Electronic Retailer - November 2011 - 24

The Leadership Team

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The 2011-2012 ERA Board of Directors weighs in on the organization’s strategic plans for growing the brand, expanding internationally and increasing membership.
marketers/retailers with the remaining one-third representing suppliers. PHOTO BY JACOB ANDRZEJCZAK Electronic Retailer caught up with the board members to learn more about what On Sept. 14, 2011, newly appointed ERA they believe will ensure the association’s Chairman Steven Feinberg addressed the future growth, the key issues that should membership and the industry for the be addressed, and advice they would first time during the 2011 ERA D2C bestow on new members entering the fold. Convention to not only rally support from both members and non-members, Electronic Retailer: As a returning but to also affirm ERA’s continued commember of the board, what has this mitment to maintaining a leadership experience meant to you? role in the direct-to-consumer marketScott Boilen: It has been rewarding ing industry. During his remarks, he sitting on the board of ERA and hopeproclaimed: “One of ERA’s strongest fully making an impact at both the attributes is its ability to bring people board and industry level. Getting to together to meet, exchange ideas and work with so many smart people has leverage that collective wisdom in order been a learning experience. Until you get to affect change in the industry. ERA’s really involved, it is hard to comprehend board of directors is a prime example of how many issues ERA touches and how that. This diverse board combines quality vital the organization is to the long-term thought leadership with many years of growth of the industry. industry expertise, and I look forward to Carey Grange: It’s been incredible to working with them.” What makes this partner with such extraordinary thought group so diverse? This well-balanced leaders in embracing the ever-evolving board is comprised of two-thirds of nuances of our industry and helping BY VITISIA PAYNICH

shape the direction of our association, accordingly. I have a very different appreciation for the importance of ERA. It plays an active role in influencing policy that benefits our collective industry, and emphasizes the need for all marketers and suppliers to work together to advocate for and protect our channels of commerce and the customer experience. Greg Henchel: Coming from a traditional retail background, being an ERA board member has been an amazing opportunity for me to learn about the electronic retail world. It has allowed me to meet dozens of great contacts, discover some terrific opportunities and learn about the key regulatory issues that our business faces every day. John Mills: As an ERA board member and Chairman of the European board of directors, I have really appreciated the opportunity to get closer to the U.S. DR market – which is much larger than the one in the UK – and to meet so many interesting and talented people. It has also been a valuable experience to see how

electronicRETAILER | November 2011

Electronic Retailer - November 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electronic Retailer - November 2011