Screenshot 2024-06-09 at 11.20.13

- 40:57

Interview

or listen on

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.

Listen more

Markets

China’s Luxury Market: Understanding the Real Story Behind the “Slowdown”

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

Markets

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

China’s Luxury Market: Understanding the Real Story Behind the “Slowdown”

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

Interview

Inside Clarks’ Bold Digital Transformation: A Conversation with CIO Simon Clarke

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Interview

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Inside Clarks’ Bold Digital Transformation: A Conversation with CIO Simon Clarke

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Markets

Inside China’s Commerce: A Conversation with Sharon Gai

Markets

Inside China’s Commerce: A Conversation with Sharon Gai

Interview

Casper’s New Chapter: How CEO Joe Megibow is Leading the Company’s Turnaround

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Interview

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Casper’s New Chapter: How CEO Joe Megibow is Leading the Company’s Turnaround

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Retail Innovation Series

From Bankruptcy to Billion-Dollar Vision: True Religion’s Marketing Playbook

Meet Kristen D'Arcy, the CMO leading the Marketing Strategy of True Religion

Meet Kristen D'Arcy, the CMO leading the Marketing Strategy of True Religion

Retail Innovation Series

Meet Kristen D'Arcy, the CMO leading the Marketing Strategy of True Religion

From Bankruptcy to Billion-Dollar Vision: True Religion’s Marketing Playbook

Meet Kristen D'Arcy, the CMO leading the Marketing Strategy of True Religion

Receive new exclusive episodes


Sign up for our newsletter now!