Reckitt's Varun Kakaria On the New Expectations for CIOs

Reckitt's Varun Kakaria On the New Expectations for CIOs

Transformation inside large organizations almost never happens at once. Instead it’s usually thanks to steady shifts, whether in leadership mindset, data strategy, or in how tech teams partner with the business to drive impact. In this episode of Tech Transformation, Varun Kakaria, North America CIO at Reckitt, shares what it takes to lead transformation inside a global company, from building stronger data foundations to scaling revenue growth management.  Learn how they're deploying AI in practical ways and the new expectations for CIOs.

The New Rules of Personalization With Contentful's Gabriel Dillon

Personalization has come a long way from simply adding a first name to an email subject line. Today, leading brands are using data, technology, and a culture of experimentation to create experiences that truly connect — and scale. In this episode of Tech Transformation, sponsored by Contentful, Gabriel Dillon, go-to-market lead for personalization at Contentful, shares what “good” personalization looks like right now, and what it takes to move from good to great. Listen to learn: * How leading brands are defining and measuring effective personalization * Why success depends on connecting experiences across every channel * The metrics and signals that show when personalization is actually working * How to rethink content operations to keep up with rising personalization demands * Cultural and organizational shifts needed to support continuous experimentation * Common misconceptions about scaling personalization and how to overcome them * Lessons from other industries that are setting the bar for personalization * How AI is shaping the next generation of personalized customer experiences

Doss’ Wiley Jones on Navigating Growth During Uncertain Times

Scaling a brand has never been easy — but today’s market of constant uncertainty makes things that much harder. In this episode of Tech Transformation, sponsored by Doss, Wiley Jones, CEO and co-founder of Doss, joins to break down how midsized CPGs are rethinking growth and operational change.  Listen to learn:  •How midsized brands are faring today and what it means for them when thinking about growth •What makes scaling in today’s environment especially tricky for this group •Common mistakes CPG leaders make when navigating operational decisions during market volatility •The tipping point that forces a company to realize it can’t scale any further with spreadsheets and duct-taped processes •Quiet inefficiencies that often go unnoticed in high-growth CPGs •Advice for leaders trying to navigate system or process change under pressure •Misconceptions about operational transformation

Estée Lauder’s Raheel Khan On Maximizing Generative AI

The Estée Lauder Companies [https://consumergoods.com/company/estee-lauder-inc] has long been a pioneer in using AI, and they’re now breaking new ground with their in-house Beauty Trends platform. In this episode, we’re talking with Raheel Khan, SVP of foresight and growth Intelligence, about how it helps them stay ahead of today’s consumer preferences.  Listen to learn: * Some of the most impactful ways Estée Lauder is leveraging generative AI * How their Beauty Trends platform is driving value * The role of data within their AI strategy  * What he looks for when it comes to building and cultivating AI talent * Why prompt engineering doesn’t need to be as complicated as it sounds.  * What he’s most excited about when it comes to the future of AI in consumer goods and retail * What's next for Estée Lauder with AI

AllSaints' James Reid on Endless Engagement Opportunities with Mobile Apps

In this episode, we’re joined by James Reid, chief innovation officer at AllSaints. James brings a wealth of experience from both software and sales roles across various consumer goods companies and retailers. We explore AllSaints' journey, from re-platforming and shepherding innovation across the enterprise to the success of their consumer app, boasting over 150,000 downloads in the UK and US. How did they manage that? James lets us in on how and looks ahead to other features and capabilities the company is hoping to add in the future. We also discuss the buzz around unified commerce versus omnichannel strategies.  A lot of what James and I talk about chimes nicely with our Analytics Unite event in Chicago on May 1st-3rd which is themed around building the future of unified intelligence. This event is awesome every year, but we’re incredibly excited about this year in particular, as we’re going to have speakers from Tractor Supply, Amazon, Sephora, and Molson Coors. It is shaping up to be incredible. Registration is open now, so visit analyticsunite.com to sign up.  Listen to learn:  •The importance of customer focus and efficiency in innovation and implementing new technologies. •The development and success of the AllSaints app, which has over 150,000 downloads in the UK and US.  •How AllSaints makes use of the app's ability to identify highly engaged customers and its higher conversion rates compared to other channels. •How AllSaints maintains the DNA of its brand while tailoring messaging and experience to the needs of specific markets and geographies.  •The concept of unified commerce versus omnichannel, and why James considers one to be superior to the other.  •Why and how AllSaints is emphasizing the seamless integration of online and in-store experiences.  •The importance of experimentation and innovation in the retail industry.  •Plans for the future, including partnerships with retailers and the evolution of wholesale, concession, and drop-ship models.