Richard Teachout

Chief Technology Officer at Ashley Furniture Industries

Tampa, Florida, United States

About Richard Teachout

Richard Teachout is Chief Technology Officer at Ashley Furniture Industries. Location: Tampa, Florida, United States.

I currently serve as Chief Technology Officer at Ashley Furniture Industries, where I lead a global technology organization spanning AI, platforms, infrastructure, data, architecture, development, and emerging technologies. In this role, I set enterprise-wide technology vision and execution across international operations—aligning AI, data, and digital platforms with manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, warehouse, retail, and customer experience at global scale. My focus is on building resilient, scalable systems and high-performing teams that translate advanced technology into durable business advantage. Previously, I served as Chief Technology Officer at El Toro, where my work contributed to multiple patented, 100% cookie-free advertising technologies, including IP Targeting and Mobile Ad ID Targeting—innovations that helped define a new category of privacy-forward, data-driven advertising. I bring over 30 years of experience across a wide spectrum of technical disciplines, with deep expertise in software engineering, data platforms, distributed systems, and applied AI. I’ve worked in more than a dozen programming languages, across nearly all major database technologies, and in environments ranging from early-stage innovation to highly regulated, enterprise-scale ecosystems. In short: I’m a problem solver. My years of experience with AI have transformed operations from KTLO to automation with agentic capabilities. I’m known as a hands-on technology leader—working directly with engineers while maintaining responsibility for long-term strategy, governance, and execution. A defining theme of my career is the intelligent connection of data, processes, and people. I’ve led initiatives that embed AI and machine learning into core business workflows—enabling predictive insight, automation, and adaptive systems that operate across organizational and geographic boundaries. My approach emphasizes practical, scalable AI focused on real-world outcomes. Beyond enterprise technology, I’ve founded, operated, and advised multiple businesses across diverse industries including manufacturing, logistics, entertainment, and large-scale infrastructure operations. I’ve contributed to multiple patents and serve in advisory and board roles, applying systems thinking well beyond traditional software environments. I’m known for my energy, curiosity, and ability to translate technical complexity into real-world outcomes—combining deep technical credibility with executive leadership and a strong bias toward execution.

Skills

  • Strategy
  • Team Leadership
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Additional experience

  • Co-Founder

    Aboutbit

    Started January 2022

Education

  • Business, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Washingtonville HS