Jacksonville, Florida-based Acosta, a full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, has appointed Sharon Hart as chief information officer, effective March 23. Hart has more than 20 years of experience and is an established transformational leader in both the CPG and retail industries. She is expected to deliver omnichannel technology and digital solutions to drive sales growth in her new role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sharon to the team,” said Acosta CEO Darian Pickett. “As the retail landscape is changing faster than ever, we recognize the need to evolve our business. One of Sharon’s first orders of business will be focusing on our technology roadmap to drive future innovations and further develop our digital and analytic proprietary solutions. With the best balance sheet in the industry and Sharon’s retail-centric technology expertise, we are poised to invest in data-led innovations that will help our retail and brand partners achieve growth.”
Most recently, Hart served as CIO and SVP of information systems for Stein Mart, a national retailer with annual sales of $1.3 billion. In this role, Hart optimized Stein Mart’s IT operational and strategic investments through a focus on business operations and growth. This work included leveraging technology to transform digital customer-centric solutions such as endless aisle, mobile point of sale and smart fulfillment. She also led efforts to implement a hybrid cloud strategy and created a cyber security roadmap.
Prior to Stein Mart, Hart spent 15 years at PetSmart, ultimately serving as interim CIO and VP of information systems, spearheading the transformation of numerous technology functions. Hart previously held roles with Accenture and the Department of Transportation.
Hart earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics from the University of Texas and completed the Stanford Executive Program through Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
