*Episode hosted by Andrei Palamariu*
Joining me in this episode is Inna Kuznetsova, CEO of ToolsGroup, where we discussed her career evolution from IBM to leading supply chain technology innovations, ToolsGroup. Sharing how they leverage AI and machine learning to optimize inventory and supply chain efficiency. Inna highlighted some of their success stories, such as reducing Moleskine’s working capital by 15% and improving Boggi’s inventory efficiency by 18%. She emphasized the importance of data, probabilistic models, and scenario planning in mitigating disruptions. Lastly, Inna advised supply chain leaders to choose tech partners with proven success and to focus on quick, measurable value to ensure successful technology adoption.
Connect with the Guest:
Inna Kuznetsova is the CEO of ToolsGroup, an AI-powered supply chain and retail planning system that helps manufacturing, distribution, and retail companies reduce working capital by improving the inventory mix on a daily basis.
Inna is a dynamic and results-driven CEO with extensive experience leading B2B SaaS and technology companies through transformational growth, operational turnaround, and strategic repositioning. She has a proven track record in driving organizational transformation, building high-performance teams, and executing complex change management initiatives. Her expertise includes transitioning companies to cloud-based, data-driven business models, enabling digital disruption, and monetizing data assets.
Some of her Key achievements include leading ToolsGroup through a SaaS transformation with consistent ARR growth and a 20% EBITDA margin increase, revitalizing 1010data with a return to revenue growth and improved profitability, and spearheading INTTRA’s market share expansion and successful acquisition. Recognized as a visionary leader with accolades such as Top 25 Tech CEOs (2024) and multi-year Women in Supply Chain Award winner (2021-2024).

Highlights & Show Notes:
- [00:54] Inna’s career in the supply chain and technology space, journey to her current role, and what ToolsGroup does.
- [06:19] The shift from supply chain visibility to actionable insights and over-customized software vs. standard SaaS packages.
- [09:20] AI that delivers real value vs. hype, and the importance of industry-specific training for real-world impact.
- [14:03] Moleskine’s AI-Driven Transformation Success Story: Improved sales and demand accuracy reducing working capital by 15% within the first year through the implementation of AI-driven demand forecasting.
- [15:45] Boggi’s Retail Optimization: Inventory optimization using AI, achieving 4% sales growth, a 7% stock reduction, and an 18% improvement in inventory efficiency within months.
- [19:06] AI’s effectiveness depends on quality data, the right partnerships, and building resilient supply chain strategies to handle disruptions.
- [22:28] The adoption of probabilistic forecasting for more stable and adaptable predictions.
- [25:07] Investing in real-time, collaborative scenario planning and AI-driven rebalancing.[28:02] Message to supply chain leaders in future-proofing their operations.
Quotes from the Episode:
About the Host:
A fantastic discussion with Inna Kuznetsova! I am your host, Andrei Palamariu, Founder of Supplify and Head of Innovation at Alcott Global. At Supplify, we connect the supply chain tech ecosystem via a digital platform. We match corporations with top tech companies to solve their supply chain and logistics challenges. If there is anything tech in the supply chain, contact me.
Alcott Global provides executive search solutions for key positions at all pillars of end-to-end value chains, from general management to overall supply chain operations, including executive and non-executive board roles.
On April 9-10, 2025, we are bringing together 80 C-level executives from multinational companies to connect, collaborate, and innovate on a forum focused on business value creation at Makers & Movers.
Your nominee could be among the Top 30 Leaders in Supply Chain of 2025! Nominations are open until February 28, 2025. Yearly, at Leaders in Supply Chain Awards, we recognize achievements in digitizing operations, decarbonization, and sustainability and creating a diverse and equitable environment for supply chain teams to thrive and excel.
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