Professional Overview
Terry Williams is an accomplished Chief Information Officer with extensive experience leading technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives for major retail enterprises. As the CIO of Costco Wholesale, he oversees the company's global information technology infrastructure, driving innovations to enhance operational efficiency, data security, and customer experience.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Chief Information Officer at Costco Wholesale, Terry is responsible for developing and executing the company's information technology vision. He leads a team of over 500 IT professionals, managing all aspects of the organization's technology systems, including cloud migration, software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Under Terry's leadership, Costco has streamlined its technology stack, improved supply chain visibility, and launched a suite of customer-facing digital tools that have contributed to the company's sustained growth and profitability.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Costco, Terry served as the CIO of Nordstrom, where he spearheaded the company's omnichannel strategy and oversaw the implementation of advanced inventory management and point-of-sale systems. Earlier in his career, he held progressive IT leadership roles at Target Corporation, driving the retailer's transition to cloud-based enterprise solutions and pioneering the use of predictive analytics to enhance merchandising and supply chain operations.
Academic Background
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Washington and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. He is an active member of the CIO Executive Council and has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 CIOs" by CIO Magazine.
Areas of Expertise
- Enterprise IT strategy and architecture
- Cloud computing and infrastructure modernization
- Cybersecurity and data protection
- Retail technology innovation
- Business intelligence and data analytics
- Agile project management and DevOps
Professional Impact
Under Terry's leadership, Costco has achieved significant operational improvements and enhanced its overall technology capabilities. He has overseen the implementation of a unified data platform that provides real-time insights into inventory, sales, and customer behavior, enabling the company to make more informed business decisions. Additionally, Terry has led the development of a mobile app and e-commerce platform that have contributed to a significant increase in online sales and customer engagement.
Conclusion
With over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, Terry Williams is a proven technology leader who excels at aligning IT strategy with business objectives. His ability to drive digital transformation, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer experiences has positioned him as a highly respected CIO in the industry.
