Our Leadership

Jay brings more than 25 years of experience in the information and data analytics industry to the role and a proven ability to scale complex business models and strategically accelerate growth and innovation. He is also a long-time champion of the natural products industry and holds a personal passion for empowering the health and wellbeing of people, communities, and the planet through informed, sustainable consumption.

Prior to joining SPINS, Jay served as Senior Vice President and General Manager at IQVIA (NYSE:IQV), where he led the U.S.-based data and technology business, overseeing more than 1,300 employees as well as a range of adjacent functions including marketing, sales, and portfolio strategy.
Jay Margolis was named Chief Executive Officer of SPINS in July 2023.

Dan Buckstaff brings over two decades of expertise in building vertical SaaS products from the ground up, transforming them into multi-million-dollar successes. An alumnus of Stanford University with an undergraduate degree in product design, Dan has a proven track record of developing products centered around data and workflows in various industry verticals, with a notable focus on consumer-packaged goods (CPG).

Dan’s career includes a significant tenure at LiveRamp, where he played a pivotal role in growing the company from zero to well over $20M in revenue. His deep understanding of industry operating systems allows him to create comprehensive solutions that enhance efficiency and transparency across the entire supply chain, from the consumer experience to backend logistics.

At SPINS, Dan leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to drive product innovation, connecting industry participants and fostering an environment of collaboration and advancement. His leadership and visionary approach are set to steer SPINS toward new heights in the rapidly evolving landscape of product development and data-driven solutions.

Andrew Henkel brings over 25 years of experience in the CPG and retail industries, driving transformative growth through strategic leadership and data-driven innovation. As President of Retail & Data Strategy at SPINS, Andrew leads with a clear vision—strengthening partnerships, advancing retailer-centric strategies, and unlocking new value through actionable insights.
Andrew honed his ability to navigate the complexities of modern retail through experiences at McKinsey, PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, and Leo Burnett. His deep industry expertise empowers SPINS to deliver tailored solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities, ensuring clients stay ahead in an evolving marketplace.

At SPINS, Andrew is instrumental in aligning retail and data strategy, driving innovation that fuels collaboration across the ecosystem. Under his leadership, SPINS is building an unparalleled data foundation—powered by industry-leading capabilities like Product Intelligence attribution, IX-ONE Product Content & Distribution, and the Retail Measurement Service (RMS). These core solutions enable deeper transparency, richer insights, and more impactful decision-making across the retail landscape. His visionary approach continues to redefine how retailers leverage intelligence, solidifying SPINS’ role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of retail.

Hannah is SVP, Chief of Staff at SPINS and is responsible for leading a range of strategic and operational initiatives designed to accelerate growth and expand value for customers.

Hannah has 20 years of brand, strategy, and operations leadership experience across a range of sectors, including data analytics, healthcare, retail, and consulting. She has a proven ability to build and lead high performing teams, drive organizational transformation, and bring forward the power of strategic storytelling to create positive change in communities. Prior to joining SPINS Hannah lead U.S. Marketing, Communications, and Thought Leadership at IQVIA (IQV) and was responsible for establishing and executing a comprehensive content strategy and operations organization to build influence and opportunity in areas of strategic growth and topical importance.

Hannah is a longtime champion of health and wellbeing organizations, and currently serves on the Midwest chapter of Peer Health Exchange. She earned her MBA from the Hult International Business School in Shanghai, China, and her AB in History from Harvard University.

Evan Makela started as General Counsel with SPINS in early 2014. He manages all of the legal aspects of the company’s business, helps structure mutually beneficial relationships with SPINS’ many strategic business partners, advises on risk management across the company, and co-leads the shared services team by providing support to the People Operations team. Evan previously served as General Counsel at Rewards Network, where he gained experience in data security, privacy and data licensing issues, and risk management. His past experience also includes working as an associate at a law firm advising a range of clients from start-ups to public companies in information technology licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and securities issues.

As the Chief People Officer at SPINS, Tushar embodies a "Business-led, insights-driven" ethos, steering the company towards sustainable and scalable growth through his visionary strategies in nurturing both culture and talent. He firmly believes that an organization's triumph is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of its people and the satisfaction of its customers.

With over 25 years of invaluable experience in the realm of tech-enabled business, spanning from dynamic startups to established enterprises worldwide, Tushar brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to his role. His journey is underscored by a passion for leveraging human capital to drive innovation and achieve organizational excellence.

Tushar's academic credentials are equally impressive, having earned his MBA from the prestigious Ivey Business School. Furthermore, he holds several esteemed certifications, including CEC, SHRM-SCP, GPHR, CHRL, and CHRP, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Tushar's multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication make him an invaluable asset in shaping SPINS' culture, nurturing its talent pool, and propelling the company towards unprecedented success.

As SPINS' Head of Industry Relations, Kathryn Peters brings unparalleled expertise and a steadfast commitment to strengthening relationships across the natural products industry. With nearly two decades at SPINS, Kathryn has held numerous roles throughout the company, each contributing to the organization’s remarkable growth and industry leadership.

Kathryn’s extensive experience in CPG, with a focus on the natural products sector, has made her a trusted voice in the field. She is frequently invited to speak at industry events, offering insights on topics ranging from retail dynamics to brand innovation. Her deep understanding of the industry and ability to connect with stakeholders ensure that SPINS remains at the forefront of driving meaningful change and value creation for its partners.

Kathryn holds a master’s degree from the Wake Forest University Babcock School of Management, complementing her decades of professional experience with a strong academic foundation. Her leadership continues to shape SPINS’ approach to fostering collaboration and advancing the mission of bringing natural and better-for-you products to more consumers.

Under Kathryn’s guidance, SPINS deepens its engagement with the industry, empowering retailers, brands, and partners to succeed in an evolving marketplace. Her dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration underscores SPINS’ commitment to delivering unmatched impact in the natural products ecosystem.

As SPINS' Senior Vice President of Technology, Bill Plummer plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth across the company. With over two decades of engineering experience, Bill’s expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing SPINS' technical capabilities and supporting its mission to empower businesses with actionable insights.

In his six years with SPINS, Bill has held various key roles within the engineering team, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to excellence. His deep understanding of technology and its applications ensures SPINS delivers cutting-edge solutions that meet the dynamic needs of clients and partners.

An alumnus of Valparaiso University, Bill’s strong foundation in engineering and his passion for problem-solving have guided his impactful career.

His visionary approach to technology and dedication to fostering a collaborative team environment make him an invaluable leader at SPINS, continually setting new benchmarks for success.

As Chief Sales Officer, Suzy Richard brings over two decades of leadership experience, marked by a distinguished track record of steering high-performance teams and pioneering innovative sales strategies. With a keen eye for detail, she crafts actionable plans that propel growth, foster impactful partnerships, and establish enduring revenue streams. Suzy cultivates a culture of open communication and empowerment, recognizing that nurturing employee development is paramount to organizational success and the cultivation of future leaders.

Before her tenure at SPINS, Suzy served in sales leadership at CareerBuilder and co-owned a thriving design business, honing her expertise across diverse sectors. Her expertise and passion for natural products, coupled with her deep-rooted understanding of the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) landscape, have positioned her as a sought-after public speaker. She frequently graces industry events, such as Naturally Network, captivating audiences with her insights and accomplishments in leadership across multiple domains.

As SPINS' Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, Amy Scholten plays a vital role in driving the growth and retention of SPINS clients and partners. With a deep commitment to fostering strong relationships, she leads the Customer Experience team, ensuring SPINS delivers unparalleled value and insights to its clients. Her strategic focus and dedication empower partners to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Amy brings over two decades of CPG industry experience, with nearly three years at SPINS, where she has held impactful roles across the Professional Solutions and Growth Consulting teams. Her breadth of expertise positions her as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding them through challenges and unlocking new opportunities for success.

Under her leadership, the Customer Experience team continuously raises the bar, embodying SPINS' mission to drive positive change and deliver unmatched client value.

As SPINS' Chief Financial Officer, Erica Shearn brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to her role. With more than 15 years of experience, and five years at SPINS, Erica has been a member of the Executive Leadership team and held key leadership positions, including SVP, Accounting/Controller, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening SPINS' financial infrastructure and supporting the company's growth trajectory. Her commitment to financial excellence and strategic foresight ensures that SPINS remains well-equipped to navigate new opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Erica started her career at EY and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She earned her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her master’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University. Her academic background, paired with her professional expertise, underscores her ability to drive impactful financial strategies that align with SPINS' vision and goals.

As CFO, Erica's leadership will continue to propel SPINS forward, fostering innovation and ensuring financial resilience as the company grows and delivers unmatched value to its partners.