Dave Finnegan

Dave Finnegan
Head of Customer Experience
Reach Partners
Dave Finnegan is a distinguished leader in the retail industry, specializing in chief marketing and experience (CMO/CXO) roles with a proven track record in marketing, customer experience, and digital innovation. Notably, Dave leads the Customer Experience practice at Reach Partner. A management consulting firm known for its world class results. Prior to Reach Partners, Dave served as the Customer Experience Officer at Orvis Company for nearly 8 years, where he pioneered cutting edge marketing and brand strategies. His expertise in blending the roles of CMO and CIO was instrumental in driving transformative initiatives. Prior to this, Dave played a
pivotal role (CIO) in launching Build-A-Bear Workshop, overseeing technology, supply chain, and the development of innovative Store of the Future concepts.

Dave is renowned for his work with iconic brands, including working with Disney on the Star Wars land experience. He is often sought after as a strategic executive advisor for marketing campaigns, go-to-market strategy, and digital marketing agency development. His accolades include recognition as Retail Partner of the Year by the VIP Awards and inclusion on the "Top 100 CIO" list by CIO Magazine. Additionally, he received the esteemed Bobble Head award from the Retail Orphan Initiative.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Dave is actively involved in industry organizations, serving on boards such as the Retail AI Council and the National Retail Federation Chief Marketing and Technology Officer Councils. He is also a contributing author to influential publications and has been featured in prominent media, including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Driven by his desire to understand the human experience, in 2022, Dave embarked on a year-long exploration of the world, traveling over 130,000 miles and engaging with diverse cultures. This experience reinforced his belief in the power of empathy to foster meaningful connections.

Speaking in:

Tuesday
July 16
1:45 pm2:45 pm
Palos Verdes Terrace
Join our handpicked group of subject matter experts to discuss future-forward ideas. With four separate opportunities to engage, NRF’s Expert-Led Think Tanks allow attendees to dive deep into a single topic or explore three different topics for a broader perspective. Join your peers and be inspired during these insightful share-and-learn “group thinks” held on Terranea’s gorgeous lawn. Topics… Read more