Tech Tuesday: Executive Appointments, New Apps

RetailMeNot has commemorated 20 years in business by launching a new application, RetailMeNot Rewards. This app leverages artificial intelligence to enhance deal discovery and goes beyond traditional promo codes by integrating loyalty features and personalization.

The app uses AI to assure users that they are getting the best available prices, including verified discount codes guaranteed through a “Working Code Promise” and providing a minimum 1% cashback with more than 3,500 merchants. Additional AI capabilities, such as Scout Price and Smart Search, are designed to improve the efficiency of product and promotion searches by offering real-time, context-aware recommendations.

Infor Appoints New Leadership in Japan

Infor has named Yuka Kanemitsu as president and representative director of Infor Japan. Kanemitsu will oversee the company’s strategic direction and daily operations within Japan, focusing on accelerating customer success, strengthening partnerships, and expanding regional growth.

Her appointment coincides with increasing adoption of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation among Japanese businesses as they tackle persistent challenges like labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. Kanemitsu, with over 25 years of experience in enterprise technology, will concentrate on broadening Infor’s presence in asset-intensive industries by leveraging its Industry Cloud platform combined with AI and automation technologies.

Calico AI Expands with New Chief Momentum Officer

Calico AI has appointed Derek Galkin as its first chief momentum officer, a newly created role aimed at accelerating company growth and widening brand partnerships within the apparel industry.

Calico AI is a technology-driven platform that assists apparel brands in expediting product sourcing, pricing, and manufacturing. Galkin brings extensive brand-building expertise from founding the footwear brand SeaVees and working with prominent companies such as Formula 1, Deckers, Oakley, and Ford.

Following a successful $15 million Series A funding round, Calico is enhancing its Brand Vault platform. This solution consolidates key product and supplier data in one organized location, addressing previous challenges with scattered information among brand teams.

InstaLily Strengthens Distribution Leadership

InstaLily announced the appointment of Adam Isenberg as head of distribution. With over 14 years at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, Isenberg will lead initiatives to boost distributor engagement, build stronger industry partnerships, and support growth in wholesale distribution.

InstaLily provides AI-powered solutions that streamline order processing by consolidating dispersed information across multiple systems, enhancing responsiveness and order completion. The platform integrates seamlessly with distributor systems such as Epicor Prophet 21, Salesforce, and Oracle, maintaining existing workflows while increasing operational efficiency.

Castles Technology Research on UK POS Systems

Research published by Castles Technology highlights the evolving role of point-of-sale (POS) systems in the United Kingdom. POS technology is increasingly central not only for payment acceptance but also for broader retail and brand operations, including customer insights, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.

The study reveals that 90% of UK retailers now accept mobile wallets. Additionally, the removal of the £100 contactless payment limit enables higher-value transactions across multiple sectors. Retailers are demanding POS systems that offer:

  • Integration with CRM and e-commerce platforms
  • High reliability and user-friendliness
  • Flexible payment options
  • Clear and transparent pricing
  • Strong technical support

PTC Launches Arena Connect for Enhanced PLM and QMS

PTC introduced Arena Connect, an advancement to its Arena product lifecycle management (PLM) and quality management system (QMS). Arena Connect enables automated data exchange across enterprise platforms such as ERP, MES, Jira, and Slack, minimizing manual data entry and reducing the need for complex custom integrations.

New features include a visual workflow builder, a library with over 200 pre-built connectors, and a centralized governance dashboard for monitoring purposes. Additionally, the update introduces AI-driven tools to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve document analysis.

This development supports PTC’s Intelligent Product Lifecycle strategy, aiming to enhance product quality, ensure compliance, and accelerate time-to-market for manufacturers.

Key Takeaways

  • RetailMeNot launched a new AI-driven rewards app enhancing deal discovery and cashback benefits.
  • Infor appointed Yuka Kanemitsu to lead its Japan operations, focusing on AI and cloud adoption.
  • Calico AI hired Derek Galkin as chief momentum officer to expand apparel industry partnerships.
  • InstaLily named Adam Isenberg head of distribution to improve distributor engagement using AI-powered solutions.
  • Research from Castles Technology shows UK retailers adopting integrated, versatile POS systems.
  • PTC unveiled Arena Connect to automate data exchange and enhance supply chain resilience with AI tools.