SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 3, 2025 – As shopping habits continue to shift across digital, in-store, mobile, and social channels, today’s retail leaders face a new challenge: mastering the art and science of omnichannel strategy. That’s exactly where Cornell University’s Omnichannel Leadership Program is making waves—by equipping professionals with the tools to lead through this transformation.
Now entering its fourth year, this innovative program is the result of a powerhouse collaboration between Cornell University, Kellanova, and top global retailers like Ahold Delhaize. It’s redefining how executives learn, connect, and act in a fast-evolving consumer marketplace.
A Unique Learning Experience with Real-World Impact
Designed for senior leaders, the program offers a one-of-a-kind blend of academic insight and business application.
Participants are immersed in:
- Small-group settings capped at 50 professionals for personalized learning and rich networking
- Ever-evolving curriculum that reflects the latest in AI, customer experience, ESG, and data analytics
- Immediate takeaways, ensuring that strategies learned can be applied right away
- Renowned faculty from Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business
“This program helped me rethink how we leverage data analytics to drive omnichannel growth,” shared one past participant. Another added, “The collaboration with industry leaders was amazing. I’ve already started using what I learned with my team.”
Closing the Skills Gap in Retail Leadership
The idea for the program emerged during conversations between Kellanova and Ahold Delhaize, who recognized a critical gap: no existing educational offerings truly supported the complexity of omnichannel leadership.
Together with Cornell, they co-created a high-impact learning experience rooted in both academic rigor and day-to-day retail challenges. The result? A program that’s not only intellectually stimulating, but also highly practical.
“Participants gain access to actionable strategies, expert faculty, and a network of peers who understand the nuances of leading across every consumer touchpoint,” said Tomissa Smittendorf, Commercial Capabilities Lead for Sales Learning & Development at Kellanova.
Leaders Who Inspire, Results That Matter
Since its inception, 136 leaders from 54 companies have graduated from the program. Past keynote speakers have included:
- Carrie Sander, Chief Customer Officer, Kellanova
- Whitney Cook, Head of Sales Strategy & Operations, Walmart Connect
- Suzanne Long, Chief Sustainability & Transformation Officer, Albertsons
Their insights have helped shape discussions around growth, sustainability, and what it takes to thrive in today’s omnichannel environment.
Coming This June: Next-Level Retail Innovation
The 2025 Omnichannel Leadership Program will take place June 23–26 at Cornell Tech in New York City. This year’s focus? Harnessing AI, boosting data-powered decisions, and driving next-gen customer engagement.
For Kellanova and its partners, the investment is more than educational—it’s transformational. “We believe an investment in our people is an investment in the future of our industry,” said Smittendorf.
Don’t miss the chance to join a community of forward-thinking leaders shaping the next era of commerce.
Learn more at https://www.ecornell.com/certificates/marketing/omnichannel-leadership