Grace Nicholls is a distinguished leader renowned for her strategic acumen and operational excellence in the digital and omnichannel landscape. With a robust track record of leading high-performing organizations through complex transformations, Grace has cemented her reputation as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the rapidly evolving business and technology sectors.
Currently serving as the Head of Strategic Operations at Course Hero, Grace plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing strategic initiatives that drive business success. Her expertise in strategic planning, product operations, and objectives and key results (OKRs) has been instrumental in optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing customer engagement. Under her leadership, Course Hero has experienced significant advancements in its digital strategy, reflecting her profound understanding of the intersections between technology and business growth.
Before her tenure at Course Hero, Grace was the Vice President of Retail & Digital Strategic Operations at Student Brands. In this role, she managed all business and technology teams, overseeing day-to-day operations and P&L reporting. Grace was pivotal in driving the integration plan post-acquisition, which maximized bookings and revenue through enhanced operational efficiency. Her strategic vision led to the successful implementation of AI and machine learning features, reducing costs and boosting customer engagement.
Grace’s career also includes a notable position as Vice President of Retail, Digital, and Strategic Operations at Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. In this role, she was tasked with building the Digital Student Solutions division from the ground up. Grace led the design and execution of an omni-strategy that spanned over 800 online and physical stores, establishing key partnerships to drive growth and profitability. Her innovative use of AI and machine learning technology delivered substantial savings and enhanced the overall student experience.
Prior to her role at Barnes & Noble, Grace served as the Vice President of the Project Management Office/Strategy and Planning at Toys”R”Us. She was a driving force behind the company’s digital transformation, spearheading initiatives that redefined customer engagement and operational efficiency. Grace’s efforts in re-platforming the ecommerce website and implementing Agile methodologies significantly improved process integration and optimization.
Grace’s career began at J.Crew, where she held the position of Vice President of the Project Management Office & Quality Assurance. Her leadership in developing an information systems strategy led to incremental sales growth of $2.0 billion over three years. Grace’s establishment of a centralized QA department and her strategic role in transforming the organization to Agile methodologies were key to delivering reliable and efficient technology solutions.
Her early career included a strategic role at LEGO, where she was responsible for implementing corporate initiatives across catalog and ecommerce marketing, call center, and distribution services. Grace’s leadership in expanding the LEGO Shop At Home business across 19 countries showcased her ability to manage and drive global projects successfully.
Grace Nicholls holds a Master of Science in English and Education from Radford University. Her career is marked by a commitment to excellence in digital and omnichannel transformations, making her a sought-after leader in the industry. Her diverse experience, from strategic planning and product development to global delivery and change management, underscores her ability to drive innovation and growth in dynamic business environments. Grace’s ongoing contributions to the field exemplify her dedication to leveraging technology and strategic leadership to achieve impactful results.
Character: Grace Nicholls is a purpose-driven leader who prioritizes integrity and ethical behavior in all her endeavors. Her commitment to fostering growth and making a lasting impact is evident in her unwavering dedication to empowering others and leading with a high degree of integrity.
Knowledge: Grace possesses extensive expertise in leveraging data-driven insights to drive actionable results and strategic transformations. Her deep understanding of digital and omnichannel operations, coupled with her experience in AI and technology, enables her to implement innovative solutions effectively.
Strategic: Grace excels in strategic planning and execution, consistently translating complex data into actionable strategies that drive organizational growth. Her ability to develop and implement comprehensive roadmaps ensures alignment with long-term goals and maximizes business performance.
Communication: Grace is a skilled communicator who excels in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Her leadership style involves inspiring and guiding teams through clear, effective communication, fostering an environment of trust and collective achievement.
