Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Ron Orbas is a seasoned technology executive with a proven track record of driving digital transformation and innovation. As the Chief Technology Officer at Coldwater Creek and the Chief Information Officer at Soft Surroundings, he leverages his extensive expertise in technology strategy, software development, and IT operations to propel organizations forward in the rapidly evolving retail and e-commerce landscape.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Chief Technology Officer, Coldwater Creek (2023-11-01 to Present)

Responsible for leading the company's technology vision, strategy, and implementation to support business goals and enhance the customer experience.

Oversees the development and deployment of innovative digital solutions, including e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and data analytics tools.

Collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and ensure the seamless integration of technology across the organization.

Chief Information Officer, Soft Surroundings (2022-08-01 to Present)

Accountable for the overall management and strategic direction of Soft Surroundings' information technology infrastructure and systems.

Spearheads the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to streamline business processes, enhance cybersecurity, and enable data-driven decision-making.

Serves as a strategic partner to the executive team, aligning technology initiatives with the company's long-term growth objectives.

Founding Member, CXO/50 (2024-08-01 to Present)

Collaborates with a network of experienced C-suite executives to share best practices, discuss industry trends, and provide advisory services to organizations undergoing digital transformation.

Contributes to thought leadership initiatives, including speaking engagements and industry publications, to share insights and inspire others in the technology and retail sectors.

Career Progression

Chief Technology Officer, Boston Proper (2020-09-01 to 2022-08-01)

Oversaw the modernization of Boston Proper's technology infrastructure, leading the transition to cloud-based solutions and enhancing system reliability and security.

Spearheaded the development of a data-driven e-commerce platform, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales and improved customer engagement.

Implemented agile development practices and DevOps methodologies to accelerate the delivery of innovative digital capabilities.

Chief Information Officer - Independent Consultant (2017-01-01 to 2021-01-01)

Provided strategic advisory services and interim CIO support to various organizations in the retail, healthcare, and financial services industries.

Leveraged expertise in enterprise IT management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation to help clients optimize their technology infrastructure and drive operational efficiencies.

Delivered measurable results, including cost savings, improved system uptime, and enhanced data analytics capabilities.

Academic Background

Ron Orbas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

Technology strategy and roadmap development

Enterprise software architecture and implementation

Cloud computing and infrastructure optimization

Data analytics and business intelligence

Cybersecurity and risk management

Agile project management and DevOps methodologies

Leadership and change management

Professional Impact

Spearheaded the successful migration of Coldwater Creek's e-commerce platform to the cloud, resulting in a 30% improvement in website performance and a 15% increase in online revenue.

Implemented a comprehensive data analytics and business intelligence solution at Soft Surroundings, enabling data-driven decision-making and a 20% improvement in inventory management.

Served as a trusted advisor to Boston Proper's executive team, providing strategic guidance that contributed to the company's digital transformation and a 25% increase in customer satisfaction.

Recognized as a thought leader in the retail technology space, frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and contribute to technology publications.

Conclusion

With his extensive experience in driving digital transformation and a proven track record of delivering tangible business results, Ron Orbas is positioned to continue making a significant impact as a strategic technology leader. His unwavering commitment to innovation, coupled with his collaborative approach and deep industry expertise, make him a valuable asset to organizations seeking to thrive in the ever-evolving retail and e-commerce landscape.

Ron Orbas