Leadership Team

Bert Clement

In his role as Chief Executive Officer, Bert leads RSi’s global vision, strategic direction and business operations as one of the world’s leading SaaS technology providers serving CPG manufacturers and retailers. With nearly 30 years of technology and financial experience, Bert has deep expertise in business strategy and operations, and a strong track record of delivering long-term revenue and profit growth in highly competitive domestic and international markets. During the past year, Bert has spearheaded RSi’s growing partnership with Microsoft, the pioneering technology and cloud computing company. RSi is the exclusive point of sale (POS) data provider for the Microsoft Connected Supplier program, managing one of the world’s largest implementations of retail POS data in the Microsoft Azure cloud. Prior to joining RSi, Bert was the CFO for Metric Stream, the market leader in enterprise-wide governance, risk, compliance, and quality management solutions. Prior to that, he was COO for Atrenta, one of the largest private companies in the electronic design automation industry, which was sold successfully to Synopsys in 2015. Earlier in his career, Bert worked at Verisign and the global accounting and consulting firm Price Waterhouse.

Bert holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from George Washington University and is fluent in French and Italian.

Kirk W. Wheeler

With more than 30 years of international experience in sales, marketing and general management, Kirk is Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for RSi. He leads the charge on all growth-related activities for the company on a global basis. Kirk’s deep expertise in CPG, retail and technology is key to RSi’s mission to become the world’s leading provider of technology solutions that enable CPG manufacturers and retailers to drive stronger growth and profitability, from supply chain to shelf. Kirk brings in-depth knowledge of SaaS-based applications and expertise in leveraging advanced analytics and AI-driven technologies to the job of transforming RSi into a growth-driven, global technology leader. Prior to joining RSi, Kirk held senior sales, business development and marketing positions at Genpact, IRI, Manthan Systems and Cabela’s, the world’s largest outdoor outfitter. Earlier in his career, Kirk served in regional and country leadership positions for the Coca-Cola Company in the Asia-Pacific region. He started his career in marketing and brand management at PepsiCo and P&G.

Kirk is a graduate of Colorado State University, holding a Bachelor’s in Natural Resources Management and Policy.

Crystal Casey

Crystal manages RSi’s Production teams across the globe. She has over 20 years of experience in business intelligence and data analytics – with more than 14 of those years focused on helping companies in the CPG space to grow, profit and succeed. At RSi, Crystal’s focus is on driving operational efficiencies and ensuring the delivery of timely and accurate data availability. Crystal has acquired strong skills in software development lifecycles, enterprise software, SaaS, ETL and cross-functional team leadership with leading technology companies, including VeriSign, Concentra and HP.

Crystal holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire.

Amit Jain

Amit leads RSi’s global data management and digital transformation technologies that enable CPG manufacturers and retailers to grow, profit and rule. Amit’s technology brief includes all engineering activities around product design, technology development and quality assurance. With more than 17 years of experience in the field and a deep understanding of building highly scalable analytics platforms, enterprise software and distributed computing architectures, Amit has a proven track record of leading cross-functional engineering teams worldwide to deliver quality product development releases. Prior to joining RSi, Amit was Vice President of Engineering with GT Nexus, an Infor Company.

Amit earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from IBS; and a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Mathematics and Statistics, from St John’s College.

Stuart Careford

Stuart manages RSi’s European offices and leads customer success for the company worldwide. He brings to this global responsibility broad-based experience from operational leadership roles that link commercial, marketing, supply chain and finance functions. Stuart serves as the chief liaison between retailer and supplier account owners, making sure that RSi customers can grow profitability by collaborating in new ways with trading partners. His team is also tasked with ensuring that customers have access to crucial best practices in order to run a more successful business – all with a keen focus on strong value creation and bottom-line ROI. Stuart draws from over 20 years of experience working within leading CPG companies, including Gillette/P&G and Birdseye (Private Equity ownership). He has also held various commercial roles managing relationships with all major retailers in the UK.

Stuart holds a Business Diploma from The University of Hertfordshire.

Peggy Bridgford

Peggy leads the global human resources organization at RSi. She brings a depth of experience in recruiting, compensation, employee development and change management to her role at RSi. Prior to joining RSi, Peggy led global human resources teams in the life sciences industry, and served as the head of human resources in high tech for divisions of NEC. Early in her career, Peggy served as an officer in the U.S. Army where she supported HRIS systems.

Peggy earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, and holds a BS in Business and an MS in Human Resources.

Michael Quinn

Michael leads business development, strategic partnerships and acquisitions for RSi. Prior to assuming his current business development role, he built and led the RSi Ansa team. Powered by RSi’s best-in-class technologies, Ansa is an automated solution that brings store-level POS data to life to optimize digital shopper marketing campaigns. Previously, Michael worked at PepsiCo Quaker Oats in a variety of brand management positions, and at PRN as SVP Marketing, Research and Product Development.

Michael is a graduate of Brown University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management & Statistical Methods.

Sumita Saxena

Sumita is responsible for all legal matters for RSi worldwide. With over 15 years of in-depth experience across multiple industries, Sumita has a strong background in negotiating complex agreements pertaining to SaaS, cloud, reseller, software licensing, IP development POC, trial/pilot programs and other commercial transactions. She also assumes responsibility for RSi’s coordination of contract reviews and sales training, as well as assisting with major financing and funding functions. Prior to RSi, Sumita was General Counsel for Pediatric Wellness Group and Associate Counsel at Maxim Integrated Products, a Fortune 500 company.

Sumita holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Government from UC Davis, and a law degree from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Jim Smits

As RSi’s Vice President of US Retailer Development, Jim leads all activities and development with existing retail channels in North America. He uses his in-depth retail industry knowledge to help maintain and build strong mutually-beneficial relationships with all RSi retail customers and partners. With over thirty years in the retail industry, working across multiple formats, from extreme value to gourmet food concepts, Jim’s wide ranging experience includes operations, merchandising, marketing and supply chain. Prior to joining RSi, Jim held executive-level positions with major retailers such as H-E-B, Ahold, Albertsons, Supervalu, Winn Dixie, and Dollar General.

Jim is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School.

Patrick U. Di Chiro

Patrick is Chief Marketing Officer for RSi, bringing to this role 30+ years of experience as a marketing innovator, business builder and entrepreneur. AS CMO, Patrick leads RSi’s global marketing strategies and programs designed to generate demand and leads, build the RSi brand, and strengthen the go-to-market positioning and launch activities for the company’s SaaS products and solutions. Patrick has worked the past two decades in Silicon Valley, launching and driving growth for some of the world’s best known technology companies and brands. These include Marketo, E*TRADE, AT&T Mobility, Match.com, DocuSign, CA Technologies and Engagio. Earlier in his career, Patrick founded Thunder Factory, a leading digital marketing firm, and served as a global partner at Ketchum Worldwide, where he also managed the agency’s Asia-Pacific network. A native of Napoli, Italy, Patrick earned a BS in Journalism from the University of Maryland.