Kris Merz

Leader of Transformative Initiatives That Deliver Business Results

Kris is a seasoned global retail technology executive with a wealth of expertise in driving  strategy and executing large-scale technology and business  transformations that fuel growth, elevate performance, and enhance profitability.  Kris excels at seamlessly connecting people, technology, and processes to execute initiatives effectively. 

Experience

Leadership, Strategy, IT Assessments, Roadmaps, Unified Commerce

• Held executive roles including CIO, CTO, and Chief Data Officer at global omni-channel  specialty retailers; performed IT assessments and aligned strategy, execution, and results to the needs of the business
• Led a 350+ global development team delivering SAAS software to 70,000 libraries world –wide
• Owned a $50M product line for data & analytic services  
• Key driver in the development of business strategy aligning IT Roadmaps and tactical plans to ensure delivery of critical capabilities  at multiple retailers 

Large Scale Transformation, Project Management & Delivery, Unified Commerce

• Delivered multiple systems that improved the customers’ path to purchase journey, including unified/omnichannel capabilities encompassing OMS RFPs, upgrades & implementations, BOPIS, Ship-from-Store, endless aisle, ecommerce solutions, mobile apps, customer loyalty systems, mobile POS, store of the future concept, CRM, CDP, customer service, B2B and unified data platforms. 
• Transitioned / replaced all technology as Express migrated from L Brands to a standalone entity; built the IT department from the ground up 
• Led a digital transformation that unified 70+ separate acquisitions into a unified data architecture that included  implementation of Master Data Management, Data Quality, ETL, API, messaging tools, predictive analytics, OCR, and machine learning
• Multiple successful implementations of ERP, merchandise, financial, warehouse management, order management, HR/Payroll, business intelligence, planning, allocation, workforce management, security and infrastructure solutions