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Interview

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Embracing Challenges and AI as Competitive Advantage with Aldo’s CIO

📍Montreal, Canada

In the latest episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi interviews Matthieu Houle, the CIO of Aldo, a globally recognized shoe brand. Matthieu shares his unconventional journey from starting a surf magazine in Costa Rica to leading digital transformation at Aldo. His career path is marked by a series of bold decisions, fueled by curiosity and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. These traits have equipped him to navigate the fast-paced world of retail technology, where adaptability and innovation are crucial.

Matthieu’s experience at Aldo highlights the importance of leveraging technology to gain a competitive edge. He discusses how Aldo was an early adopter of omnichannel strategies, enabling seamless shopping experiences such as curbside pickup and ship-from-store services. These initiatives, driven by a forward-thinking approach, allowed Aldo to stay ahead of the curve, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthieu emphasizes that the key to success in retail technology is not just in the front-end consumer experience but also in having a flexible and agile backend system.

One of the standout projects Matthieu leads is the development of an AI-driven forecasting tool named Delphin. This tool uses machine learning to predict sales and optimize inventory management, providing significant business value. By accurately forecasting demand, Aldo can ensure that the right products are available in the right stores at the right time. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also improves operational efficiency. The project, supported by partnerships with academic institutions like McGill University, showcases the intersection of academia and industry in driving technological advancements.

Matthieu also touches on the cultural and organizational changes necessary to foster innovation within a company. He describes how Aldo’s IT department has evolved from a traditional support role to being an enabler of business growth. By adopting an agile, squad-based structure, the IT team works closely with various business units to deliver technology solutions that directly impact business outcomes. Matthieu’s leadership philosophy focuses on empowering his team, promoting a culture of curiosity, and ensuring that technology serves as a superpower for Aldo’s employees. His insights provide a valuable roadmap for other organizations looking to thrive in the dynamic retail landscape.

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