Orgill Inc. has hired retail technology veteran Sharmeelee “Sharms” Bala as its next chief digital and information officer (CDIO).
It brings in a leader with more than two decades of experience driving large-scale digital transformation at major retail chains. She joins the Collierville, Tenn.-based distributor on Dec. 1.
Bala most recently served as CIO and head of product management at JCPenney (Catalyst Brands). There, she led a digital overhaul credited with delivering more than $50 million in incremental sales, modernizing store systems and improving operational efficiency. Her earlier roles at Gap Inc. and Walmart spanned global engineering, merchandising platforms, supply-chain technology, enterprise data systems and master data management.
About Orgill’s new CDIO
Orgill president and CEO Boyden Moore said Bala’s deep retail background aligns with the company’s push to strengthen its digital capabilities for the independent hardware, home center and building-supplies retailers it serves.
In her new role, Bala will oversee Orgill’s technology organization. The company recently restructured that segment has recently to support modernization efforts across the enterprise.
Her responsibilities will include:
- Mainframe development and operations
- Enterprise software engineering
- Applications management
- Architecture
- Project management
- Ongoing infrastructure upgrades
She will also lead broader initiatives aimed at expanding Orgill’s data and analytics capabilities, improving supply-chain visibility, and enhancing dealer- and customer-facing digital tools.
“Both the distribution and retail industries are undergoing rapid digital disruption,” Bala said.
Clay Jackson, Orgill’s executive vice president and COO, said Bala’s experience with AI-driven innovation, data architecture and retail supply-chain modernization positions the company for its next phase of growth.
Orgill, founded in 1847, is among the world’s largest independently owned hardlines distributors, supplying more than 13,500 retail locations across all 50 U.S. states, Canada and more than 50 additional countries. The company reports annual sales exceeding $3.6 billion.
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