Kevin Summers brings over three decades of exemplary leadership and diverse industry expertise spanning healthcare, consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, software, distribution, and higher education. With a career marked by senior executive roles at renowned organizations and a track record of transformative initiatives, Summers is recognized for his strategic vision, technology with a particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Universe from Generative AI, cybersecurity, neural networks, strategy development and implementation across all business functions.

Summers served in pivotal roles, including over 20 years as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) for esteemed brands such as Coca- Cola, GE, Lowe’s, Whirlpool, and Avnet. Throughout his tenure, he navigated these companies through significant industry events, leveraging his expertise in technology roadmap development, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and merger and acquisition (M&A) integration, he is recognized as a change agent and turn-around specialist.

As a thought leader in technology, Summers pioneered the introduction of innovative solutions such as cloud computing, AI, analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), robotic process automation (RPA). His comprehensive understanding of both technology and business functions, including supply chain management, go-to-market strategies, and finance, has been instrumental in driving business transformation to improve EBITDA and growth enabled by technology transformation.

Summers actively contributed to board discussions on cybersecurity mitigation activities and ransomware recovery and technology transformation, providing insights derived from his extensive experience at Whirlpool, Lowe’s, and Avnet. Additionally, he has offered strategic guidance to private equity firms, including Centerbridge, THL, GA, Bluewolf, and WCAS, related to M&A, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, as well as venture capital firms like KPCB, AZ16, Google Ventures, and Greylock regarding start-up companies’ requirements for enterprise scale.

Beyond his corporate roles, Summers is currently the CEO and Founder of Branchville Technology Firm, bringing Fortune 50 experience to its clients. In recent engagements, Summers played a critical role in several private equity firms’ preparation for exit and sustained hyper growth. He spearheaded and advised several firms technology modernization strategy, technology due diligence and post-acquisition integration, AI driven solutions, and advanced cybersecurity frameworks. These initiatives not only improved system reliability and scalability but also contributed to an increase valuations and EBITDA.

Kevin’s governance experience includes contributing to committees focused on audit, technology oversight and innovation, and cyber security. A trusted advisor to C-suites and boards, Kevin provides strategic guidance on leveraging technology for growth, navigating regulatory landscapes, and mitigating IT risks.

During his tenure, at Avnet, a $30 billion technology distribution company, Summers developed a comprehensive technology roadmap, spearheaded digital transformation initiatives to leverage B2C model, resulting in significant revenue growth.

At Lowe’s, a $72 billion retailer, Summers guided the company through transformative initiatives, including a $2 billion technology transformation, implemented B2C and omnichannel solutions to support customer experience.

Prior to Lowe’s, Summers served as SVP and CIO of Whirlpool Corporation, where he led critical projects including supply chain optimization and integration post 50 mergers, international expansion, and implemented B2C digital transformation efforts.

Summers’ distinguished career also includes leadership roles at Coca-Cola, AT&T, and General Electric, where he drove impactful initiatives and earned recognition as one of the Top 100 CIOs and a prominent figure in the technology community.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Summers is committed to giving back to the community through involvement in non-profit organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Feed My Starving Children, and the Rise Up Foundation, his own non-profit. He is an active member of advisory boards and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the technology industry. Summers holds an Executive MBA from Duke University and a Computer Science degree from the College of Charleston. Born in Orangeburg, SC, he resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and Branchville, SC, and is a proud father of two children.