HomeValet Hires Former Walmart Consultant to Executive Role

HomeValet, whose technology is being used in Walmart’s pilot of home delivery to smart boxes, has appointed retail technologist Henk Niemansverdriet as its chief of global partnerships.

Niemansverdriet, was previously an executive consultant for Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Asda, brings more than 25 years of experience in advancing innovation within the retail space, through the implementation of grocery automation, supply chain optimization and last-mile delivery solutions and technologies to the role.

HomeValet said he will play a significant part in scaling the company globally by developing international retailer, courier and manufacturer partnerships and identifying new opportunities to drive future growth.

“From the beginning, Henk has recognized the potential for our company, as well as the need for a solution of its kind within the industry,” said John Simms, founder and CEO of Tysons Corner, Va.-based HomeValet. “To-date, he’s been key in facilitating introductions to retail partners interested in last-yard solutions to address challenges with the last mile of delivery. We’re thrilled to now have his support as we look to grow our partner network on an international scale.”

At Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Asda, Niemansverdriet specialized in identifying future-looking technologies and concepts within the e-commerce grocery, robotics, digitalization and last-mile delivery space to accelerate innovation. He also co-founded Superdirect.com, which used automated temperature-controlled distribution pickup points for groceries—technology that has been adopted by ASDA in the U.K. and Walmart in the U.S. Niemansverdriet also held several roles at The Greenery, an international fruit and vegetable company.

“Coming up with an effective solve for the last mile of delivery is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today,” said Niemansverdriet. “Alongside the HomeValet team, I look forward to addressing this challenge, and working closely with partners to introduce HomeValet’s innovative solution and technology set to improve the modern-day shopping experience worldwide.”

Niemanverdiet’s appointment comes during a time of growth for HomeValet. In addition to the  test pilot program with Walmart, in which HomeValet’s patented SaaS internet of things platform connects retailers and couriers with secure, temperature-controlled smart boxes, the company has made a series of new hires that doubled its size to over 40 since November.