Judges

  • Ashlee Aldridge

    Ashlee Aldridge is the CEO of Reach Partners LLC, a woman-owned consulting firm offering global companies business and technology strategy, transformations, digital enablement, and leadership services. With 20+ years of Fortune 50 and 100 retail executive experience, Ashlee is a visionary leader known for transforming organizations and winning industry awards. She's recognized as a Top Ten Woman in Retail Technology and advises CEOs and Boards on rapid business transformation and growth. Ashlee serves on multiple company boards and is a sought-after speaker on retail technology and trends.

  • Glenn Allison

    Glenn Allison, Vice President of Customer Facing Applications at Tractor Supply Co., oversees Retail Technology, eCommerce, Consumer Mobile App, Marketing, and Enterprise AI, Data & Analytics. Tractor Supply, the largest US rural lifestyle retailer with 2,300+ stores and $15 billion annual revenue, is renowned for its IT workplace. It ranked as the best place to work in the large company category in the 2023 Computerworld Best Places to Work in IT and top 10 for team member development and retention. Glenn holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and an MS in Information Technology from Northwestern University. He's also part of the CNBC Technology Executive Council and the NRF Technology Leadership Council, earning recognition on the "40 Under 40" list by the Nashville Business Journal for his tech and innovation contributions.

  • Stacey Berns

    Stacy Berns founded Berns Communications Group in 2002 and has 30 years’ experience creating marketing and executive communications platforms for leading global retail and technology companies. A well-connected thought leader, she has also built three unique executive leadership communities focused on the consumer sector: the Retail Influencer Network, The DealmakeHers and The Z Suite, a think tank for Gen Z emerging leaders. She is passionate about supporting founders and leaders from underrepresented communities and serves on the board of Delivering Good.

  • Dave Finnegan

    Dave joined The Orvis Company in 2014 as the Customer Experience Officer, overseeing Marketing, Creative, and Technology. During his tenure, Orvis received industry awards for innovation. Prior to Orvis, Dave served as Chief Information and Interactive Officer at Build-A-Bear Workshop, where he played a crucial role in creating the innovative Store of the Future. Dave is involved in industry organizations, including the National Retail Federation-CMO Council. He has been recognized with various awards, such as the "Top 100 CIO" by CIO Magazine and "Innovative CIO of the Year" by Retail Information Systems magazine. Dave's expertise has been featured in publications like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and he has contributed to books on retail innovation.

  • Ian Jindal

    Ian is a dedicated researcher and analyst specializing in the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) market. His work primarily revolves around comprehensive studies conducted through prominent outlets such as InternetRetailing and RetailX. He meticulously delves into the intricacies of the market, closely tracking and assessing the performance of Europe's Top1000 retailers and brands, as well as the Global Elite 1000. Ian's contributions are instrumental in producing essential reports like the annual benchmark European eCommerce Market Report. Furthermore, his year-round involvement with the ConsumerX Observatory ensures a continuous and dynamic understanding of the entire sector, encompassing retailers, market dynamics, consumer behavior, and supplier insights. His work offers valuable insights into the ever-evolving D2C landscape.

  • Lori Mitchell-Keller

    Lori Mitchell-Keller

    Lori Mitchell-Keller boasts over 30 years of experience in software, consumer goods, wholesale distribution, and retail, with a 15+ year focus on market strategy and development. She runs a consulting firm, advising companies like UIPath and Competera. Previously, she held key roles at Google Cloud and SAP Labs, with a rich history at SAP in various high-ranking positions. She also held executive roles at Manugistics and Baxter/Allegiance Healthcare. Lori serves on multiple boards, including Mitratech Holdings and XTANT Medical Holdings, and has impressive academic credentials: an MBA from Northwestern University, an MS in Operations Research from Stanford University, and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University.

  • Andrew Laudato

    Andrew Laudato currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of The Vitamin Shoppe. In this role, he leads operations across e-commerce, information technology, enterprise project management, supply chain, planning and allocation, strategic sourcing, and scientific and regulatory affairs.

    Mr Laudato joined The Vitamin Shoppe in January 2019 as EVP, Chief Technology and Supply Chain Officer, and since that time has helped launched a new technology-driven retail format, introduced personalization initiatives, and oversaw processes, speed, and efficiency gains across the supply chain. He was promoted to the COO role in January 2020.

    Mr. Laudato is a past Chair of the National Retail Federation’s CIO Council, and in 2016 he was recognized by the NRF for his outstanding contributions to the retail industry.

  • Nicole Leinbach

    Nicole Leinbach is the Founder and Publisher of RetailMinded.com, a renowned industry publication known for its retail insights. Focusing on independent retailers and small businesses, she's a frequent contributor to media outlets like The Today Show and Forbes. Since 2014, she has served as the Spokesperson for American Express's Small Business Saturday and authored "Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business" from McGraw-Hill. Leinbach is a recognized retail thought leader and futurist for IBM, contributing to outlets like Entrepreneur.com. She's also the Co-Founder of the Independent Retailer Conference. Explore her insights at RetailMinded.com.

  • Cindy Lincks

    Cindy Lincks has unique experience working in agency, software, retail, and start-up environments.

    Most recently, she was CEO and Founder of the VC backed (Forerunner, NEA, Commerce Ventures, F3) Tech Company, Reachify, and formerly VP of Ecommerce at Brooks Brothers overseeing performance marketing, development, contact center, online merchandising, and data.

    Her collective background provides in-depth knowledge of digital, eCommerce, marketing, and software technologies.

  • Noam Paransky

    Noam Paransky leads Tapestry's digital innovation efforts, focusing on delivering a seamless omni-channel experience for customers across digital touchpoints, including websites, marketing, social media, and in-store digital experiences. With a career deeply rooted in retail's digital realm, he previously served as SVP of Digital at Gap, Inc., overseeing digital sales and engagement for Gap, Inc. brands. Noam also has extensive experience as a retail, digital, and marketing expert, including a tenure at AlixPartners as the retail digital and marketing capability leader. He holds a BA in Economics from Emory University.

  • Jenna Posner

    Jenna Flateman Posner has served as Chief Digital Officer for Solo Brands since July 2023. Prior to joining Solo Brands, Ms. Posner spent four-years as the VP of Digital and Chief Digital Officer at SNIPES, a global sneaker and streetwear retailer. Following her USA rugby career, Posner was unsurprisingly drawn to the fast-paced world of tech and prior to her direct to consumer retail experience, Posner accrued 15+ years as a strategic thinker, innovator and retail tech expert for early stage businesses that exited to companies like: GrubHub, Fiserv and BazaarVoice. Ms. Posner earned her B.A. from Wesleyan University and EMBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology.

  • Diane Randolph

    Diane Randolph, a retired C-suite leader and board member, is renowned for her visionary leadership and innovative contributions to technology and business processes. With over 12 years as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) for two thriving retail organizations, she possesses extensive expertise in retail across various domains, focusing on digital transformation, omni-channel strategies, supply chain, CRM, cybersecurity, and risk management. Diane notably served as the CIO of ULTA Beauty, the largest U.S. beauty retailer, and Reitmans Canada Ltd, the largest Canadian specialty apparel retailer. She also held roles at a retail software company, Aptos. Diane sits on the boards of Dollar Tree and Shoe Carnival.

  • Ron Thurston

    Ron Thurston has over 30 years of experience leading retail stores and operations for America's most prominent brands, including Gap, Apple, Tory Burch, Saint Laurent, and Bonobos.

    Ron also authored the bestselling book RETAIL PRIDE, which inspires retail professionals to take pride in their accidental careers. He hosts the RETAIL IN AMERICA podcast and tour and recently Co-founded OSSY.

  • Deborah Weinswig

    Deborah Weinswig is CEO and Founder of Coresight Research, a research and advisory firm specializing in disruptive technologies reshaping today’s retail landscape. Coresight Research has a global presence spanning the US, Europe, and Asia, including deep expertise in the fast-changing China market.

    Weinswig serves on the board of directors for Goodwill Industries NY/NJ, GUESS?, Inc., Kiabi, Street Soccer USA, and Xcel Brands, Inc. She is on the advisory board of the World Retail Congress and Retail Analytics Council, WWD Women in Innovation, and a mentor for several accelerators.

    Weinswig is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.