Robert Kinkade is a Sydney-based startup founder and executive advisor helping c-suite teams address the digital revolution, shape winning strategies and implement breakthrough change. Originally from Seattle USA, Robert started his career on the shop floor with leading omnichannel retailer Nordstrom. This experience gave Robert a passionate belief in the customer experience imperative, and subsequent management roles with Nordstrom involved early exposure to leading practice e-commerce and data analytics, implemented within a business model moving from analogue to digital.
Since relocating to Australia in 2002, Robert has worked across the broader APAC market and beyond, with digital practice leadership roles with global consulting firms Accenture and EY, and also holding senior roles with enterprise technology firms. Across his advisory career, Robert has had high impact relationships with iconic brands such as Qantas, Service NSW, Coles, Super Retail Group, Bunnings, PAS Group, IKEA, Marks and Spencer, Officeworks, Greencross Ltd, Toyota, Ryobi, Milwaukee, News Corp, Abbvie, Novo Nordisk, Dulux, SMEC, Fonterra and the Malaysian Government.
Robert got bitted by the startup bug in Seattle during the dot-com era, and for many years was an active ‘wantrepreneur’ through helping startups connect with corporates in a number of roles and forums, including co-founding Beta & Beyond. More recently Robert has taken the leap directly into the startup world, having co-founded Beerlove, a craft beer distribution e-commerce business; CX360, an innovative marketplace helping transforming organisations directly access freelance and boutique capability; and Chasm Digital – an agile digital agency focused on new product development and commercialisation. Robert also co-founded and sits on the board of the not-for-profit organisation Northern Beaches Innovation, helping to accelerate hyper local innovation in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Outside of work, Robert is married and a proud father of four, enjoys backcountry skiing, mountain climbing, surfing and also is a die-hard UW husky football fan.