Foot Locker Names New CIO
Foot Locker has named a former Michaels executive its new CIO.
Himanshu Parikh took the position of SVP, CIO on December 11 and will oversee the execution of the next generation of Foot Locker's strategic technology agenda. The retail executive most recently served as SVP, chief technology officer at The Michaels Companies. During his five years at Michaels, Himanshu drove technology and customer-centric transformation, including overseeing digital commerce, marketing/CRM, data & analytics and loyalty, as well as the expansion of its omnichannel commerce and supply chain growth.
As CIO, Parikh will have operational responsibility for Foot Locker’s technology and infrastructure, and will work closely with the senior executive team to streamline processes, as well as evaluate and implement new and integrated systems and tools across the organization critical to omnichannel initiatives.
"Over the last several years, Foot Locker has made tremendous progress in leveraging data and technology to drive customer connections and convenience, support the growth of our loyalty program and build a customer-driven supply chain,” said Richard Johnson, chairman and CEO. “We recognize the vital importance that technological leadership plays in our continued success. Himanshu has a proven track record in tech-driven transformation to drive business agility, competitive differentiation, and efficiencies. I am confident that his deep expertise and breadth of experience leading digital, omnichannel, enterprise resource planning, and information security functions will be strong assets as we continue to advance our technology projects and investments to evolve as a fully-integrated omnichannel company."
Parikh is an accomplished technology leader with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, business solutions and organizational development for top-tier retail companies. He is an expert in leveraging modern technology and data to drive a customer-centric connected retail experience.
Prior to joining Michaels, Parikh held several executive roles with Ross Stores, leading teams that developed modern web and mobile applications, IT investment plans, roadmaps, technology standards, and governance of new technology. He has also been recognized for his work with the Oracle Excellence and Oracle Innovation awards. Parikh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from M.S. University, Vadodara, India.
"I'm excited to join the Foot Locker team in continuing to enhance the technology capabilities that support the Company's leadership in celebrating sneaker and youth culture around the globe," said Parikh. "I look forward to working closely with Dick and the rest of the Foot Locker team, leveraging my technology expertise and retail experience to meet and exceed the evolving expectations of our customers, while also providing the right tools and technology for our team members."