planning & Allocation, Assortment Planning, Supply Chain, and Business Analytics. He has worked with various retailers on system selection, design, and implementation of Merchandising, BI and Analytics systems, as well as assisting in business process optimization and change management.  Brad recently completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program; furthering his commitment to the integration of data analytics and business intelligence in the retail industry.

Experience

• Big Lots – Business Lead
  • Business Lead for the system selection and implementation of a Merchandise Financial Planning system, for a large national discount chain.  Provided insight on software capabilities and overall market availability, system design, business process and change management
• Aldo – Client Manager, Capability Advisor
  • Capability Advisor for the implementation of Aptos Merchandise Planning & Allocation modules, and Sas Size & Pack Optimization systems, for an international, multi-channel wholesale/franchise/specialty retailer.  Provided insight on system design, business process and change management
• Soft Surroundings – Functional Design Lead
  • Functional Design Lead for the implementation of Tableau as a visual analytics tool for a multi-channel specialty retailer. Responsible for the design and development of executive and management level dashboards to support business processes
• La Polar – Client Manager, Consultant
  • Led  the development of business processes, change management and training materials to support the implementation of Aptos Merchandise Financial Planning, Assortment Planning, and Replenishment systems
• Finish Line – Senior Vice President Planning & Allocation
  • Led the successful implementation of Aptos/TXT Merchandise Planning modules, and related training and change management,  for a multi-channel national footwear retailer