We recently announced the official appointment of Yonatan Olsha, Profitect’s new leader of our EMEA business. I sat down with Yonatan to get to know him better, and find out what he is most excited about in his new role.
Question: What Inspired you to take on this new role with Profitect?
I’m a unique case since my background is entirely on the retail-vendor side – the role with Profitect was a complete change for me. I really believe that with today’s changing retail customer it’s now possible for the retail experience to be tailored and personalized based on real-time analytics and big data. I believe the only solution is Profitect, which led me to take on my current role.
What motivated me the most to join the Profitect team is that I worked across a variety of top retail brands and I saw firsthand the issues that plagued today’s modern retailers. I decided it was time for me to join a technology company in the retail sector that was innovating business intelligence technology and providing actionable outcomes for retailers. The answer was clear and it brought me to my new role at Profitect.
Question: What are the most significant differences you have noticed between the European retail market versus the American retail market?
The biggest thing I have noticed is that the U.S. is very quick to adopt new technologies and Europe is following right behind. Another trend that I am noticing is that consumers want to have the exact same shopping experience across all channels and across all countries. A customer doesn’t want to have an amazing experience in-store and then an entirely different experience on a mobile device. Since technology is becoming more advanced, retailers with a global presence should work to mirror the brand experience across all borders and channels.
Question: What retail trends do you anticipate we’ll see this holiday season?
Last year I saw retailers use predictive, not prescriptive analytics and that led them to some trouble. On the East Coast, they experienced unseasonably warm temperatures in December, which led retailers to sell much smaller quantities of coats, gloves, scarves, etc. This year, in both Europe and around the world, I think we’ll see retailers place a larger emphasis on products that can be used year round like gaming consoles, tablets, and other devices. I also read an interesting article that said millennials are spending more on gifts for themselves this year – I think we’ll see this trend become more apparent in years to come. Generally, spending is up in 2016 and NRF forecasted retail sales to grow by 3.1 percent in 2016.
Question: Where can we find you in your spare time when you are not working?
With free time, I enjoy spending it with my family. Even if we are just watching a new television show, going to the park or hiking and camping, my favorite way to spend our time together. I also love to travel. Recently, I was able to meet with Profitect customers and community members in Fort Lauderdale for our User Group Conference, and couldn’t get enough of the beach. Every morning I joined some team members and customers for a run along the beach during sunrise – it was beautiful! I love warm weather and I’m always eager to explore new vacation spots.
Are you looking to join an exciting, growing team? If so, feel free to visit our careers page and check-out the open opportunities.
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