Chris Schueler Sullivan is a dynamic and visionary technology executive with over two decades of experience driving transformative business strategies and digital innovations across global enterprises. A seasoned leader, Chris combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on people development and operational efficiency, making him a distinguished figure in the health, wellness, and retail sectors. He is known for his ability to seamlessly integrate business architecture with cutting-edge technology, delivering exceptional results that significantly improve profitability and drive sustained growth.

As Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Self Esteem Brands, Chris has been at the forefront of a global digital transformation, leading the company through a period of rapid innovation. His leadership in launching the Anytime Fitness app internationally and optimizing the company’s operational systems has reduced costs by 30% while driving revenue growth. Under his guidance, Self Esteem Brands has experienced a 15% improvement in project prioritization and resource allocation, alongside a 25% reduction in operating costs through strategic vendor partnerships and the optimization of payment systems across 35 countries. His ability to manage and deploy a $35 million annual budget and a team of 150 global resources has positioned him as a key driver of the company’s continued success.

Chris’s career at Self Esteem Brands has been marked by a steadfast commitment to creating a people-first culture. Through tailored coaching and talent development, he increased team productivity by 20%, resulting in enhanced employee retention and numerous internal promotions. His efforts to enhance cross-departmental collaboration have contributed to a 30% increase in project delivery speed, fostering a positive and engaged work environment that supports long-term business growth.

Earlier in his career, Chris held senior leadership roles at Target Corporation, where he was instrumental in spearheading innovative technology initiatives, including robotic automation and process reengineering, which significantly improved operational efficiency and saved millions in operating costs. His leadership in the financial services division, including a $6 billion credit card receivables sale and the design of Target’s REDcard program, solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking business architect with a deep understanding of both technology and financial strategy.

Chris has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the technology and business sectors, including being named a finalist for the 2024 Global CIO of the Year MN ORBIE Award and the 2024 MN Technology Association Partner of the Year Award. He is also the holder of two U.S. patents, demonstrating his ability to drive innovation and lead with an entrepreneurial spirit.

With a proven track record of success in strategic planning, enterprise-level technology integration, and cross-functional leadership, Chris continues to build a legacy of empowering teams, driving efficiency, and delivering transformative results. His expertise spans across business architecture, project management, digital transformation, and operational excellence, making him a highly sought-after leader in the industry.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Davidson College and has pursued a wide range of certifications and training, further enhancing his skills and knowledge to lead organizations in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

• Character: Demonstrates a people-centric leadership style, fostering collaboration and developing talent to increase team productivity and retention.
• Knowledge: Possesses deep expertise in digital transformation, business architecture, and operational efficiency, driving innovation across global organizations.
• Strategic: Successfully implements business capability frameworks and optimizes resource allocation, achieving significant cost reductions and enhanced project delivery.
• Communication: Effectively leads cross-functional teams and stakeholders, driving global initiatives and fostering strong relationships with franchisees, vendors, and technical teams.