Case Studies
August 17, 2026
Sophelle at RetailClub AI Festival 2026
Sophelle at RetailClub 2026
Operational AI: Embedding Intelligence into Core Retail Projects
Sophelle is hosting an invite-only panel at the Retail AI Council Beach House during RetailClub AI Festival, bringing together retail executives for an unscripted conversation on AI strategy. The premise: the most successful AI programs aren’t built on one big transformation initiative — they’re assembled from multiple ingredients and use cases working together. Leading executives from brands including Chewy and Ashley Furniture will share what’s actually working, from early experimentation to measurable business impact.
The conversation is moderated by Maya Hamilton, VP and Practice Leader, AI at Sophelle. Attendees will leave with a practical recipe for AI success they can apply immediately, regardless of where their organization currently stands in its AI journey.
Wednesday, September 24 | 2:00pm – 2:35pm
Who You'll Meet
Maya Hamilton
Vice President, Practice Leader, AI
Maya is responsible for building and scaling the firm’s AI Transformation Practice, ensuring that every client investment is de-risked and focused squarely on profit.
With over 20 years of senior operational and strategic leadership within the retail sector, Maya’s experience includes Digital P&L management at Kipling USA, coupled with leadership roles at major global brands including VF Corp, Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic, positioning Maya as a rare executive who approaches AI not as a technology challenge, but as a lever for operational certainty and financial accountability.
Joe Dela Cruz
President, Group Leader, Retail Solutions
Over 25 years of retail technology leadership experience helping enterprise and growth-stage brands modernize their operations and scale with confidence. Joe has led large-scale implementations across POS, merchandising, supply chain, finance, CRM, and workforce management. At Sophelle, he partners directly with CTOs, CIOs, and business leaders to align strategy, systems, and execution, ensuring technology investments are practical, scalable, and ROI-driven.
Joe has supported transformation initiatives for leading retailers such as Pier 1, ANN INC., Cole Haan, Ralph Lauren, Bonobos, Club Monaco, DAVIDsTEA, Coach, David’s Bridal, and Scholastic.
Doug Weich
Founder & Chairman
With over 25 years of experience guiding retailers through complex transformation at the intersection of strategy, technology, and innovation, Doug is a recognized industry thought leader and frequent speaker at major retail conferences, advising executives on omnichannel modernization,
AI adoption, and scalable operating models.
Doug is also a Connector at Retail AI Council, where he helps retail leaders identify high-impact AI solutions by connecting them with vetted providers, strategic partners, and investor networks. His career includes leadership roles as co-founder and CTO of RetailExchange.com, VP of Information Systems at Wholesale Depot, and advisor to global retailers through EDS / A.T. Kearney.
Maya Hamilton
Vice President, Practice Leader, AI
Maya is responsible for building and scaling the firm’s AI Transformation Practice, ensuring that every client investment is de-risked and focused squarely on profit.
With over 20 years of senior operational and strategic leadership within the retail sector, Maya’s experience includes Digital P&L management at Kipling USA, coupled with leadership roles at major global brands including VF Corp, Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic, positioning Maya as a rare executive who approaches AI not as a technology challenge, but as a lever for operational certainty and financial accountability.
Joe Dela Cruz
President, Group Leader, Retail Solutions
Over 25 years of retail technology leadership experience helping enterprise and growth-stage brands modernize their operations and scale with confidence. Joe has led large-scale implementations across POS, merchandising, supply chain, finance, CRM, and workforce management. At Sophelle, he partners directly with CTOs, CIOs, and business leaders to align strategy, systems, and execution, ensuring technology investments are practical, scalable, and ROI-driven.
Joe has supported transformation initiatives for leading retailers such as Pier 1, ANN INC., Cole Haan, Ralph Lauren, Bonobos, Club Monaco, DAVIDsTEA, Coach, David’s Bridal, and Scholastic.
Doug Weich
Founder & Chairman
With over 25 years of experience guiding retailers through complex transformation at the intersection of strategy, technology, and innovation, Doug is a recognized industry thought leader and frequent speaker at major retail conferences, advising executives on omnichannel modernization,
AI adoption, and scalable operating models.
Doug is also a Connector at Retail AI Council, where he helps retail leaders identify high-impact AI solutions by connecting them with vetted providers, strategic partners, and investor networks. His career includes leadership roles as co-founder and CTO of RetailExchange.com, VP of Information Systems at Wholesale Depot, and advisor to global retailers through EDS / A.T. Kearney.
The Sophelle Intelligence Core™
We power our work with the Sophelle Intelligence Core™, our proprietary engine that blends advanced AI with two decades of real-world retail experience. This fusion allows us to dramatically accelerate strategic timelines, identify risks with greater precision, and deliver predictable, high-impact results across the entire technology lifecycle.
By combining our deep subject matter expertise with AI-enhanced diagnostics and benchmarks, we bridge the gap between technology potential and actual business value. Speak with us at RetailClub to learn more about how we use the Sophelle Intelligence Core™ to optimize your results.
Meet us at the
Retail Insiders Party
Sophelle is proud to sponsor the Retail Insiders Party, the official kickoff party for RetailClub. This invite-only evening brings 100+ senior retail and DTC executives together to connect, network, and unwind over cocktails and a golden hour beachside view.
Free for approved retailers only. Join us there.
About Sophelle
For over three decades, Sophelle has partnered with more than 300 leading retail & DTC brands to turn complex challenges into measurable success. With over 1,000 strategy and implementation projects completed, we bring unmatched experience and insight to every engagement.
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August 14, 2026
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