Today, you'll meet the CIO and CDO of the H2O Retailing Group, a Japanese group that owns department stores, shopping malls, and supermarkets in West Japan.

Toru Koyama joined the group about three years ago to lead the midterm and long-term digital strategies to become a communication retailer and develop direct communication with customers and deepen relationships. For that, it's necessary to create an IT infrastructure with integrated data.

This episode was recorded in Singapore during NRF APAC which Toru is an advisor.

In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ngai Yuen Low, the Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at AEON Group Malaysia and an advisory board member of NRF APAC.

AEON Group, originally founded as Jusco in Japan in 1969, has grown significantly and played a pivotal role in modernizing Malaysia's retail industry. Yuen shares her insights on the unique challenges and opportunities in the retail sector, drawing from her extensive background in media. She discusses how her ability to understand and engage audiences has been a crucial asset in her retail career, helping her navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape. Tune in to hear about Yuen’s journey, the dynamic retail environment in Asia, and how AEON Group continues to innovate and meet the needs of modern consumers.

Welcome to Episode 28 of OFFBounds! Join Paula Macaggi as she sits down with Nicole Sheffield, Managing Director of Wesfarmers OneDigital and President of the Australian Retailers Association in Singapore while we were visiting the NRF APAC event last month.

In this insightful episode, we delve into Australia's retail landscape, Wesfarmers' diverse operations, including OneDigital which was founded in 2022 and brings together the Group's digital ventures like the OnePass membership program, the Catch marketplace, and the Group's data assets.

OneDigital fuels the Group's digital and data-driven growth, aiming to make shopping across the Group's retail businesses smoother, more rewarding, and valuable for customers. The team is about 600 strong, all working to enhance your shopping experience.

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🔗 Follow OFFBounds on LinkedIn

🔗 Learn more about Wesfarmers OneDigital

🔗 Explore the Australian Retailers Association

In this episode, Paula Macaggi takes you on an exhilarating journey to Singapore, where she attended the much-anticipated NRF APAC event. Tune in as Paula shares her firsthand experiences and key insights from the event, held from June 11-13, 2024. Discover why Singapore, known as the City of Lights, was the perfect host for this international retail event.

Explore the stunning Changi Airport, marvel at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, and dive deep into the world of APAC retail. Paula's discussions with industry experts like Ian Scott and Ryf Quail provide a unique perspective on the region's growth and potential. Learn about innovative retail strategies from leading brands like Fairprice, Don Don Donki, Uniqlo, and more.

Whether you're curious about the latest retail technologies, fascinated by consumer behavior in the APAC region, or simply love hearing about Paula's travel adventures, this episode has something for everyone. Join us for episode 27 of OFFBounds, and don't forget to subscribe for more global content coming your way!

Paula Macaggi sits down with Danielle Diliberti, CEO of Sommsation, a wine marketplace born during the pandemic that connects independent wineries and world-class sommeliers with consumers. Danielle shares how her background in technology helped build Sommsation with a legacy-free architecture to support decades of growth. We explore Som sation's innovative approaches, such as the Rebel Wine Club and digital tasting experiences, and discuss the blend of traditional winemaking with modern technology. Danielle also talks about the importance of community, sensory experiences, and the role of MACH Alliance in supporting the industry's ecosystem.

In the latest episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi sits down with retail veteran and best-selling author Steve Dennis to discuss his new book, Leaders Leap. With an extensive background that includes strategic roles at Sears and Neiman Marcus, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation about why many transformations fail and how leaders can effectively navigate change. The discussion delves into Steve's experiences and insights on innovation, transformation, and leadership in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. He emphasizes the need for profound and swift business model evolution to keep pace with dynamic market conditions and technological advancements.

Steve shares his perspective on the common pitfalls leaders face, such as being overly protective of successful past strategies and failing to adapt quickly enough to disruptive forces. He also discusses the importance of vulnerability, curiosity, and openness to new ideas in driving successful transformations. Through anecdotes from his career and lessons from his book, Steve offers practical advice on how leaders can cultivate a mindset geared towards remarkable, sustained success. Tune in to gain valuable insights from a seasoned expert on the crucial steps leaders must take to thrive in today's fast-paced business world.

#retail #retailtransformation #bookauthor

In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi sits down with Celso Borges Shimabukuro, VP of E-commerce at PepsiCo Europe, during Shop Talk Europe in Barcelona. Celso delves into PepsiCo's mission to drive outrageous growth and develop differentiating capabilities in the e-commerce space. He explains how the company navigates the complexities of partnering with both traditional retail giants and digital natives while experimenting with direct-to-consumer strategies.

Celso highlights the challenges and innovations in creating impulsive buying experiences online, leveraging retail media networks, and the importance of digital transformation. He also shares insights on the role of technology, data analytics, and AI in shaping the future of digital commerce for PepsiCo, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability in this rapidly evolving landscape.

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Welcome to Episode 23 of OFFBounds! In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Matthieu Houle, the CIO of Aldo, one of the world's most popular shoe brands. Matthieu shares his fascinating journey from running a surf magazine in Costa Rica to leading digital transformation at Aldo. Learn about his unique insights on the importance of embracing change, leveraging AI, and maintaining agility in the retail industry. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a retail professional, or an Aldo fan, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories. Don't miss it!

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➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/offbounds

➡️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@off-bounds