Corporate Strategy

Symphony Technology Group, a private equity firm focused on investing in the software, data analytics, and software-enabled technology services sectors, has acquired Trace One, a dedicated B2B collaborative platform for retail, CPG and private label.

The acquisition will combine IoT/edge and AI/ML solutions, expected to deliver new cloud capabilities and create a more sustainable world.

Unilever continued down its health-minded future path with the acquisition of Onnit, a holistic wellness and lifestyle company best known for its nutritional supplements.  

While some CGs retreated in the face of their new, complicated realities, other innovative leaders welcomed the challenge, fast-tracking technology implementations while not worrying about failing fast. Read about these execs here in CGT's 2021 Visionaries feature.

Karen Smith has been named executive VP of supply chain at Kontoor Brands, succeeding the retiring Randy Fortenberry.

The inclusion of the CIO role reflects the rapidly changing technology and digital transformation impact on the business according to CEO Lawson Whiting.

Now in its 10th year, the awards are given to retail CIOs who have demonstrated an innovative use of technology that has moved their retail organization forward. The 2021 winning duo include Vera Bradley Inc. CIO Adam Fox and Ulta Beauty CIO Elliott Rodgers.

Data analytics and brand consulting group Kantar will acquire Numerator, a market intelligence company, from Vista Equity Partners.