Three Tech Leaders Discuss How Innovation Reshapes Their Companies

October 14, 2026 - 08:24

Three chief technology officers shared their perspectives on the role technology plays in their organizations during a recent industry dinner focused on leadership in tech and data. Franziska Bell of The Home Depot, Fiona Tan of Wayfair, and Sam Dozor of Rokt each offered distinct views on how digital tools and data strategy influence daily operations and long term planning.

Bell described how a large retail operation depends on technology to connect supply chains, store systems, and customer experiences. She noted that scale brings complexity, and that keeping systems reliable requires constant investment in talent and infrastructure. Tan explained how an e commerce platform relies on data to anticipate demand, personalize shopping, and manage logistics across a wide network of products and partners. She emphasized that technology decisions are business decisions, not isolated engineering exercises.

Dozor spoke about building tools that help marketers reach customers in moments when attention is highest. He argued that speed and relevance matter more than sheer volume of data. The discussion touched on hiring, the pressure to adopt new tools quickly, and the challenge of balancing experimentation with stability. All three leaders agreed that technology alone does not create value. People, processes, and clear priorities determine whether new systems actually improve outcomes. The conversation highlighted how different industries face similar questions about scaling innovation without losing focus on the customer.