May 03, 2022
MillerKnoll Chief Digital Officer Ben Groom Named to Forbes CIO Next List
Groom recognized for digital leadership and innovations in virtual reality and AI

MillerKnoll announced today that Chief Digital Officer Ben Groom was selected by Forbes for inclusion in the publication’s second annual CIO Next list. This list highlights “50 top tech leaders who are redefining the CIO role and driving game-changing innovation.” Groom was recognized alongside C-suite technology leaders from companies including Meta, Pfizer, PepsiCo, Dell Technologies, and IBM.

Groom joined MillerKnoll as Chief Digital Officer in 2019 and has since built out the Digital function into a 200-person, international team that covers eCommerce, UX, digital product management, digital engineering, and data transformation and analytics.

He has led an end-to-end eCommerce transformation that has launched and optimized over 10 eCommerce businesses across the MillerKnoll collective, including DWR.com and store.hermanmiller.com. Under Groom’s guidance, MillerKnoll has received two Webby Award honors, “the Internet’s highest honor,” according to The New York Times.

Following the $1.8B merger of industry leaders Herman Miller and Knoll in 2021 to form MillerKnoll, a collective of design brands that come together to design the world we live in, Groom is now focused on leading the evolution of MilerKnoll’s digital strategy alongside Chief Technology Officer Jeff Kurburski. This includes continued eCommerce expansion across brands and regions, unifying key systems, driving new data science and AI applications, and providing our customers with best-in-class 3D visualization experiences.

“MillerKnoll has been synonymous with cutting edge technology for decades,” said Groom. “Our company created the environment for the first personal computer, designed the first mouse pad, created the first stand-alone computer keyboard, and launched the first furniture eCommerce site. I believe the bringing together of the Knoll and Herman Miller brands will only accelerate our digital journey.”

The Forbes’ CIO Next List: 2022 is based on qualitative research by Forbes editors and submissions from executives who responded to calls for nominations and informed by insights from consultants, academics, recruiters, and other experts who follow the community closely. The complete list can be found here. To join the conversation on social, follow #ForbesCIONext.

 

About MillerKnoll
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in.  MillerKnoll includes Herman Miller and Knoll, plus Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman Leather, Fully, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, Muuto, naughtone, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt. MillerKnoll is an unparalleled platform that redefines modern for the 21st century by building a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

 

About Forbes
Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 140 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 32 licensed local editions in 71 countries. Forbes Media’s brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. For more information, visit the Forbes News Hub or Forbes Connect.