Smarter inventory decisions, grounded in real retail operations.
Helia helps retailers solve persistent inventory problems, connecting data, processes, people and systems into decisions that hold up under pressure.
Trusted by leading retailers
A scientist with a fashion retail accent.
Helia solves inventory and operations problems using data science. Her specialty is bridging science and practice: simplifying complex contexts, translating raw data into trusted decisions, and upskilling teams so they can build lasting capabilities. She is the founder of MontWave Consulting, where she helps retailers tackle their toughest supply chain and forecasting challenges.
With 18+ years in retail, her work sits at the intersection of merchants, distribution centers, store teams, IT, and executives. Her job, more often than not, is to translate: turning a COO's strategy into a system configuration, or a frustrated store manager's reality into a forecasting fix. She holds a PhD in Operations Management and has led analytics and inventory planning at Simons, and partnered with Harry Rosen and Psycho Bunny. But the work she's proudest of isn't a model, it's the cross-functional room that finally agreed on what the numbers meant, and acted on it.
Outside of work she mentors newcomers and PhD students, rides her bike, eats well, and stays loyal to sharp observational comedy.
Selected impact
Where rigor meets execution.
200%+
lift in e-commerce forecast accuracy during Black Friday
40%+
forecast accuracy gains all year round across all product categories, stores and online
50%
reduction in online order fulfillment lead time during Black Friday
I
Forecasting, rebuilt from the floor up
Traced low e-commerce forecast accuracy back to missing data, wrong forecast assumptions and seasonality calculations.
II
Inventory that respects the channel
Redesigned omnichannel allocation so the right units reached the right channel at the right time. Online lead times dropped 50% on Black Friday, with ripple effects on DC throughput and store labor.
III
Teams that actually adopt the system
Led training, vendor collaboration, and cross-functional alignment across IT, DC, merchandising, stores, and e-commerce; turning new forecasting and inventory tools into daily, trusted practice.
A voice for the next era of retail operations.
Helia writes, speaks, and advises on the operational realities behind inventory performance, helping leaders cut through noise and focus on the decisions that actually move the business.
"The future of retail belongs to organizations that play the long game.
The most successful retailers understand that operational excellence cannot be achieved through technology alone. Retail performance sits at the intersection of people, process, data, and technology.
The retailers that will win in the coming decade are the ones that connect people, process, and technology into a continuous feedback loop, redesign workflows enabled by AI, and use data to drive decisions at every level of the organization. Their teams and systems continuously learn, adapt, and improve.
Rigorous analytics. Human leadership.
What I admire most about Helia is her ability to complete tasks efficiently while streamlining processes for the future, ensuring satisfaction for all involved. … She consistently exceeds expectations as a director, mentor, and team player, and I am confident she will thrive in any role and overcome challenges with ease.
Gary Craig
Retired, Former VP of IT, Simons
With a robust Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management, Helia consistently translates her evolving academic knowledge into data-driven solutions that deliver tangible value to businesses. … Helia's commitment to continuous learning and her genuine desire to help make her a standout professional in her field.
Stoffel Moreau
VP of Transformation & Lean, BRP · Former VP of Supply Chain, Simons
Lors des années de collaborations que nous avons partagées, Helia par sa forte capacité d'analyse, a réussie avec succès a améliorer la précision des réapprovisionnements, de la distribution et de la gestion des inventaires. Un impact significatif sur l'efficacité de nos opérations. … Il ne faut surtout pas négliger les qualités humaines d'Helia, son engagement et son intégrité. Une collaboratrice de haut niveau !
Éric Léveillé
VP of Logistics & Distribution, Must Society · Former Logistics Director, Simons
Helia's ability to analyze the data as it pertains to La Maison Simons business direction ensured that other areas of the business that depended on her and her team can pinpoint areas of improvement and highlight areas of success. … Over the 5 years working with Helia, she has exhibited professionalism with me and was a great team leader and mentor to her growing team.
Mark Smyth
Customer Success Manager, o9 Solutions · Former Sr. Director, Retalon
Where you can find me next.
Previous workshop
May 9
2026
1:00 – 4:00 PM EST
Online
Practical Analytics and Demand Forecasting
An interactive workshop for professionals who want to strengthen their data analytics and forecasting capabilities — without needing advanced software, coding, or data science expertise. Designed for supply chain, planning, operations, and retail teams moving from messy sales data to reliable demand forecasts.
Hands-on exercises reinforce each concept, so participants leave with methods they can apply immediately.
Upcoming networking
June 10
2026
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Online
What’s Up Wednesday | Navigating the AI Surge: Gartner’s Strategic Roadmap for 2026 and Beyond
A timely conversation on how organizations can cut through the AI hype and chart a practical, value-driven path forward using Gartner's latest strategic insights.
View event →Upcoming networking
June 10
2026
5:00 – 9:00 PM
North York, ON
Schulich Startup Night 21
An evening of founder stories, investor panels, and networking at one of Canada's top business schools. Great conversations, real connections, and practical insights for entrepreneurs and operators alike.
View event →Let's solve the most persistent retail problem.
For consulting, advisory, or speaking engagements.