Vora is fortunate to have Chris Hjelm as our advisor and board director for a few portfolio companies. He is a distinguished technology executive renowned for his visionary leadership and transformative impact across multiple industries. With over 25 years of experience, he has held pivotal roles in Fortune 100 companies and high-growth tech firms, driving innovation and strategic growth.

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At Kroger, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer from 2005 to 2019, Hjelm spearheaded the company's digital transformation. He was instrumental in developing and implementing technologies such as Scan, Bag, Go, ClickList, and EDGE Shelf, enhancing the customer shopping experience and operational efficiency.

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Before his tenure at Kroger, Hjelm held senior technology positions at leading organizations, including FedEx, Orbitz, eBay, Cendant, and Excite@Home. His diverse experience across logistics, e-commerce, and technology sectors underscores his adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

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Beyond his corporate achievements, Hjelm is deeply committed to developing future-ready IT leaders. He advocates for values-based leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and servant leadership. His approach fosters environments where innovation thrives, and teams are empowered to excel.

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Hjelm's contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2023 Ohio CIO ORBIE Leadership Award, honoring his excellence in technology leadership.