Retail-technology consulting firm NexChapter continues to bolster its leadership ranks.
The Des Moines, Iowa-based company on Tuesday announced the addition of two new vice presidents, both retail veterans.
Matthew Stephenson, who spent the last year leading talent acquisition and learning and development teams at c-store chain Casey’s, will head up NexChapter’s entry into training and talent development. Stephenson will build a new practice area focused on helping retailers strengthen their people capabilities and modernizing organizational effectiveness, the company said.
Ken Kaufmann, who comes to NexChapter after holding senior leadership roles at Ahold USA and Rite Aid, will lead NexChapter’s loyalty segment, guiding retailers through loyalty strategy, technology selection and personalization activation.
“Matthew and Ken bring incredible experience to NexChapter,” founder and CEO Art Sebastian said. “Their leadership reflects the growing breadth of our firm and the value we’re bringing to retailers and partners across the industry.”
Earlier this month, NexChapter hired Mendy Meriwether as VP of foodservice. Meriwether joined the firm after leading foodservice and strategy at Pennsylvania-based Wawa and at Westborough, Massachusetts-based EG America.
In September, NexChapter appointed Ben Wynkoop as principal and VP of merchandising and supply chain. Wynkoop previously held leadership posts at retailers including 7-Eleven, Albertsons, Jacksons Food Stores and Save Mart.
The advisory firm added SpartanNash veteran Matt Van Gilder to its ranks in August as principal and VP, leading NexChapter’s omnichannel practice.
Sebastian, who has held leadership roles at Casey’s and grocery chain Meijer, founded NexChapter in 2023 with a focus on digital transformation in retail. He serves as chairman of CSP’s C-StoreTEC Advisory Board.
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