Ryan Ferer
Retail Strategy · Accenture
Atlanta, GA
In My Own Words
With 14 years of experience advising Fortune 100 retailers, I specialize in aligning store strategies with broader business goals, leveraging data-driven insights to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. I lead Accenture Strategy’s NA Store Portfolio, Store Performance, and Operating Model offerings, guiding large, multi-project teams through complex, fast-paced programs aimed at value creation and scalability.
As a thought leader with deep expertise in supply chain optimization, store network strategies, and post-acquisition integration, I’m passionate about helping companies future-proof their operations with strategic, data-backed initiatives that foster sustainable growth and long-term profitability.
Key Accomplishments:
Omnichannel Enablement | Led a 12-week program for a major retailer, scaling to 5,000+ stores in 30 days. This initiative revamped customer and associate experiences, implemented new store technology, and trained 200,000+ associates. The program generated $100M+ in revenue within 6 months and reached 4M+ customers.
Inventory Optimization | Partnered with a private equity-backed retailer to address lost sales from digital order cancellations. Identified issues in planning, allocation, and distribution, improving in-stock rates by 1,300 basis points within 10 weeks and contributing to EBITDA improvement.
Store Operations Evaluation | Led the assessment of a big-box retailer’s stores organization, identifying profit margin erosion due to digital growth and wage rate increases. Developed a financial model and roadmap to drive profitable growth through operational improvements and technology adoption.
Work Experience
Strategy Senior Principal
Accenture2024 – Present
As Senior Principal, I lead our stores portfolio, store performance, and operating model offerings, partnering with senior executives to implement core initiatives aligned with business goals. I focus on portfolio optimization, EBITDA improvement, and value creation, leveraging my expertise in operational efficiency and scalability to drive growth for global retailers. I manage large, multi-project teams and provide strategic leadership in fast-paced, high-impact programs, while building strong client relationships and driving sales efforts.
My experience also extends to rapid turnaround strategies, helping retail organizations align operations with growth objectives. I’m passionate about coaching high-performing teams, delivering cost control, and fostering sustainable growth across the value chain.
Strategy Senior Manager
Accenture2018 – 2023
As Senior Manager, I directed complex, multi-faceted programs aimed at improving operational efficiency, cost control, and margin expansion for global retailers. I led cross-functional teams across multiple clients, delivering multi-million-dollar programs and supporting growth through store optimization, omnichannel enablement and supply chain improvement.
Additionally, I played a pivotal role in driving over $5M in annual strategy sales by identifying new client opportunities, managing proposal creation, and optimizing contracting and pricing strategies to ensure long-term profitability.
Strategy Project Lead
Kurt Salmon, part of Accenture Strategy2015 – 2017
As Project Lead, I owned the planning, budgeting, and execution of large-scale, multi-stream programs focused on optimizing retail operations and improving performance metrics across client portfolios. I developed data-driven frameworks that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative insights to solve complex client challenges, from product lifecycle management to market penetration and growth strategy.
In addition to leading cross-functional teams, I collaborated with clients to deliver tailored strategies for brands and sustainability initiatives. I was also deeply involved in post-acquisition operational improvement for private equity-backed companies, ensuring scalable processes that aligned with growth objectives.
Strategy Consultant
Kurt Salmon, part of Accenture Strategy2013 – 2014
As a Consultant, I developed analytical models and conducted qualitative assessments to deliver actionable insights. I owned key project activities such as data analysis, ROI calculations, and business case development, with a focus on driving due diligence of strategic investments and customer experience innovation. My work contributed to the development of sustainable growth strategies for clients, focusing on brand expansion, supply chain sustainability, and operational improvement.
I also led campus recruiting and onboarding for Georgia Tech, Emory, and the University of Virginia within the retail strategy practice.
Strategy Analyst
Kurt Salmon, part of Accenture Strategy2011 – 2012
As an Analyst, I supported project goals by developing and delivering key assets and data-driven insights. I facilitated meeting agendas, pre-read materials, and ensured clear messaging for project teams. I also contributed to hypothesis development and solution identification through structured data collection and analysis. My role involved supporting projects across the retail and grocery industries.
