Rick Rommel serves as a mediaX Distinguished Visiting Scholar, and is a respected and entrepreneurial industry leader who has built innovative businesses in the consumer electronics, retail and aerospace industries. He’s currently a principal at Sprosty Network (www.sprosty.net), a business strategy and innovation firm helping clients, such as retailers, re-imagine technology and the delivery of connected products, services, and experiences.

Prior to joining Sprosty, Rommel created Best Buy’s Global Private Label CE business, the company’s most profitable internal start-up initiative. He also helped Best Buy’s New Business Consumer Solution Group to create, incubate, and accelerate new global business opportunities. Rommel’s career has spanned management roles in a $4b retail business and a $10M startup; and consumer product development for Best Buy and Kodak. He has served in General Management, Product Development, Sales, IT, Business Development, Marketing and Operations roles and began his career launching satellites at Hughes.