Toys ‘R’ Us taps Priceline.com vet for digital engineering

In a move to spur its digital transformation, Toys “R” Us has appointed Amit Poddar to head up its digital engineering team.



Poddar is joining the toy retailer as senior VP, chief software architect. The addition is the latest strategic move within the company’s massive digital transformation, a project that is focused on integrating technology into every part of the business, and creating a more customer-centric operation.



Poddar, who joins Toys “R” Us with more than 20 years of experience in e-commerce and engineering, previously served as senior VP, product technology at Priceline. He led the transformation of Priceline's platform into a service-oriented architecture, enabling seamless integration across multiple storefronts.



He also held various technology roles at Wipro and Tata Systems.



In his new role, Poddar will develop strategy, and lead and direct all core engineering for the company's global Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us e-commerce channels. He will also be tasked with developing the digital engineering division, and its implementation of new products, technology and delivering best-in-class digital experiences.



Poddar will report directly to Lance Wills, executive VP, global chief technology officer.