With over 32 years of experience, mainly in the retail and technology sectors, Arun Samak is an expert in strategic insights. Throughout his illustrious career, he has held key leadership positions in renowned companies such as Tata, Tesco, TCS, PT. MAP, and Americana Foods, making significant contributions to their growth and success. Arun’s rich experience spans across multiple countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, India, UK, and the US, and has helped numerous product companies develop go-to-market strategies for new products, offering invaluable guidance and expertise.
Notably, Arun has led several large-scale point-of-sale (POS) implementations, such as ETP POS for PT. MAP, Oracle Symphony for Starbucks Indonesia, and NCR Aloha for Americana, each involving over 2000 outlets. He has also spearheaded various digital commerce projects, delivering fully integrated technical solutions for web stores, omni-channel experiences, and order management systems.
One of Arun’s notable achievements includes successfully launching the “Starbucks-Reward” loyalty program, which boasts over 3 million customers and is powered by a digital wallet. He has also played a pivotal role in establishing a group loyalty program, integrated with POS and mobility, featuring more than 100 international brands and 50 banners. With a passion for innovation, Arun has modernized store systems, enhanced ERP capabilities, and implemented advanced analytics through leading business intelligence tools and big data solutions. He has also been at the forefront of driving infrastructure capabilities, focusing on cloud adaptability, virtualization, security, and process-driven IT deliveries.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Arun is a devoted family man, enjoying a loving relationship with his wife, Vani, and raising two sons. He finds solace in nature and is a dedicated wildlife photography hobbyist, having captured over 900 species of birds in more than a decade. Additionally, he is an avid reader, aiming to complete 12 books in 2023 as a personal challenge.
With a wealth of experience, a track record of successful implementations, and a passion for continuous learning, Arun Samak exemplifies leadership and expertise in the retail and technology sectors. His strategic acumen, coupled with his commitment to driving innovation and transformation for customer success make him an invaluable asset at ETP.