The Industry Data Exchange Association, Inc. (IDEA) announces the new IDEA Technology Advisory Council, whose mission is to drive continual digital innovation within IDEA for the electrical industry.
The IDEA Technology Advisory Council brings together digital leaders from both within and outside the electrical industry with extensive experience in distribution, manufacturing, and software technology. Council members identify and provide input on current and future digital needs and opportunities within the electrical industry to IDEA’s President and ultimately the IDEA Board. Seeking new technologies and innovations, the council will discuss and address potential opportunities to help IDEA to solve digital challenges, increase the value of IDEA Connector and Exchange data, as well as identify new processes to become more predictive with data needs.
The IDEA Technology Advisory Council encourages IDEA’s distributor and manufacturer customers to introduce any new and existing state-of-the-art, or best-in-class digital technology services and solutions to the council for vetting and review.
IDEA Technology Advisory Council Members
John Pehler, Chief Digital Officer, Rexel USA
Currently leading digital strategy, information technology, and business architecture transformation at Rexel USA, Pehler has consistently demonstrated his ability to accelerate digital adoption and promote business transformation in support of the customer, employee, and partner experience. His previous executive leadership positions include Global Head of Digital Customer Engagement at Caterpillar Inc. and Director of Digital Experience & Strategy at W.W. Grainger, Inc. Pehler has led award-winning teams and broken new ground in digital experiences and eCommerce. Earning an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, together with his strategic focus and passion for new technologies, Pehler has the background and experience IDEA was looking for when it first conceived of the idea of a Technical Advisory Council.
Aravind Padmanabhan, Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer, nVent
Padmanabhan brings insight into engineering and technology. He was named nVent’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer in December 2019. Prior to joining nVent, Padmanabhan spent two decades in technology leadership roles at Honeywell (most recently as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Honeywell Connected Worker) and currently holds 54 U.S. patents. He earned a PhD in Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with specialization in Sensors and Systems; a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology; and a Minor in Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management. IDEA is extremely pleased to secure a council member with such an extensive academic background and record of technological achievement.
Kerry Young, Entrepreneur & Tech Advisor
With his background and experience as the CIO of a large, global semiconductor and electronics components distributor along with his experience leading product strategy and growth for several technology and e-commerce start-ups, Young brings both strategic and tactical insights into enterprise software, ecommerce, and technology startups. During his time as VP and GM of EnterWorks/Winshuttle/Precisely, he spent more than a decade selling and supporting complex enterprise software applications, including Master Data Management (MDM) and Product Information Management (PIM) solutions. Young has relied on his MBA and degree in Computer Science to help him build a proven track record in technology and business. Young’s strong working relationship with IDEA was forged by the successful implementation of IDEA’s new MDM, and IDEA is very fortunate to be able to add Young’s expertise and insights to the council.
To share a new or existing digital technology service or solution to the IDEA Technology Council for review, please contact David Oldfather.
About IDEA
The Industry Data Exchange Association, Inc. (IDEA) is the official technology service provider and eBusiness standards body of the electrical industry. IDEA helps hundreds of manufacturers and distributors globally to effectively and efficiently exchange transactional and eCommerce content on a day-to-day basis. IDEA was founded in 1998 through a partnership formed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). IDEA’s applications also bring value to vertical markets such as industrial, plumbing, and HVAC. Find out more at idea4industry.com.
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