Warehousing
10 warehouse automation rollout experts
These ten supply chain engineering and distribution leaders have led warehouse automation work in their own companies' distribution networks, from mechanized distribution centers to robotics programs. A reader can learn how in-house teams build the case for automation, choose systems and deliver rollouts across sites.
Professionals to explore
01—10Aaron Lininger
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director - Warehouse Automation · Albertsons Companies
Sr. Director - Warehouse Automation at Albertsons Companies since 2026, after serving there as Director of Supply Chain Automation (2023–2026). Earlier he was Sr. Director, Fulfillment Automation & Robotics (2020–2023) and Director of Engineering (Robotic System Architecture) (2019–2020) at iHerb. The profile describes a career that progressed from distribution center operations into engineering and automation.
Jing Zeng
LinkedInExperience: Director, Engineering - Network Implementation · Ross Stores, Inc.
Director, Engineering - Network Implementation at Ross Stores, Inc. since 2019, after serving there as Sr. Manager, Engineering Network Implementation (2018–2019) and at Newegg as Senior Director of Corporate Engineering (2013–2018) and Senior Director of Logistics Engineering (2011–2013). The profile says he has completed over 11 distribution centers and 6 complex large-scale material handling conveyor system designs and implementations.
Jonathan Betts
LinkedInExperience: Lead Project & Commercial Manager - Automation Capital Projects · Marks and Spencer
Former Lead Project & Commercial Manager - Automation Capital Projects (2013–2017) and Capital Projects Manager - Ecom Automation (2010–2013) at Marks and Spencer, where he has been Head of Clothing & Home Logistics Engineering Supply Chain since 2022. The profile says the current role covers feasibility, mechanical and functional design, procurement and delivery of all engineering projects across the Clothing & Home distribution network.
Martijn Vogelzang
LinkedInExperience: Program Manager Supply Chain Logistics Automation & Building · Jumbo Supermarkten
Former Program Manager Supply Chain Logistics Automation & Building (2020–2025) and Program Manager Jumbo Central Distribution Center Fresh Nieuwegein (2020–2024) at Jumbo Supermarkten, after serving there as Supply Chain Project Manager Logistics Mechanisation Central Distribution Center Dry - Roadmap 2025 (2017–2020). The profile cites 25 years of experience with mechanized distribution centers and automated material handling.
May Chen
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Program Manager, Warehouse Automation · The Coca-Cola Company
Global Manager, Robotics and Automation-Logistics at Unilever since 2018, after serving at The Coca-Cola Company as Sr. Program Manager, Warehouse Automation (2014–2017) and Industrial Engineer, Warehouse Layout Optimization (2010–2014). The profile describes multi-functional supply chain initiatives that optimize warehouse automation, warehouse layout, processes and product delivery.
Michael Ridgway
LinkedInExperience: Director, Warehouse Automation · Best Buy
Former Director, Warehouse Automation (2018–2021), Director, SC Engineering Innovation and Automation (2021–2025) and Director, SC Engineering, Innovation and Facilities (2025–2026) at Best Buy, and VP, Supply Chain Automation at ALO since September 2026. The profile describes more than 20 years leading, operating, designing and implementing supply chain technologies across North America; earlier he was Director of Warehouse Distribution at PUMA Group (2012–2018).
Nicholas Vigder PE, PMP
LinkedInExperience: Group Director, Automation Engineering · Walmart
Group Director, Automation Engineering at Walmart since 2025, after Walmart roles as Senior Director - Automation Engineering & Product (2024–2025) and Director - Automation Engineering - Supply Chain Fulfillment Engineering (2021–2024). The profile headline says he leads fulfillment automation design and deployments across Walmart's supply chain, shaping automation capabilities for Walmart's eCommerce business.
Pierson Smith
LinkedInExperience: Engineering Director, Global Distribution Automation · Medtronic
Engineering Director, Global Distribution Automation at Medtronic since 2025, after Walmart roles as Director, Innovation & Automation (2023–2025), Senior Manager II, Innovation & Automation (2022–2023) and Senior Manager, Supply Chain Engineering (2020–2022). The profile describes designing and deploying innovative automated solutions across multiple distribution networks at Walmart.
Tim Christian Geißen
LinkedInExperience: Head of Automation Technology · REWE Group
Head of Automation Technology at REWE Group since 2025. The profile describes expertise in planning, building and commissioning fully and partly automated warehouse sites and in selecting and introducing warehouse management systems, and lists an automated central warehouse for the REWE full range (Swisslog, 2024) among its milestones.
Toni Eckert
LinkedInExperience: Director Global Automation & Technologies · adidas
Former Director Global Automation & Technologies at adidas (2022–2025) and Senior Director Global Distribution there since December 2025. The profile says the automation role drove the development and execution of adidas' global automation and robotics strategy, accelerating the rollout of proven systems across a portfolio of 30+ projects. Earlier roles include Director Distribution Center at Hilti Group (2018–2022).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's scope to your project: leaders of multi-site automation programs suit questions about strategy, standards and portfolio sequencing, while engineering and project managers suit questions about design, commissioning and site delivery. Check the dates of the relevant role, since automation technology and vendor options change quickly.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How did you build the business case for automating a distribution center, and which assumptions were hardest to hit?
- 02How did you keep a building shipping while automation was installed and commissioned?
- 03What would you standardize across sites in an automation program, and what should stay site-specific?
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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