STEPHEN P. LAUGHLIN

Managing Partner (Retired)
IBM Consulting

Steve is known for helping retail and consumer product clients worldwide to transform their business models and consumer-facing activities. He is a leader in implementing complex business and technology solutions that drive improved performance. In January 2017, Women’s Wear Daily listed him among the “Top Industry Transformers.”

Steve previously led IBM’s Consumer Industry across the company’s portfolio, which included retail, consumer products, wholesale distribution, and agri-business. He has 25+ years of experience in the consulting and technology services industry, serving clients and managing global and domestic practices. He led key IBM consulting practices, including the company’s global Retail and Consumer Products, global Smarter Commerce, and the Growth Markets Application Innovation businesses.

Steve began his career in store management at Sears, Roebuck & Co., then entered consulting with Ernst & Young and retired from IBM Consulting in 2023. He continues to work with clients independently. Steve previously served on the National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the UCHealth Longs Peak and Broomfield Community Hospital boards of directors and as an advisor to the World Retail Congress.

Steve also serves on the CSU STRATA board of trustees, which supports the CSU System through strategic real estate management, project development services, special project oversight, intellectual property management and technology transfer services, financing services, as well as operational management of regional, state, national, and international assets.