Richard Cunningham
Vice President, Information Technology Global (Brand CIO)
New York, New York, United States
Professional Overview
Richard Cunningham is an accomplished Information Technology executive with extensive experience leading digital transformation and IT strategy in the luxury retail industry. As the Vice President, Information Technology Global (Brand CIO) at Michael Kors, he is responsible for driving the company's global IT vision and overseeing the implementation of innovative technology solutions to support the brand's growth and operational efficiency.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Vice President, Information Technology Global (Brand CIO) at Michael Kors, Richard is responsible for developing and executing the brand's IT strategy, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives. He leads a global team of IT professionals to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance the customer experience, optimize internal processes, and drive competitive advantage. Under his leadership, the IT department has successfully implemented several high-impact projects, including the rollout of a new e-commerce platform and the integration of advanced analytics to improve inventory management and supply chain efficiency.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Richard served as the VP IT and Business Transformation (Brand CIO) at Jimmy Choo, where he played a pivotal role in the company's digital transformation efforts, streamlining operations and enhancing the customer journey through the adoption of new technologies. Before that, he held the position of Group IT Director at Mulberry England, where he led the development and implementation of the company's IT strategy, driving operational improvements and enabling the brand's global expansion. Earlier in his career, Richard held IT leadership roles at FIEGE and Heron Group PLC, where he demonstrated his ability to align technology with business goals and deliver measurable results.
Academic Background
Richard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge, where he graduated with honors. His strong technical foundation and academic achievements have been instrumental in his ability to bridge the gap between business and IT, enabling him to develop innovative solutions that drive organizational success.
Areas of Expertise
- IT strategy and digital transformation
- Enterprise-wide technology implementation and integration
- Business process optimization and operational efficiency
- Omnichannel customer experience enhancement
- Supply chain and inventory management optimization
- Cross-functional leadership and team management
Professional Impact
Under Richard's leadership, the IT departments he has overseen have consistently delivered high-impact initiatives that have contributed to significant business growth and operational improvements. At Jimmy Choo, he spearheaded the implementation of a new e-commerce platform, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales. At Mulberry England, he led the integration of advanced analytics and forecasting tools, leading to a 15% reduction in inventory levels and a 20% improvement in inventory turn.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the luxury retail industry, strong technical expertise, and strategic mindset, Richard Cunningham is a seasoned IT executive who is poised to drive Michael Kors' global technology initiatives and further solidify the brand's position as a leader in the industry. His ability to align technology with business objectives, combined with his proven track record of delivering measurable results, make him a valuable asset to the organization.
