by MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Coast to Coast Accents has hired industry veteran Jesse Akre as chief digital officer, leading the company’s omnichannel, e-commerce and digital vision and strategy.
In the new role, Akre will lead the development of a new omnichannel strategy that will enable Coast to Coast “to deliver the most desirable customer experience, whether it is e-commerce or digitally influenced omnichannel through innovative technology and initiatives,” according to a release. “o enable this strategy, Jesse will also lead the ongoing modernization of Coast to Coast’s information systems that support all business and retail operations.”
The creation of this new role and focus is part of the company’s efforts to, among other things, overhaul its operating model and provide a better foundation for the omnichannel future, it said. He will report directly to Andy Stein, Chief Executive Officer.
Akre has more than 20 years of experience leading omnichannel and data initiatives within the home furnishings industry. Most recently as president and chief operating officer of RetailSystem.com, a cloud-based retail management system for home furnishings retailers, where he led all aspects of the company’s global portfolio. Before that he was chief strategy officer and then chief revenue officer of Amber Engine. From 2013 to 2016, he was senior vice president at MicroD. Before that he held leadership positions with Channel Redefined and Edenvale Shoppes.
“As fast as things are changing in the industry, (Akre’s) deep knowledge of omnichannel and how all the tech and data dots need to connect is exactly what Coast to Coast needs,” said Coast to Coast Accents’ Stein. “Jesse’s unique background that spans ecommerce, retail, supplier, and retail tech will makes him an instrumental addition to our team. We are very excited about where we are going – and Jesse will be a big part of leading the charge in getting us there.”
Akre said, “Coast to Coast’s strong team, tremendous product offerings, together with its appetite for innovation are key assets for any digital transformation journey and are many of the reasons I joined the Coast to Coast journey. I look forward to building upon this momentum and leading the next generation of digital and omnichannel innovation.”
