GS1 US has elected Smita Katakwar, SVP of technology at Wegmans Food Markets, to its board of governors.
Katakwar will help guide the organization’s strategy for cross-industry adoption of GS1 Standards across retail grocery, apparel, general merchandise, foodservice and healthcare sectors.
Katakwar brings more than two decades of experience leading technology strategy, digital innovation and enterprise architecture for global retail organizations. At Wegmans, she oversees technology strategy with responsibility for defining technical approaches and delivering customer and employee experiences. Her role includes oversight of data and architecture groups building enterprise systems that support the chain’s innovation initiatives.
“As companies adapt to a more connected, data-driven supply chain landscape, our board’s leadership helps ensure that industries evolve together toward greater efficiency, visibility and trust,” said Bob Carpenter, president and CEO of GS1 US.
“Smita’s deep technology expertise and vision for innovation will be instrumental as GS1 US continues to advance data interoperability and digital capabilities across industries.”
Before joining Wegmans, Katakwar served as VP of digital at BJ’s Wholesale Club and director of innovation and strategy at Sears, where her team earned a patent for smart home service and delivery concepts.
The GS1 US Board of Governors comprises senior executives from organizations including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Dot Foods, Golden State Foods, Johnson & Johnson, Kroger, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Publix Super Markets, PVH Americas & CK Global, Sysco, Target, Topco Associates, Wakefern Food Corp., Walmart and Wegmans Food Markets.
GS1 US is a nonprofit global data standards organization that creates a common language for companies to identify, capture and share data linking physical and digital supply chains. The organization is best known as the source for UPC barcodes. Millions of businesses worldwide use GS1 Standards to power commerce operations.
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