Global Robotics & Automation Transformation at THG
Revolutionizing worldwide fulfillment with cutting-edge automation technology
Organization
THG
Role
CTO Global Logistics & Finance
Duration
2022 - Present (3+ years)
Executive Summary
Leading the digital transformation of THG's worldwide supply chain and logistics operations, implementing state-of-the-art robotics automation across 18 modern warehouses serving 300+ e-commerce brands shipping to 198 global destinations. Built proprietary Warehouse Control System integrating multiple robotics platforms (Autostore, Geek+, T-sorter) while establishing AI-driven innovation center in India.
Quantitative Impact
Modern fulfillment centers with robotics integration
Global brands using THG fulfillment services
Countries receiving shipments from automated facilities
Improvement in pick-pack-ship cycle time
Reduction in per-unit fulfillment costs
Order accuracy with automated picking
The Challenge
Situation
THG, a leading vertically integrated global e-commerce technology group, needed to scale fulfillment operations to support 300+ brands with increasing volume, complexity, and customer expectations for speed and accuracy.
Key Problems
- Manual fulfillment processes limiting scalability and speed
- Inefficiencies in warehouse operations across global network
- Need for multi-currency payment systems and global logistics integration
- Lack of unified technology platform for end-to-end fulfillment services
- Pressure to reduce costs while improving service levels
Stakes: Without modernization, THG risked losing competitive advantage in fast-moving e-commerce market, facing increased operational costs, and inability to meet customer delivery expectations across 198 global destinations.
The Solution
Comprehensive digital transformation leveraging robotics automation, in-house software development, and AI-driven innovation. Multi-phase approach focusing on warehouse automation, platform development, and global tech capability building.
Robotics Integration
Deployed Autostore for high-volume picking, Geek+ for bring-work-to-worker operations, and T-sorter for automated sorting across warehouse network
Warehouse Control System (WCS)
Built proprietary in-house WCS software to orchestrate multiple robotics platforms and integrate with existing Warehouse Management Systems
Commercial Fulfillment Platform
Developed commercial platform for selling end-to-end fulfillment services using internal technology stack
Global Tech Center
Established Global Tech Development Center in India with focus on AI-driven innovation and technology talent acquisition
Financial Systems Integration
Implemented multi-currency payment systems, procure-to-pay, and order-to-cash cycles for global operations
Technologies Deployed
Autostore
Large volume automated picking and storage
Geek+ Robotics
Bring-work-to-worker fulfillment automation
T-sorter
High-speed automated sorting and routing
Proprietary WCS
Unified control system for all robotics platforms
AI/ML Analytics
Demand forecasting, route optimization, inventory management
Additional Impact
Qualitative Impact
- Successfully integrated multiple robotics platforms under unified control system
- Built commercial fulfillment platform creating new revenue stream
- Established global tech capability in India for sustained innovation
- Positioned THG as technology leader in e-commerce fulfillment
- Created competitive moat through proprietary technology stack
Business Impact
- ▸Enabled THG to scale from handling internal brands to offering 3PL services
- ▸Reduced time-to-market for new brand launches
- ▸Improved customer satisfaction through faster, more accurate fulfillment
- ▸Created foundation for global expansion into new markets
- ▸Attracted top technology talent through innovation focus
Lessons Learned
What Worked
- Building in-house WCS provided flexibility and competitive advantage over vendor solutions
- Phased approach allowed learning and optimization before large-scale rollout
- Strategic vendor partnerships (Autostore, Geek+) accelerated deployment
- Global tech center in India provided cost-effective scalability and innovation
Challenges
- Integration complexity with multiple robotics platforms and legacy systems
- Change management across 2,000+ warehouse associates
- Balancing automation investment with operational continuity
- Coordinating global rollout across different regulatory environments
Key Takeaways
- ✓Technology is enabler; people and process transformation are equally critical
- ✓Proprietary technology creates sustainable competitive advantage
- ✓Global tech talent strategy essential for innovation at scale
- ✓Continuous innovation through dedicated incubation approach
Board-Level Value Demonstrated
strategic
Demonstrated ability to drive large-scale digital transformation aligned with business strategy
operational
Proven expertise in managing complex global operations with technology at core
financial
Delivered significant ROI through automation investment and cost optimization
innovation
Established innovation culture and global tech capability for sustained competitive advantage
risk
Successfully managed technology, operational, and change management risks in transformation
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