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Episode 920

Ulta’s Digital Transformation: Building an Omnichannel and Hyperpersonalized Customer Experience Through Data with CTO/CIO Mike Maresca

October 31, 2024
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About the Guest

Mike Maresca

Chief Technology and Information Officer at Ulta Beauty
Mike Maresca is the Chief Technology and Information Officer at Ulta Beauty, a $11 billion beauty and health retailer. Since joining Ulta Beauty, Mike has led the company's cloud and digital transformation efforts, creating an omnichannel customer experience that blends online and in-store services. His leadership spans digital innovation, cybersecurity, and data-driven personalization, all while overseeing a global team. Previously, Mike served as Global CTO at Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he focused on scaling technology solutions for retail environments. With a career centered on leveraging technology for customer experience, Mike is a forward-thinking leader passionate about digital evolution in retail.

Episode Overview

Ulta Beauty has positioned itself as an industry leader by merging in-store and digital experiences for a seamless, personalized customer experience. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ulta Beauty’s Chief Technology and Information Officer Mike Maresca on the company’s digital transformation, cloud expansion, and omni-centric strategy. Mike shares insights on how Ulta’s GlamLab enables virtual try-ons and how data and AI drive hyper-personalization for Ulta’s 44 million loyalty members.

Highlights include:

  • Digital Transformation and Omni-Centric Strategy: Mike shares how Ulta Beauty is investing in multi-cloud infrastructure and agile development to build a connected experience across online and in-store channels.
  • Hyper-Personalization Through Data and AI: Ulta’s approach to creating personalized customer experiences leverages a modern data platform, enabling customized product recommendations, loyalty rewards, and shopping experiences.
  • GlamLab and Virtual Try-Ons: Using augmented reality, Ulta’s GlamLab allows customers to try on products virtually, blending digital convenience with a tactile shopping experience.
  • Talent and Agile Innovation: Mike emphasizes the importance of fostering a learning culture through Ulta University and empowering fusion teams that bring business, product, and IT closer together.
  • Expansion into Mexico: Announcing Ulta Beauty’s international expansion into Mexico in 2025, Mike provides a glimpse into the company’s future growth strategy.
  • Automation and Supply Chain Efficiency: Through robotic automation in distribution centers, Ulta is optimizing fulfillment accuracy and scaling to meet seasonal demand, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
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