Andrew Laudato Snags Coveted Chief Technology Officer Post

The Vitamin Shoppe announced that Andrew Laudato has joined the retailer as executive vice president, chief technology officer, effective immediately. Laudato brings to The Vitamin Shoppe over two decades of experience and will have responsibility for information technology, enterprise project planning as well as supply chain.

"We have enhanced our team with a proven and recognized leader,” said Vitamin Shoppe CEO Sharon Leite. “Andy brings valuable experience and expertise to this role and was chosen for his industry knowledge, experience in company-wide technology transformations and his collaborative approach to change. In this new role, Andy will partner with leaders across the organization to help us innovate and provide solutions to meet the rapidly changing expectations of today's customer. His strong track record in managing technology initiatives will be crucial to The Vitamin Shoppe's success moving forward.”

Laudato began his career as a computer programmer and has been a CIO for close to two decades. For the past two years, he was CIO at Brookdale Senior Living where he was a member of the executive leadership team with responsibility for all aspects of technology including back office, sales and marketing among other areas. 

Prior to that he spent 15 years as CIO at Pier 1 where he led several key initiatives including creating and executing a comprehensive IT and corporate strategy and led an enterprise-wide process efficiency initiative. From 1990 through 2000, he was Director, Systems Development at Jo-Ann Stores and held the same role at LBrands earlier in his career. Laudato was past chair of the National Retail Federation's (NRF) CIO Council. 

"The digital shopping landscape is continuously evolving, and brands and retailers are challenged with keeping pace with changing consumer behaviors and expectations,” said Laudato. “In an omnichannel world, seamlessly integrating the supply chain with the in-store and digital shopping experience is a top priority. I have had the opportunity to work on many unique technology projects throughout my career and The Vitamin Shoppe's clear purpose of connecting with its customers sets it apart. I look forward to joining The Vitamin Shoppe and working with the teams at such a pivotal time.