Serving as the SVP of Product Development for Ignition Commerce, Grist’s primary responsibility is the continued functional evolution of the Empower platform. As part of this role, Grist is responsible for the creation of all functional and technical requirements . Grist also serves as the Empower technical subject matter expert during the sales cycle and with the existing client base.

Prior to Ignition Commerce, Grist served as the Vice President of Operations for Accretive Commerce. In the role, Grist was responsible for leading the Company’s key operational functions, including new client implementations, account management, and client services. Grist has built his career in a multi-client environment where he has developed operational systems that reduce production time while increasing stability and predictability of projects.

After working as a programmer and managing development teams in the computer-based training industry, Grist began his career in eCommerce in 1999 as the CIO of Interactive Apparel, a company focused on providing technology, marketing, design, fulfillment and call center services for apparel companies. At Interactive Apparel, Grist led a team that successfully launched integrated solutions for over 15 manufacturers and retailers such as Russell Athletic, AOL, FUBU and Ben Sherman.

Most recently, Grist has led eCommerce operations for Accretive Commerce where he built technology, merchandising and creative teams to support the ATG-based eCommerce platform. By designing a repeatable technology process and fully documenting the on-boarding process, Accretive was able to deliver state of the art ATG sites in less than half the time typically seen in the industry. While at Accretive, Grist worked with a variety of world-class customers like Calvin Klein Underwear, Speedo, Kenneth Cole and New York and Company.

Grist earned B.A. degrees with honors in both History and Education from Emory University and an M.B.A. with honors in both E-commerce and Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University.