Meet Aldata President and CEO, Roy J. Simrell
Aldata recently announced the appointment of Roy J. Simrell as the company’s president and CEO. The Aldata Marketing team met with Roy to give you a formal introduction to our new president and CEO and the opportunity to learn more about what this strategic appointment will mean.
As Aldata’s new CEO, what are some of your goals for the company?
Aldata has built an impressive client roster, and my first priority in my new role is to improve communication with these existing clients to ensure Aldata is doing everything we can to improve their overall business operations. Through technology, Aldata increases the efficiency of each of our customers’ businesses, which is why it is crucial that we offer the most cutting-edge retailing optimization solutions across supply and demand chain operations. We will continue to invest in the development and support of our existing solutions and bring new, innovative applications to market.
How did your experiences bring you to Aldata?
I am joining Aldata with 25 years of experience in retail technology, software development and IT services. Most recently, I was the President of the US Business unit of a global retail technology provider (Retalix) with approximately USD 130 million of annual revenues. My combination of global expertise and my experience working with some of the world’s leading retailers makes Aldata a perfect fit.
You’ve been working in global retail technology for a long time, what about Aldata excites you?
Symphony Technology Group has been an investor in Aldata since 2006 and believes in the potential for developing Aldata's business further - I’m thrilled to be a part of that plan. In a tumultuous economy, retailers, manufacturers and distributors are doing everything they can to limit out of stocks, wasted goods and ultimately increase sales and margins – having the technology to empower these companies to do just that is exciting.
How do you plan to continue to execute and improve upon the company’s legacy?
Aldata has a reputation for its successful work with some of the world’s largest brands. I plan to build upon this legacy by expanding our breadth of services and overall impact on each of our customers’ businesses. With Symphony’s commitment, I plan to take Aldata’s technology to new markets and expose new regions to the power of retail and distribution optimization.
Aldata has a very strong position in Europe, how do you see the opportunity for Aldata in the USA specifically?
We have spent the last 5 years building a base of satisfied customers in the USA following 20 years of success in Europe. We are now in a position to expand our US operations substantially based on a solid customer performance of operational success with retailers and their suppliers. Some of our largest retailers are based out of Europe, specifically France, and I will remain committed to these customers to nurture and grow.
Where do you see Aldata heading in 2012 and beyond?
Aldata has a clear strategy to help our customers globally to optimize their operations. We will extend both the functionality and performance of our products and services to achieve that goal. This will include better ways to forecast, supply, replenish, market, and sell their goods. We are investing in mobile, multi-channel, and consumer centric technologies to make this happen and partnering with the world’s leading technology suppliers.
On a personal note, how do you like to spend your free time?
I have been married for 21 years now and have two children, so when I’m not working my time is spent with my family. I also enjoy traveling, deep sea fishing and a round of golf whenever I can!
Do you have a life motto?
I do have a life motto and it applies to me on a professional and personal level. My life motto is to focus your time on doing what you absolutely love and are passionate about. In order to be truly exceptional at something you must be passionate about it; finding that something is sometimes a challenge but once you do you’ll never forget the satisfaction it brings to your life.