Sportsman’s Warehouse taps Ross Stores exec as CIO
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. is naming a veteran retail executive with more than two decades of experience as its technology head.
The specialty outdoor retailer is appointing Sruti Patnaik as its new CIO. She will be responsible for leading the company’s IT efforts and further building out its omnichannel capabilities.
Patnaik has more than 20 years of retail experience as a senior executive with Ross Stores Inc. Most recently, she was a senior VP and IT executive over supply chain, stores, corporate applications, and quality assurance services. Prior to that, she was group VP over store systems, corporate applications and project management office services. She also held positions at Ross Stores as VP over store systems, enterprise architecture and support.
In 2021, Patnaik was awarded a Top Women in Retail Technology Award by Chain Store Age.
During her tenure at Ross Stores, Patnaik founded and led several different diversity-related initiatives, such as Women in IT and Women Inspire at Ross. She is involved in diversity, equity and inclusion and mentorship, and has spoken at events nationwide.
Patnaik is also the founder, president, and board member of Twinkle Academy, a U.S.-based non-profit providing education for underserved children in remote villages of India, the Philippines, and the U.S. She has a B.S. degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in music.
“As an organization that focuses on the needs of our customers, we are pleased to have Ms. Patnaik’s innovative mindset and leadership to oversee our internal and customer-reaching technologies,” said Jon Barker, Sportsman’s Warehouse CEO. “We remain committed to our objective of taking diversity and inclusion to exciting new levels, while enhancing the overall strength of the company. I have no doubt that Ms. Patnaik’s experience, combined with Sportsman’s Warehouse commitment to continuous improvement, will help us further transform our technology to better serve our customers.”
“Sportsman’s Warehouse has seen tremendous growth over the last couple of years, and I’m pleased to join the executive team to help lead the company’s technology-related initiatives,” said Patnaik. “Once inclusion is an instinct, diversity follows. I am excited about continuing the efforts to increase diversity in the organization and passionate about working with proven, forward-thinking leaders at Sportsman’s Warehouse. I hope to bring my deep experience and expertise in retail to help our millions of consumers enjoy their love for the outdoors.”
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in West Jordan, Utah, Sportsman’s Warehouse operates over 100 stores.