Kirk Kroft, Chief Information Officer, North America
Professional Overview
Kirk Kroft is an experienced Chief Information Officer with a proven track record of driving digital transformation and technology-enabled business strategy in the manufacturing and automotive industries. As the Chief Information Officer, North America at JELD-WEN, Inc., he is responsible for leading the company's information technology initiatives and aligning IT solutions with business objectives to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and improve customer experiences.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Information Officer, North America at JELD-WEN, Inc., Kirk is responsible for overseeing the company's information technology strategy and operations across North America. He leads a team of IT professionals in developing and implementing technology solutions that support JELD-WEN's business goals, enhance productivity, and improve decision-making capabilities. Under his leadership, the company has successfully navigated digital transformation initiatives, modernized its IT infrastructure, and improved the reliability and security of its information systems.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Kirk held various leadership positions at Polaris Inc., where he served as the VP Digital Product - Global Engineering, Supply Chain and Operations, and the VP & CIO Motorcycles, Off Road Vehicles, & Snowmobiles. In these roles, he was instrumental in driving the company's digital transformation, optimizing supply chain operations, and aligning IT strategies with Polaris' business priorities. Earlier in his career, Kirk held IT management and consulting roles at Zebra Technologies, Life Fitness, and Accenture, where he gained extensive experience in business process optimization, enterprise software implementation, and digital transformation.
Academic Background
Kirk holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation from PU. He has also completed additional coursework in Supply Chain Management and Business at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Areas of Expertise
- Information Technology Strategy and Governance
- Digital Transformation and Innovation
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Business Process Optimization
- Technology-Enabled Business Solutions
- Project Management and Change Management
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Kirk has demonstrated a strong ability to align IT initiatives with business objectives and drive measurable improvements in operational efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. At Polaris, he led the successful implementation of a new ERP system, which resulted in a 25% reduction in inventory levels and a 15% improvement in on-time delivery performance. Additionally, his work in optimizing the company's supply chain operations contributed to a 20% reduction in logistics costs.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the manufacturing and automotive industries, deep technical expertise, and strategic business acumen, Kirk Kroft is a highly versatile and impactful Chief Information Officer. In his current role at JELD-WEN, Inc., he is poised to continue driving digital transformation, enhancing operational performance, and leveraging technology to support the company's long-term growth and competitiveness.
