Sears Holdings names new chief information officer

Hoffman Estates-based Sears Holdings Corp. said Jeff Balagna will join the company as executive vice president and chief information officer.

Balagna most recently served as the chief information officer at Eli Lilly. In his new role with Sears Holdings, he will be responsible for all technology and infrastructure initiatives for the company in its support centers and in-store.

“Jeff is a proven executive with an analytical approach and experience in transforming complex organizations in rapidly evolving industries,” said Edward S. Lampert, Sears Holdings’ chairman and chief executive officer. “Innovation and technology are cornerstones in Sears Holdings’ efforts to build lasting relationships with our Shop Your Way members, and Jeff’s deep expertise in information technology infrastructure, customer loyalty programs and leveraging IT as a business-enabler make him a strong addition to our team.”

Prior to Eli Lilly, Balagna spent more than five years with Carlson Companies in various capacities, including serving as CEO of Carlson Marketing, where he led the successful sale of the customer loyalty marketing company to Groupe Aeroplan, a $2.1 billion global marketing company. He stayed at Groupe Aeroplan to coordinate transition and integration activities, which were successfully completed in August 2011. Previously, Balagna also served as chief information officer and senior vice president at Medtronic Inc. for five years, and in increasing senior leadership positions at GE Medical Systems Americas and Ford Motor Company.

He received a bachelor of science degree in computer science and engineering from Oakland University in Detroit, Mich.

“Sears Holdings is at the forefront of leveraging technology and ‘big data’ initiatives to better understand and build its relationships with members,” Balagna said. “I welcome the opportunity to advance these efforts in support of our stores and associates.”