Erik is an experienced entrepreneur, executive, technologist and business strategist. He has delivered valuable technology solutions across retail, insurance, logistics, healthcare, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals. Erik has over 150 issued patents internationally and won Triangle Business Journal’s CIO of the Year for Innovation & Transformation.  

Erik started his career with IBM, helping create and run IBM’s Smarter Commerce initiative from 2008 to 2012 including leading product and technology across over 50 software and software-as-a-service products. After his 12 years at IBM, Erik started a successful mobile application business leading product strategy and technology before exiting with an acquisition in 2017. He then created a custom application development business which exited successfully in 2021 when the company was told to a consulting and managed services business.  

Erik’s experience with companies such as Target, Kroger, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Finish Line, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Company, Allstate, American Airlines, AT&T and American Express while also working with software companies and startups has given him a unique perspective on how to build technology strategies, teams and talent.