Carter’s

Ben Pivar is the Chief Information Officer at Carter’s, where he is responsible for IT for the business. He has 25 years of experience in the retail, consumer products, merchandising, and supply chain management sectors, of which the last decade has been in Executive Leadership roles. His expertise lies in developing business and IT strategies with an in-depth understanding of how to apply technologies to solve complex business problems.

What is your opinion on the limitations of automation technology?

There are multiple ways we can automate tasks that don't necessarily include artificial intelligence. With the availability of various generative AI engines, including ChatGPT, we expect accelerated adoption of AI in corporate operations, potentially outperforming tools like robotic process automation. Although AI is already being used in areas such as pricing, forecasting, and media mix modeling, as well as computer vision to attribute data sets accurately, I am particularly excited about the potential impact of ChatGPT as a game-changer for businesses looking to accelerate automation.

 ​As the leading company serving families with young children, we at Carter’s seek to inspire generations raising the future and continue to make important advancements to further our progress surrounding our sustainability, community, and environmental objectives 

Can you explain how businesses are enhancing their sustainability efforts, including supply chains, in response to the increasing environmental concerns of consumers.

As the leading company serving families with young children, we at Carter’s seek to inspire generations raising the future and continue to make important advancements to further our progress surrounding our sustainability, community, and environmental objectives.

We have launched a sustainable children's brand called Little Planet, using 100 percent sustainable cotton and polyester fibers. We have also created icons indicating whether our products are sustainable or made of certified organic cotton. On the corporate side, we are committed to diverting 80 percent of our waste from landfills by 2025, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. We are also working to reduce their water usage by 2023.

What would be your piece of advice for your fellow peers and colleagues?

My advice to fellow peers and colleagues is to prioritize building a strong team with multiple skill sets by recruiting the smartest individuals. Managing business relationships with other leaders is crucial for success in leadership positions. Lastly, don't be shy to promote your team's successes and recognize the wins, giving credit to team members who contributed to those successes.