A superior vision for First Insight: Industry authority Gwen Manto joins First Insight team as Chief Customer Officer
We, the First Insight team, are very excited to announce merchandising expert Gwen
Manto has joined the company as the Chief Customer Officer. Gwen brings a broad retail background and over 35 years of industry experience to the role, which includes responsibility for all customer-facing aspects of First Insight, including business development, sales and marketing.
Gwen has held leadership roles across various retail formats, including department stores, mid-tier, specialty and off-price stores. Most recently, she served as the Executive Vice President & Chief Merchandising Officer of Dick’s Sporting Goods where she was responsible for all areas of merchandising, planning and allocation, product development and sourcing. Prior to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Gwen was the Executive Vice President of Softlines for Sears, Roebuck & Company where she led the apparel and soft home categories to over $6.5 billion in revenue.
In 1999, Gwen joined the Stein Mart team as Chief Merchandising Officer and subsequently became Vice Chairman. She was responsible for merchandising and marketing for this 270-store chain. Before joining Stein Mart, Gwen was the President of the Kid’s Foot Locker. Gwen has also held senior roles at Kids R Us, Babies R Us, Rich’s and Macy’s.
“Gwen is an extremely talented merchant and business executive that has a keen understanding of the customer’s perspective and the value this can provide retailers,” said Greg Petro, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of First Insight. “Throughout her career, she has been involved in vetting and selecting retail technology solutions, so it is a great vote of confidence that she has chosen to join our team at First Insight.”
“First Insight’s solution has the power to truly transform the entire retail industry. By incorporating consumer influence and predictive science in a real-time selection process, First Insight gives retailers and manufacturers more control in making the most profitable decisions. I am excited to join such an innovative team and to be part of such an impactful solution, “Gwen said.






