Beyond the Tech: Featuring Kostya Polyakov, KPMG Canada

Join Vic Miles for his discussion with Kostya Polyakov, a partner with KPMG Canada, about the rapid transformation we’re witnessing in retail, and how it’s being driven by e-commerce acceleration and consumer behavior shifts.

About Kostya Polyakov Kostya brings over 20 years of expertise in the consumer goods, retail, restaurant, e-commerce, technology, and media sectors. He has worked with both public and private companies, advising organizations at every stage—from early start-ups to some of Canada’s largest and most complex multinational corporations. Kostya’s insights go far beyond financial statement audits; he provides strategic guidance on growth strategies, team structuring, industry best practices, mergers and acquisitions, and financial reporting. His extensive experience spans IFRS, US GAAP, and ASPE frameworks.

Adding to his depth of knowledge, Kostya spent several years working in industry outside of KPMG, giving him first-hand experience with the challenges his clients face daily. This blend of advisory expertise and practical industry experience makes Kostya an invaluable resource for companies navigating growth and transformation.

About Vic Miles

Vic Miles is the Americas Business Strategy Leader for Microsoft’s Retail Industry solutions group. Vic is responsible for go to market strategies, guidance to the client service teams and the integrated solution plan for Microsoft products in the retail industry. Vic joined Microsoft in April 2008 after over 10 years in retail as a Wal- Mart IT leader.

Vic has built a specialty around retail store operations. His knowledge comes from leading application development for in-store retail systems, during his tenure at Walmart. Vic serves as an advisor to retail executives around the globe where he helps to achieve the Microsoft mission of empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.

The Beyond the Tech series is sponsored by Microsoft (microsoft.com).

Conversations On Retail

Conversations On Retail is a gathering place and resource center for retail and CPG executives, built to make it easier to stay current, discover the technologies and solutions shaping the industry, and connect with the people driving it forward.

We publish news, views, and reviews from staff editors, contributing experts, and trusted partners. Some articles are developed internally, while others are submitted by industry contributors or adapted from interviews and recorded conversations with industry leaders.