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PUMA to Redefine its Online Shopping Experience with Google Cloud’s AI Solutions

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2 years ago

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Leading sportswear brand to personalize and streamline product discovery, customer loyalty rewards, and online-to-offline purchases by moving all e-commerce operations to Google Cloud 

SUNNYVALE, Calif., and HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sports company PUMA today announced it will deploy Google Cloud’s data, analytics and AI solutions to make its online retail experience more efficient, agile, and more personalized for customers worldwide. This will pave the way for consumer-facing innovations, ranging from generative AI shopping assistants, to virtual try-ons, to AI-driven loyalty programs.

The collaboration will see PUMA shift parts of its e-commerce ecosystem, including PUMA.com, to Google Cloud and build out a global e-commerce data platform. Early results have already driven significant customer experience improvements, including a 19% increase in average order value, as a result of PUMA using Google Analytics and BigQuery to better understand and tailor content to customers. In addition, using Apigee and BigQuery, PUMA has been able to access real-time inventory levels up to four times faster, helping shoppers find the exact products they wish to buy at the nearest possible stores.

“With Google Cloud’s AI and data capabilities, we have been able to not only gain a far better understanding of our customers, but also translate that insight into frictionless commerce, and more personal shopping experiences both online and offline,” said Pancho Ortuzar, Director Global E-Commerce Engineering at PUMA. “Migrating our e-commerce infrastructure to Google Cloud will greatly accelerate our efforts towards making PUMA’s direct-to-consumer channels a significant driver of overall business growth.”

Redefining direct-to-customer commerce with AI

Over the course of this multiyear agreement, PUMA will incorporate Google Cloud AI capabilities at all stages of its direct-to-consumer channels for more tailored and rewarding customer experiences. Vertex AI Search for retail will bring Google-quality search and recommendations to PUMA.com’s digital properties, helping shoppers better discover PUMA’s products and deliver personalized shopping recommendations to consumers based on their current interests and trends. In addition, PUMA will explore Google Cloud’s generative AI and visual search tools to power future bespoke offerings, such as a generative AI shopping assistant and options to “Shop the Look”—or virtually try on sportswear items—with the help of AI-generated content.

Google Cloud’s AI capabilities will also sit at the heart of Puma.com’s refreshed global loyalty program, accelerating rewards transactions and tailoring special offers and promotions to the preferences of both individuals and their families.

“Family has always been a big part of the PUMA experience, and our AI-driven approach to loyalty will help us better understand and reward customers based not just on individual but also on family needs,” said Pancho Ortuzar, Director Global E-Commerce Engineering at PUMA. “By streamlining the technology stack and eliminating data silos with the help of Google Cloud, PUMA employees are now freed up to pursue innovative uses of AI and other technologies that build stronger, more nuanced relationships with customers.”

Building a foundation for innovation and efficiency

As part of the migration, PUMA will consolidate its global e-commerce data and workloads onto Google Cloud, creating a single data engine that will give the company end-to-end insight into how audiences engage with its brand and digital content, driving faster and more accurate personalization of products and offers. The move will not only generate substantial cost savings compared to PUMA’s previous e-commerce cloud, but also will empower the company to more efficiently exchange data with other internally-used cloud platforms, third-party e-commerce solutions, and even its global network of vendors and partners.

“By building a centralized customer data platform on Google Cloud, we get the highest quality technology when it comes to analytics, data governance, and security, allowing us to radically improve how we work with partners in the interests of our customers,” said Pancho Ortuzar, Director Global E-Commerce Engineering at PUMA. “Common data standards and API management through Apigee mean that no matter where our retail outlet operators are on their digitisation journeys, they can tap into our digital services and insights without having to alter their current IT systems. That, in turn, enables them to create even more localized experiences, supported by consistently world-class data security and operational intelligence, with minimal disruption to them or their customers.”

“As consumer tastes become more personalized and bespoke, popular brands will need to look at technologies like generative AI to stay ahead of the curve,” said Carrie Tharp, VP Strategic Industries at Google Cloud. “PUMA’s partnership with Google Cloud is leading the industry in applying cloud, data analytics, and AI to transform the customer experience.”

About PUMA
PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For more than 75 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs about 20,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/puma-to-redefine-its-online-shopping-experience-with-google-clouds-ai-solutions-302079059.html

SOURCE Google Cloud

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Chaberton Energy RFP Seeks Farming Partners for two Maryland Agrivoltaics Projects

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39 minutes ago

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April 23, 2026

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Agrivoltaics co-locates solar facilities and agricultural activity while creating access to lower-cost energy for community members during a time of spiking prices.

Chaberton is partnering with Okovate Sustainable Energy to select farmers for the Montgomery County, Md., projects.

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chaberton Energy invites Maryland farmers to respond to two requests for proposal (RFPs) to farm up to 27 acres of land in Montgomery County as part of an agrivoltaics initiative. Agrivoltaics is the practice of co-locating solar power projects with farming activities.

This opportunity will provide selected farmers with access to land at no cost as well as compensation for vegetation management at the site. Chaberton is working with Okovate Sustainable Energy to solicit and evaluate proposals from farmers interested in using the land under and between the projects’ rows of solar panels for crop farming and/or animal grazing.

The RFPs come at a time when Maryland imports more than 40% of its electricity, leaving ratepayers exposed to volatile wholesale prices. These projects bring distributed solar closer to the communities that need it most, providing lower-cost energy to nearly 1,000 local households while supporting agricultural businesses in the area.

“These projects are among Montgomery County’s first agrivoltaics projects,” said Ryan Boswell, vice president of development for Chaberton Energy. “Everybody benefits when farmers, communities, local governments and energy developers work together toward a shared set of goals.”

The solar projects align with Maryland’s renewable energy and agricultural sustainability goals. Selected farmers will develop tailored farming plans for each site and seek the required review from the Montgomery County Office of Agriculture.

“Together we’re building out the energy network we need while keeping agricultural land productive,” said Miles Braxton, CEO and co-founder of Okovate. “This is an opportunity to provide land access to local farmers looking to expand or start their operations, while also leasing land for solar that helps meet the growing energy demand.”

Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf in Dickerson, Md., will have a generating capacity of 5.23 megawatts. It spans 19 acres, with 16 acres covered by the solar array and a 3-acre buffer zone. Approximately 10 acres of land in between solar panel rows and a total of 13 acres are available for agricultural use.

Chaberton Solar Ramiere in Poolesville, Md., is a 3.88 megawatt project spanning 11 acres, with approximately 8 acres covered by the solar array and a 2-acre buffer zone. Approximately 5 acres of land in between solar panel rows and a total of 7 acres are available for agricultural use.

Farmers or agricultural operators responding to the RFPs must submit a proposal that provides a clear vision for how they will utilize one or both agrivoltaics sites and outlines their approach to vegetation management, agricultural production and sustainable practices. Complete information as well as application forms are available at chaberton.com/RFP26.

About Chaberton Energy
Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation developing community-scale energy projects, with a focus on distributed solar and battery energy storage. A national developer with roots in the communities it serves, Chaberton is a two-time Inc. 5000 awardee, ranking in 2025 as the No. 53 fastest-growing private company in America and the No. 2 energy company on the list. With a commitment to creativity, excellence, and humanity, Chaberton’s team develops distributed solar and battery energy storage projects that improve grid reliability and resilience while lowering electricity costs for community members and businesses.

Media Contact
Lia Morrison 
lia.morrison@chaberton.com 
412-573-9095

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chaberton-energy-rfp-seeks-farming-partners-for-two-maryland-agrivoltaics-projects-302752253.html

SOURCE Chaberton Energy

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Empire Asset Finance Adds Katharine Rudzitis as Vice President, Direct Originations

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39 minutes ago

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April 23, 2026

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Empire Asset Finance, LLC (“Empire”) has added Katharine Rudzitis as Vice President, Direct Originations, further expanding the firm’s direct origination capabilities as it continues to scale its equipment finance platform serving middle-market, private equity-sponsored, and non-sponsored companies.

NEW YORK, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Empire Asset Finance, LLC (“Empire”) has added Katharine Rudzitis as Vice President, Direct Originations, further expanding the firm’s direct origination capabilities as it continues to scale its equipment finance platform serving middle-market, private equity-sponsored, and non-sponsored companies.

Rudzitis brings more than a decade of experience originating and executing asset-backed transactions for North American businesses. She partners closely with corporate borrowers, private equity sponsors, and advisors to deliver flexible, tailored equipment financing solutions across a wide range of company stages and credit profiles.

Prior to joining Empire, Rudzitis spent ten years at Macquarie Group, where she focused on providing equipment finance solutions for clients across the manufacturing, industrial, commodity, and technology sectors.

“Katharine brings deep experience navigating complex equipment and asset-backed transactions and a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to serving middle-market clients,” said Rick Rockhold, CEO of Empire. “She understands how to deliver flexible capital solutions that align with sponsor and borrower objectives, and we are excited to have her join Empire as we continue to grow our direct origination platform.”

“Her institutional background and disciplined approach to sourcing and executing transactions are highly aligned with how we operate,” said Mike Miroshnikov, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Credit Officer of Empire. “Katharine brings a strong ability to navigate complex situations, combined with a structured, process-driven mindset that supports consistency and high-quality outcomes across a wide range of client needs.”

In her role, Rudzitis will focus on expanding Empire’s direct origination efforts and deepening relationships with private equity sponsors, corporate borrowers, and advisors.

Rudzitis holds a BA in Mathematics, English, and Classics from Amherst College.

About Empire Asset Finance, LLC

Empire Asset Finance, LLC is a direct private credit lender focused on mid-to large-ticket equipment financing solutions for underserved middle-market companies. Backed by Arena Investors LP, Empire delivers flexible capital structures, white-glove service, and technology-driven execution that empowers businesses to grow while preserving liquidity.

About Arena Investors, LP

Arena Investors, LP is a global institutional asset manager founded in 2015 by Daniel Zwirn, a veteran investor with over two decades of experience building alternative asset platforms. Arena is a global multi-strategy investment firm with approximately $4.6 billion of assets under management and programmatic capital as of June 30, 2025. The firm is a subsidiary of Arena Investors Group Holdings (“AIGH”). AIGH, along with its affiliate, Ceres Life Insurance, comprises the Westaim Corporation (TSXV: “WED”), an integrated asset management and life insurance and annuity provider.

Media Contact

Rick Rockhold, Empire Asset Finance, LLC, 1 7189643439, rrockhold@empireassetfinance.com, http://www.empireassetfinance.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/empire-asset-finance-adds-katharine-rudzitis-as-vice-president-direct-originations-302751354.html

SOURCE Empire Asset Finance, LLC

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OverActive Media to Host Fourth Quarter 2025 Conference Call

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39 minutes ago

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April 23, 2026

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TORONTO, April 23, 2026 /CNW/ – OverActive Media Corp. (“OverActive” or the “Company”) (TSXV: OAM) (OTC: OAMCF) (WKN: A3CSPU) (FSE: 0RB), a global digital media, esports and entertainment company for today’s generation of fans will report its fourth quarter 2025 results after market close on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Company will hold a conference call the following day, call hosted by Adam Adamou, CEO and Co-Founder.

WHAT: Q4 2025 Earnings Conference Call

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET
Please connect at least 15 minutes before the conference call.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number at https://emportal.ink/4tu24C0 to receive an instant automated callback. 

You can also dial directly to be entered into the call by an operator.

Call Details: 416-945-7677 or 1-888-699-1199

The conference call will be webcast live in its entirety at 9:00 a.m. ET at https://app.webinar.net/lqrNZlWd29V, and it will be archived for three months.

Links to SEDAR filings and press releases are available on the investor website at https://overactivemedia.com/pages/filings. 

TELEPHONIC REPLAY

Call Details: 289-819-1450 or 1-888-660-6345
Encore Replay Entry Code: 96797 #
Encore Replay Expiration Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

About OverActive Media

OverActive Media Corp. (TSXV: OAM) (OTC:OAMCF) (WKN:A3CSPU) (FSE:0RB) is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with operations in Madrid, Spain and Berlin, Germany, is a premier global esports and entertainment company for today’s generation of fan. OverActive Media owns team franchises in professional esports leagues, including the Call of Duty League, operating as the Toronto KOI, the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), operating as Movistar KOI, operating as Movistar KOI in other professional esports leagues and competitions. OverActive also operates ActiveVoices, an AI-driven content localization and monetization platform that enables creators and brands to expand their audiences globally and unlock new revenue streams through automated translation, dubbing, and distribution.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Overactive Media Corp.

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