VP, AI and Digital Technology

Who We Are: 

WHY Brands Inc., a parent company of Munchkin, Inc., focuses on creating, incubating, and growing the next generation of consumer lifestyle brands. Founded in 1990, Munchkin is the leading consumer product company and most loved baby lifestyle brand behind the innovative gear and products for children, mothers, and caregivers. Munchkin has sold billions of dollars of products through our key retail partners: Target, Walmart, and Amazon and has global distribution in over 50 countries. With over 350+ patents under our belt and over 250 international product and brand design awards, we continue to create solutions that leave our customers asking, "how did I ever live without this?" Innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for over 30 years!  Recognized as #8 on America’s Most Innovative Companies list by Fortune Magazine, innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for 30 years!  

We lead with our core values and believe that investing in the community is our responsibility.  We create opportunities for every child’s potential and well-being through the Radiant Colors program, work to create a sustainable future, and in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare have committed to animal conservation.   

There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and biggest growth journey, and you could be the next influential leader to play a key role in driving enormous customer-centered value and rapid growth.    

Position Summary:  

WHY Brands is at an inflection point. As we accelerate our growth and digital transformation, we are seeking our first VP, AI and Digital Technology to define the future of technology across our global portfolio of brands. Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive will architect and lead an AI-first enterprise that transforms how we innovate, manufacture, market, sell, and operate—creating a sustainable competitive advantage through technology, data, and artificial intelligence.
Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive will define the technology and artificial intelligence strategy that transforms how we innovate, manufacture, market, sell, and operate to drive profitable growth.

The VP, AI and Digital Technology will lead WHY Brands' transformation into an AI-first, digitally enabled consumer products company by integrating enterprise technology, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, cybersecurity, software engineering, data, and automation into a single strategic function that accelerates innovation, operational excellence, and profitable growth.

This is more than a technology leadership role. It is an opportunity to architect an AI-first enterprise where intelligent automation, data, software, digital commerce, and emerging technologies become catalysts for growth, employee productivity, and exceptional consumer experiences.

What You’ll Do: 

AI-First Enterprise

• Lead the company's AI vision and roadmap, embedding artificial intelligence and intelligent automation across every function—from product development, ecommerce, and supply chain to customer experience, HR, finance, marketing, and operations
• Develop the Company's multi-year AI strategy and investment roadmap
• Establish enterprise AI governance, policies, and responsible AI standards
• Drive adoption of: Generative AI; AI Agents; Intelligent Automation; Machine Learning; Predictive Analytics; Knowledge Management; Digital Assistants; and Responsible AI Governance

Define Enterprise Technology Strategy

• Lead modernization of:
  • Enterprise applications and Cloud infrastructure
  • Integration architecture
  • Data platforms
  • Business intelligence
  • Software development
  • APIs
  • Enterprise architecture
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and translate innovation into measurable business value

Lead Digital Transformation

• Own technology supporting our digital ecosystem including:
  
  • DTC / Ecommerce
  • Digital consumer experiences
  • Mobile technologies
  • Marketing technology
  • Customer data platforms
  • CRM
  • Consumer engagement technologies
• Identify emerging technologies that can create competitive differentiation
• Lead technology due diligence for acquisitions and strategic partnerships
• Partner with Digital, Marketing, Product, and Commercial teams to accelerate revenue growth through technology
• Develop scalable technology platforms supporting global product development, engineering, distribution, sourcing, and commercial operations

Build a Data-Driven Organization

• Develop enterprise capabilities around:
  • Data strategy
  • Master data
  • Data governance
  • Analytics
  • AI-ready architecture
  • Self-service reporting
  • Executive dashboards
• Transform data into a strategic business asset

Lead Product & Software Development

• Oversee internal technology development including:
• Enterprise applications
• Custom software
• Integrations
• APIs
• Consumer-facing platforms
• Mobile applications
• Digital products
• Drive modern software engineering practices
• Own the global technology operating and capital budgets, ensuring disciplined investment and measurable ROI

Cybersecurity & Risk

• Ensure world-class security across the enterprise
• Lead:
  • Cybersecurity strategy
  • Information security
  • Identity & Access Management
  • Infrastructure security
  • Incident response
  • Business continuity and Disaster recovery
  • Privacy & regulatory compliance
  • Protect consumer, employee, and company data while enabling innovation

Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team
• Provide strategic guidance on:
  • Technology investments
  • Digital transformation
  • AI opportunities
  • Innovation
  • M&A technology integration
  • Enterprise risk
  • Future technology trends
• Represent technology at the Board level when appropriate
• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Global IT and Technology Teams
• Build, mentor, and motivate high-performing cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define company strategy and roadmap
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement; lead organizational change initiatives to support evolving business needs

Bring It! 

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise technology, software engineering, digital transformation, data, and AI
  
• Experience leading enterprise IT organizations in consumer products, retail, ecommerce, manufacturing, or similarly complex industries
  
• Experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG); ideally with e-commerce, and/or direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses
  
• Deep AI & Digital Expertise with: Enterprise AI strategy; Generative AI; AI Agents; Intelligent Automation; Large Language Models; Microsoft Copilot ecosystem; Claude and OpenAI technologies; AI governance; Data platforms; Machine learning applications
  
• Ability to identify practical AI opportunities that create measurable business impact and outcomes
• Proven experience serving as CTO, CIO, CDO, or equivalent executive leader
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide digital transformation that translate to business outcomes
  
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technology and AI concepts into clear business strategies for executive leadership and Boards of Directors
  
• Experience building modern cloud-based technology organizations.
  
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture and software development
  
• Experience leading cybersecurity and enterprise risk initiatives
  
• Track record of building high-performing global technology teams
  
• Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing cross-functional teams, both directly and through influence
  
• Able to translate operational insights into business impact and make data-driven recommendations aligned with financial goals
  
• Entrepreneurial, nimble, and comfortable in a hands-on, fast-moving environment
• A collaborative team player who leads with humility, drives accountability, and fosters a culture of trust and performance
  
• Superior management skills: ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
  
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, the Company’s board of directors, and staff
  
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker

We Got You Covered! 

As a Great Place to Work Certified™ company, we are committed to offering the best to our employees.  We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, wellness benefits, generous employer-matched 401(k) plan, Paid Childcare Leave, among other benefit plans.  Our total rewards are top of market and include competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities to earn equity.  We focus on supporting employee development and growth.  

We regularly hold social functions to foster a genuine camaraderie that enhances teamwork. At our company-wide award functions, we take time to recognize the talent and dedication of the people who make Munchkin the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

To learn more, visit us at www.munchkin.com. 

Salary range: $285,000 - $350,000

Munchkin welcomes and values what makes everyone unique.  We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires for our team are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. 

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