Who Should Attend
Senior-level supply chain professionals who have a significant influence over their companies’ domestic / global supply chain operations.
VP / Directors of Supply Chain Management / Logistics / Distribution
VP / Directors of Operations
VP / Directors Procurement Sourcing
Chief Supply Chain Officers
Chief Logistics Officers
Supply Chain / Logistics / Distribution Managers
Operations Managers
Presidents / CEOs / COOs
Audience At-a-Glance
Elite Supply Chain Executives (Since 2019)
World-Class Speakers (Since 2019)
%
Attendees VP & Above
%
End Users
%
Direct Role in Purchasing
2024 NEXTGEN SPEAKERS
Amy Rardin
Global Sr. Dir.
Procter & Gamble
Results oriented, experienced leader with multifaceted experience across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales & Finance in a distinguished, world-class consumer goods company.
Amy is an accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in supply chain management and innovation. She is highly regarded for her ability to deliver exceptional results in Product Supply for P&G. Amy excels at inspiring and motivating key decision makers to embrace change within their organizations. By leveraging supply chain data and insights, she efficiently prioritizes work for her teams, allowing them to focus on executing important business strategies and driving necessary changes. Amy's strengths lie in relationship building, persuasive selling, and achieving success in challenging situations. Her expertise spans supply chain strategies and operations, customer collaboration, leadership of large organizations, and innovation management. She has a unique ability to find innovative solutions that lead to victory, making her an invaluable asset. Amy holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas in Austin and actively leads the Texas Channel P&G Recruiting Team. Outside of work, she enjoys home improvement projects, golfing, traveling, and supporting her children's school. Amy resides in Cincinnati, OH, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Amy is an accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in supply chain management and innovation. She is highly regarded for her ability to deliver exceptional results in Product Supply for P&G. Amy excels at inspiring and motivating key decision makers to embrace change within their organizations. By leveraging supply chain data and insights, she efficiently prioritizes work for her teams, allowing them to focus on executing important business strategies and driving necessary changes. Amy's strengths lie in relationship building, persuasive selling, and achieving success in challenging situations. Her expertise spans supply chain strategies and operations, customer collaboration, leadership of large organizations, and innovation management. She has a unique ability to find innovative solutions that lead to victory, making her an invaluable asset. Amy holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas in Austin and actively leads the Texas Channel P&G Recruiting Team. Outside of work, she enjoys home improvement projects, golfing, traveling, and supporting her children's school. Amy resides in Cincinnati, OH, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Luis Roman
VP of MedTech Supply Chain
Johnson & Johnson
Luis Roman is Vice President of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) MedTech Supply Chain. In this new role, Luis has leadership accountability for core MedTech Supply Chain functions and capabilities. He will partner with cross-functional leaders to ensure these teams are efficient, responsive to evolving business needs, and deliver quantifiable results for each business unit and region to improve our overall competitiveness and better deliver for customers. He also leads the MedTech Supply Chain Governance Council, is a member of the MedTech Leadership Team, and the J&J Supply Chain Management Committee.
Prior to this role, he was the Global Head of Site and Supply Chain services that included enterprise functions such as Engineering & Property Services, Supply Chain Excellence, Global Transportation, Enterprise Contract Managements, Digital & Data Science, Trade Controls, and Strategic Programs. Under his leadership, these teams delivered continuous improvement of operational and supply chain capabilities, explored partnerships across a diverse network, and drove customer-focused growth and innovation for the future.
Throughout his career at J&J of over 20 years, Luis has held positions of increasing responsibility within supply chain across various functions in Manufacturing, Engineering, New Product Introduction, Strategy Development/Deployment, and Distribution/Logistics. Luis was also previously responsible for the management of Innovative Medicine Supply Chain’s global Small Molecule Platform, which included oversight of the internal and external network, management of critical strategic partnerships, reliability, and continuous improvement. Additionally, he has held roles as Vice President of Innovative Medicine Partnership and External Supply and Vice President of MedTech Supply Chain’s Cardiovascular and Surgery business units.
Luis is a strong developer of talent, an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as a passionate supporter of social justice. Throughout his tenure at J&J, he has been known for his active participation and sponsorship of the HOLA and Open & Out Employee Relationship Groups. He is also a member of the Seton Hall University Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Program Advisory Board. In this advisory role, Luis helps shape the Seton Hall Supply Chain graduate curriculum and provides mentorship to graduate students on the changing landscape of pharmaceutical supply chain external manufacturing. Additionally, he is a Board Member for the Pace Center for Girls, an innovative prevention and intervention program focused on providing an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy.
Luis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and a M.B.A degree from the University of Texas. He is certified as a Six-Sigma Black Belt, Lean Green Belt, and in Flawless Project Execution. He is also an active member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and the American Society of Quality. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active outdoors with CrossFit, cycling, and recreational baseball in addition to cheering on his local sports teams with his wife, daughter, and son.
Prior to this role, he was the Global Head of Site and Supply Chain services that included enterprise functions such as Engineering & Property Services, Supply Chain Excellence, Global Transportation, Enterprise Contract Managements, Digital & Data Science, Trade Controls, and Strategic Programs. Under his leadership, these teams delivered continuous improvement of operational and supply chain capabilities, explored partnerships across a diverse network, and drove customer-focused growth and innovation for the future.
Throughout his career at J&J of over 20 years, Luis has held positions of increasing responsibility within supply chain across various functions in Manufacturing, Engineering, New Product Introduction, Strategy Development/Deployment, and Distribution/Logistics. Luis was also previously responsible for the management of Innovative Medicine Supply Chain’s global Small Molecule Platform, which included oversight of the internal and external network, management of critical strategic partnerships, reliability, and continuous improvement. Additionally, he has held roles as Vice President of Innovative Medicine Partnership and External Supply and Vice President of MedTech Supply Chain’s Cardiovascular and Surgery business units.
Luis is a strong developer of talent, an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as a passionate supporter of social justice. Throughout his tenure at J&J, he has been known for his active participation and sponsorship of the HOLA and Open & Out Employee Relationship Groups. He is also a member of the Seton Hall University Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Program Advisory Board. In this advisory role, Luis helps shape the Seton Hall Supply Chain graduate curriculum and provides mentorship to graduate students on the changing landscape of pharmaceutical supply chain external manufacturing. Additionally, he is a Board Member for the Pace Center for Girls, an innovative prevention and intervention program focused on providing an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy.
Luis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and a M.B.A degree from the University of Texas. He is certified as a Six-Sigma Black Belt, Lean Green Belt, and in Flawless Project Execution. He is also an active member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and the American Society of Quality. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active outdoors with CrossFit, cycling, and recreational baseball in addition to cheering on his local sports teams with his wife, daughter, and son.
Karisa Sprague
SVP, Fulfillment and Reverse Operations, U.S. Supply Chain
Walmart
Karisa Sprague is the Senior Vice President for Walmart US Supply Chain Fulfillment and Reverse Operations. She is responsible for leading the Walmart Fulfillment organization by driving performance, profitability, growth, and innovative technology. Karisa is responsible for the stand-alone Fulfillment Centers and Reverse Operations across Walmart US, all working seamlessly to ensure on-time delivery of products to customers and helping to shape the future of how Walmart serves its stores and customers to provide the best shopping experience.
Karisa began her Walmart career in 2001 as an hourly trainee. She has held multiple positions within Store Operations, including leadership roles at store, region, division, and People roles supporting stores and supply chain. Karisa began her Walmart career as an hourly trainee in 2001.
Karisa serves on Walmart’s Women Officer Caucus. She is an executive advisor for the Walmart Women of Supply Chain. She is one of the founding graduates of Walmart Leadership Academy, a former participant of the CEO’s Key Leadership Program, and Walmart’s Executive Leadership Development Group. She is committed to ongoing mentorship and development of women leaders across the company. Karisa actively sits on the Board of Trustees for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
Karisa began her Walmart career in 2001 as an hourly trainee. She has held multiple positions within Store Operations, including leadership roles at store, region, division, and People roles supporting stores and supply chain. Karisa began her Walmart career as an hourly trainee in 2001.
Karisa serves on Walmart’s Women Officer Caucus. She is an executive advisor for the Walmart Women of Supply Chain. She is one of the founding graduates of Walmart Leadership Academy, a former participant of the CEO’s Key Leadership Program, and Walmart’s Executive Leadership Development Group. She is committed to ongoing mentorship and development of women leaders across the company. Karisa actively sits on the Board of Trustees for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
Jennifer Springer
Sr. Dir. Customer Fulfillment
Whirlpool Corporation
Jennifer Springer is Senior Director Customer Fulfillment at Whirlpool Corporation. In this role, she leads a cohesive $1B fulfillment network of over 120 warehouses, a portfolio of global and domestic logistics and trade compliance solutions, a final mile delivery and installation organization, reverse logistics and refurbishment, and a future-forward technology and automation strategy in the United States and Mexico diversified in structure, service level and capabilities tailored uniquely to a range of business units including major appliances and KitchenAid small appliances.
Before joining Whirlpool in January 2022, Jennifer was Senior Director Distribution Center Operations and Logistics for Zebra Technologies where she orchestrated operations for four fulfillment centers located in the US, the Netherlands, Singapore, and China which drove over $4.4B in annual sales revenue. She managed a global transportation portfolio of over $250M, built vision and execution for Zebra’s logistics network strategy, and drove overall supply chain innovation through the Zebra4Zebra program. She began her career with Scanwell Logistics as Business Development and Quality Control Manager.
Jennifer holds an MS in International Trade and Development from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College. She also serves on the Supply Chain Management Advisory Board at Western Michigan University.
Before joining Whirlpool in January 2022, Jennifer was Senior Director Distribution Center Operations and Logistics for Zebra Technologies where she orchestrated operations for four fulfillment centers located in the US, the Netherlands, Singapore, and China which drove over $4.4B in annual sales revenue. She managed a global transportation portfolio of over $250M, built vision and execution for Zebra’s logistics network strategy, and drove overall supply chain innovation through the Zebra4Zebra program. She began her career with Scanwell Logistics as Business Development and Quality Control Manager.
Jennifer holds an MS in International Trade and Development from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College. She also serves on the Supply Chain Management Advisory Board at Western Michigan University.
Jay Koganti
VP Supply Chain COE
Estée Lauder
Jay Koganti has more than 22 years of experience building and transforming complex Global Supply Chains as a source of strategic and competitive advantage for enterprises. Jay’s Professional expertise includes developing global supply chain strategies and Global SC Operating models. Extensive Enterprise Transformations from strategy to Operationalization. Enterprise Value creation by Breakthrough Process innovations, solving complex Supply Chain problems by leveraging the new breed of Digital Technologies by nurturing the partnerships and Technology incubation. Operational experience in Global Supply Chain Planning, Distribution, Integrated Business Planning, Supply Chain Analytics & Intelligence, and Execution for fortune 100 companies.
Jay has a unique vision of improving Operational efficiencies of Global Supply Chains by building next-generation sustainability and social equity practices at its core. Jay is a Thought leader and Keynote speaker for numerous Global Supply Chain leadership gatherings and a leading voice of advocacy for Digital Transformation and Process Innovation in the Global Supply Chain community. Jay has a BS in Metallurgical Engineering and graduated from Harvard Business School in General Management (GMP), APICS & SAP SCM Certifications, and completed Value Chain Transformation Program at Wharton.
Jay has a unique vision of improving Operational efficiencies of Global Supply Chains by building next-generation sustainability and social equity practices at its core. Jay is a Thought leader and Keynote speaker for numerous Global Supply Chain leadership gatherings and a leading voice of advocacy for Digital Transformation and Process Innovation in the Global Supply Chain community. Jay has a BS in Metallurgical Engineering and graduated from Harvard Business School in General Management (GMP), APICS & SAP SCM Certifications, and completed Value Chain Transformation Program at Wharton.
Delynn Louth
Sr. Director Global Customer Collaboration
Procter & Gamble
DeLynn Louth serves as the leader of P&G’s Global Demand Planning and Customer Collaboration capabilities for P&G Supply Network Operations world-wide. She is responsible for industry leading work processes & innovative digital/AI solutions that enable breakthrough results via our demand and customer facing supply chain resources across all markets & categories. This includes order to cash, superior shopper availability, exceptional customer experience, customer collaborative planning, joint value creation and demand sensing and shaping. DeLynn has over 30 years of experience across the full end to end supply chain from Manufacturing, Supplier Management, Physical distribution, Integrated Planning, Supply Network Design and Customer Operations. DeLynn loves to travel, hike, give back to her community and enjoy time with her husband, 4 great kids, and 2 rescue pups. She is based in Cincinnati, OH.
Mike Packer
Executive Advisor Technology and Automation
Leverage Supply Chain Group
Dynamic executive and senior engineer with proven success optimizing global supply chain, logistics, and operations strategy through technology implementation. Elevate business performance metrics, supply chain management, operational efficiency, and inventory control by creating standard procedures and applying automations to streamline processes.
With over 19 years of experience, Mike began his journey in the supply chain industry almost two decades ago as a seasonal hire at UPS, unloading and loading aircraft for the Next Day Air sort. His career then led him through various facets of the supply chain field, including supporting Long-Range Planning at an airline, spearheading location strategies for a Freight Forwarder, and contributing to warehouse design solutions and automation. For the past nine years, Mike has been instrumental in establishing engineering teams to drive automated projects across diverse sectors, from startup ecommerce ventures and multi-client facilities to cross-docking terminals, all the way to developing lights-out warehouse designs.
Mike earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Louisville.
With over 19 years of experience, Mike began his journey in the supply chain industry almost two decades ago as a seasonal hire at UPS, unloading and loading aircraft for the Next Day Air sort. His career then led him through various facets of the supply chain field, including supporting Long-Range Planning at an airline, spearheading location strategies for a Freight Forwarder, and contributing to warehouse design solutions and automation. For the past nine years, Mike has been instrumental in establishing engineering teams to drive automated projects across diverse sectors, from startup ecommerce ventures and multi-client facilities to cross-docking terminals, all the way to developing lights-out warehouse designs.
Mike earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Louisville.
Rochelle M. Savel
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management Dir., Emerging Innovations Group
Corning Incorporated
Rochelle Savel is director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management for the Emerging Innovations Group. In this role, Savel is responsible for developing optimized supply chains for Corning’s innovations focusing on cash, cost, and customer lead times.
Savel joined Corning in 2018 as business supply director, Global Supply Management, for Optical Connectivity Solutions. She was responsible for partnering with business leadership to deliver exceptional supply chain performance across the division’s global portfolio. In this capacity, Savel had responsibility for the development and execution of strategy for a large volume of third-party spend, including security of supply, sourcing, inventory optimization, and contract negotiations. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing the inaugural Supplier Diversity Program for Optical Communications.
Prior to joining Corning, Savel had 20 years of experience in a variety of roles. From capital project management to operations, she worked within the Energy sector for BP (British Petroleum) and was responsible for driving efficiencies across numerous countries ranging from the United Kingdom to Angola. Savel led numerous transformational efforts such as standardization of complex designs to large-scale SAP implementations. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her passion for empowering others and creating inclusive leaders and teams. Savel was director of Global Procurement Strategy & Capability at Ingersoll Rand; whose family of brands includes Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®.
Savel earned a Master of Business Administration from Rice University and holds a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from Michigan State University. She also completed Corporate Policy and Regulation for Executives from Washington College and Chinese Financial Policy with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (via Rice).
For 5 years, Savel was chair of the North Carolina chapter of Women in Manufacturing, a national association dedicated to inspiring, developing, and promoting women who are pursuing, or have chosen a career, in the manufacturing industry.
Savel joined Corning in 2018 as business supply director, Global Supply Management, for Optical Connectivity Solutions. She was responsible for partnering with business leadership to deliver exceptional supply chain performance across the division’s global portfolio. In this capacity, Savel had responsibility for the development and execution of strategy for a large volume of third-party spend, including security of supply, sourcing, inventory optimization, and contract negotiations. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing the inaugural Supplier Diversity Program for Optical Communications.
Prior to joining Corning, Savel had 20 years of experience in a variety of roles. From capital project management to operations, she worked within the Energy sector for BP (British Petroleum) and was responsible for driving efficiencies across numerous countries ranging from the United Kingdom to Angola. Savel led numerous transformational efforts such as standardization of complex designs to large-scale SAP implementations. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her passion for empowering others and creating inclusive leaders and teams. Savel was director of Global Procurement Strategy & Capability at Ingersoll Rand; whose family of brands includes Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®.
Savel earned a Master of Business Administration from Rice University and holds a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from Michigan State University. She also completed Corporate Policy and Regulation for Executives from Washington College and Chinese Financial Policy with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (via Rice).
For 5 years, Savel was chair of the North Carolina chapter of Women in Manufacturing, a national association dedicated to inspiring, developing, and promoting women who are pursuing, or have chosen a career, in the manufacturing industry.
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2024 Presenting Companies
ADVISORY BOARD
Amy T. Augustine
Sr. Dir. Network Supply Chain
U.S. Cellular
Senior Director, Network Supply Chain
Amy Augustine's team is responsible for building the business cases for the corporate strategic projects for U.S. Cellular. She has interest in how 5G technology can transform the future of supply chain. From 2013 until mid-2018, she led the Reverse Logistics team that is responsible for the strategy and execution of the reverse supply chain, including planning, repair of handsets and tablets, and re-commerce of handsets and accessories. Amy has held various roles within supply chain and has worked at U.S. Cellular more than nine years. Earlier in her career, she spent 10 years in the consulting industry working for KPMG, BearingPoint and the Revere Group. Amy earned her MBA in Operations Management and International Business from Loyola University in Chicago and holds a CSCP certification from APICS.
Amy Augustine's team is responsible for building the business cases for the corporate strategic projects for U.S. Cellular. She has interest in how 5G technology can transform the future of supply chain. From 2013 until mid-2018, she led the Reverse Logistics team that is responsible for the strategy and execution of the reverse supply chain, including planning, repair of handsets and tablets, and re-commerce of handsets and accessories. Amy has held various roles within supply chain and has worked at U.S. Cellular more than nine years. Earlier in her career, she spent 10 years in the consulting industry working for KPMG, BearingPoint and the Revere Group. Amy earned her MBA in Operations Management and International Business from Loyola University in Chicago and holds a CSCP certification from APICS.
Peter Bolstorff
EVP Corporate Development
ASCM
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
eter Bolstorff oversees ASCM corporate impact programs that include transformation, talent development, sustainability, and community driven public health. Peter, the author of Supply Chain Excellence: A Handbook for Dramatic Improvement Using the SCOR Model, brings over 25 years of experience in supply chain and operations management to the position. He joined ASCM as the Executive Director to lead the APICS, Supply Chain Council merger. Prior to joining ASCM, Bolstorff was the founding principal of SCE Limited, a consulting firm focused on providing supply chain program management and SCOR-based education to supply chain executives and their global teams. Bolstorff also held supply chain and operations management leadership roles at 3M and Imation and has been a lifelong volunteer within the SCOR community. He received his master’s degree in industrial education from the University of Minnesota and Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, education, and psychology from St. Olaf College.
eter Bolstorff oversees ASCM corporate impact programs that include transformation, talent development, sustainability, and community driven public health. Peter, the author of Supply Chain Excellence: A Handbook for Dramatic Improvement Using the SCOR Model, brings over 25 years of experience in supply chain and operations management to the position. He joined ASCM as the Executive Director to lead the APICS, Supply Chain Council merger. Prior to joining ASCM, Bolstorff was the founding principal of SCE Limited, a consulting firm focused on providing supply chain program management and SCOR-based education to supply chain executives and their global teams. Bolstorff also held supply chain and operations management leadership roles at 3M and Imation and has been a lifelong volunteer within the SCOR community. He received his master’s degree in industrial education from the University of Minnesota and Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, education, and psychology from St. Olaf College.
Karoline Dygas
VP, CPO
Nordstrom
Vice President, Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, CPO
Karoline Dygas is Nordstrom’s Vice President and CPO leading Strategic Sourcing and Procurement for all non-merchandise spend. She joined Nordstrom in April 2019 and is responsible for leading a holistic strategic sourcing transformation to provide a new procurement service delivery model that will positively impact the customer experience and company financial performance.
Prior to joining Nordstrom, she was Starbucks Corp Vice President leading Global Sourcing, Store Development and Siren Retail Supply Chains. She was part of Starbucks Global Supply Chain leadership team and was accountable for sourcing of all capital and commercial equipment, FFE, R&M and QA services, as well as leading the global end-to-end supply chains for Store Development and Siren Retail (Starbucks Roastery & Reserve and Princi brands).
Before joining Starbucks, Karoline was the Senior Director Strategic Sourcing at Walgreens based in Deerfield, Illinois where she was responsible for $1.5B annual spend across multiple categories supporting Store Development, Energy & Environmental Sustainability, and Marketing.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University and later completed her dual MBA from both Purdue University and ESCP-EAP European School of Management in Paris, France.
She lives in Issaquah, WA with her husband Josh, two children Morgan (14) and Max (12), and their Samoyed-Husky rescue dog named Yeti.
Karoline Dygas is Nordstrom’s Vice President and CPO leading Strategic Sourcing and Procurement for all non-merchandise spend. She joined Nordstrom in April 2019 and is responsible for leading a holistic strategic sourcing transformation to provide a new procurement service delivery model that will positively impact the customer experience and company financial performance.
Prior to joining Nordstrom, she was Starbucks Corp Vice President leading Global Sourcing, Store Development and Siren Retail Supply Chains. She was part of Starbucks Global Supply Chain leadership team and was accountable for sourcing of all capital and commercial equipment, FFE, R&M and QA services, as well as leading the global end-to-end supply chains for Store Development and Siren Retail (Starbucks Roastery & Reserve and Princi brands).
Before joining Starbucks, Karoline was the Senior Director Strategic Sourcing at Walgreens based in Deerfield, Illinois where she was responsible for $1.5B annual spend across multiple categories supporting Store Development, Energy & Environmental Sustainability, and Marketing.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University and later completed her dual MBA from both Purdue University and ESCP-EAP European School of Management in Paris, France.
She lives in Issaquah, WA with her husband Josh, two children Morgan (14) and Max (12), and their Samoyed-Husky rescue dog named Yeti.
Arun Kochar
Partner
Kearney
Arun is a Partner in Kearney’s Strategic Operations Practice. He has twenty years of C-suite, Board & senior management consulting experience across Americas, Europe, and Asia. His experience covers manufacturers, distributors and retailers in multiple industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, and Process Industries.
Arun’s advisory work focuses on maximizing enterprise value of global businesses through step changes in organic and M&A-led P&L performance. He is known for expertise in Large-scale Transformations, M&A, Operating Model Design, Route-to-market Strategy, End-to-End Supply Chain Improvement, Zero-based Budgeting, Design for Value & Sustainability, and Digital Business Enablement. He routinely publishes and speaks on bleeding-edge operations-related topics on Ivey Business Journal, SCMR, Food & Beverage Magazine, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, Wine & Spirits Daily, APICS, CSCMP, IndustryWeek, and other media outlets.
Arun holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, an MEM in Operations and MS in Transportation Engineering from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University, and a BTech in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Arun’s advisory work focuses on maximizing enterprise value of global businesses through step changes in organic and M&A-led P&L performance. He is known for expertise in Large-scale Transformations, M&A, Operating Model Design, Route-to-market Strategy, End-to-End Supply Chain Improvement, Zero-based Budgeting, Design for Value & Sustainability, and Digital Business Enablement. He routinely publishes and speaks on bleeding-edge operations-related topics on Ivey Business Journal, SCMR, Food & Beverage Magazine, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, Wine & Spirits Daily, APICS, CSCMP, IndustryWeek, and other media outlets.
Arun holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, an MEM in Operations and MS in Transportation Engineering from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University, and a BTech in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Jay Koganti
VP Supply Chain COE
Estée Lauder
Vice President – Supply Chain COE
Jay Koganti has more than 22 years of experience building and transforming complex Global Supply Chains as a source of strategic and competitive advantage for enterprises. Jay’s Professional expertise includes developing global supply chain strategies and Global SC Operating models. Extensive Enterprise Transformations from strategy to Operationalization. Enterprise Value creation by Breakthrough Process innovations, solving complex Supply Chain problems by leveraging the new breed of Digital Technologies by nurturing the partnerships and Technology incubation. Operational experience in Global Supply Chain Planning, Distribution, Integrated Business Planning, Supply Chain Analytics & Intelligence, and Execution for fortune 100 companies.
Jay has a unique vision of improving Operational efficiencies of Global Supply Chains by building next-generation sustainability and social equity practices at its core. Jay is a Thought leader and Keynote speaker for numerous Global Supply Chain leadership gatherings and a leading voice of advocacy for Digital Transformation and Process Innovation in the Global Supply Chain community. Jay has a BS in Metallurgical Engineering and graduated from Harvard Business School in General Management (GMP), APICS & SAP SCM Certifications, and completed Value Chain Transformation Program at Wharton.
Jay Koganti has more than 22 years of experience building and transforming complex Global Supply Chains as a source of strategic and competitive advantage for enterprises. Jay’s Professional expertise includes developing global supply chain strategies and Global SC Operating models. Extensive Enterprise Transformations from strategy to Operationalization. Enterprise Value creation by Breakthrough Process innovations, solving complex Supply Chain problems by leveraging the new breed of Digital Technologies by nurturing the partnerships and Technology incubation. Operational experience in Global Supply Chain Planning, Distribution, Integrated Business Planning, Supply Chain Analytics & Intelligence, and Execution for fortune 100 companies.
Jay has a unique vision of improving Operational efficiencies of Global Supply Chains by building next-generation sustainability and social equity practices at its core. Jay is a Thought leader and Keynote speaker for numerous Global Supply Chain leadership gatherings and a leading voice of advocacy for Digital Transformation and Process Innovation in the Global Supply Chain community. Jay has a BS in Metallurgical Engineering and graduated from Harvard Business School in General Management (GMP), APICS & SAP SCM Certifications, and completed Value Chain Transformation Program at Wharton.
Daren J. Mallard
Sr. Manager, Marketing Strategy
Cisco
Senior Manager, Marketing Strategy – Global Logistics Organization
Visionary. Focused. Collaborative. Action-Oriented. Adaptive. Impactful. Reflective. These are a few elements of my professional value proposition. My name is Daren Mallard, and my goal is to see not only what will make Cisco successful today...but also, to focus on achieving greater success in the future.
Currently, I develop Marketing Strategy for Cisco's Global Logistics organization, within Supply Chain Operations. In addition to managing and transporting tens of billions of dollars’ of Cisco product, we're growing our external forward logistics services by more than 10% annually...while leveraging reverse logistics to facilitate Cisco's Circular Economy efforts. And, we run two technology innovation centers which develop solutions that digitize and optimize supply chain operations. In my role, I collaborate with executives, account teams, customers, and partners, to develop initiatives & programs that better position and improve the overall supply chain experience.
I've been with Cisco for fourteen years, and my prior roles include managing Product Marketing, Technical Marketing, & Sales Operations, within the video business. Before my previous company, Scientific-Atlanta, was acquired by Cisco, I had roles managing Investor Relations & Financial Analysis...and began my career journey as a CPA with Ernst & Young (EY). I've proudly served my country as a member of the U.S. Army, and am a Morehouse College alumnus. I’m on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Innovation & Technology Policy Committee, the Next-Gen Supply Chain Conference Advisory Board, and previously served on local chapters of CTAM, NAMIC, and NABA...for which I was twice elected Board President. Additionally, I had the distinction of being selected to, and attending the Harvard Business School Cable Executive Management Program, sponsored by the CTAM Educational Foundation.
Within the community, I've been a Youth Ministry Leader, and led mentoring programs for Junior Achievement Fellows & the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology...teaching business skills, financial principles and entrepreneurship. Promoting financial literacy is a passion, and I enjoy teaching my nephews (aged 12 and 5) and godson (age 15) how to invest their time and resources, so that they can achieve a measure of financial independence. In addition, I enjoy spending time & traveling the world with my wife, rooting for NY sports teams that consistently disappoint, and thinking of new ways in which I can make a positive impact on the community & the world.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Daren_M
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Daren_MD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daren-mallard-8525ab24
Visionary. Focused. Collaborative. Action-Oriented. Adaptive. Impactful. Reflective. These are a few elements of my professional value proposition. My name is Daren Mallard, and my goal is to see not only what will make Cisco successful today...but also, to focus on achieving greater success in the future.
Currently, I develop Marketing Strategy for Cisco's Global Logistics organization, within Supply Chain Operations. In addition to managing and transporting tens of billions of dollars’ of Cisco product, we're growing our external forward logistics services by more than 10% annually...while leveraging reverse logistics to facilitate Cisco's Circular Economy efforts. And, we run two technology innovation centers which develop solutions that digitize and optimize supply chain operations. In my role, I collaborate with executives, account teams, customers, and partners, to develop initiatives & programs that better position and improve the overall supply chain experience.
I've been with Cisco for fourteen years, and my prior roles include managing Product Marketing, Technical Marketing, & Sales Operations, within the video business. Before my previous company, Scientific-Atlanta, was acquired by Cisco, I had roles managing Investor Relations & Financial Analysis...and began my career journey as a CPA with Ernst & Young (EY). I've proudly served my country as a member of the U.S. Army, and am a Morehouse College alumnus. I’m on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Innovation & Technology Policy Committee, the Next-Gen Supply Chain Conference Advisory Board, and previously served on local chapters of CTAM, NAMIC, and NABA...for which I was twice elected Board President. Additionally, I had the distinction of being selected to, and attending the Harvard Business School Cable Executive Management Program, sponsored by the CTAM Educational Foundation.
Within the community, I've been a Youth Ministry Leader, and led mentoring programs for Junior Achievement Fellows & the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology...teaching business skills, financial principles and entrepreneurship. Promoting financial literacy is a passion, and I enjoy teaching my nephews (aged 12 and 5) and godson (age 15) how to invest their time and resources, so that they can achieve a measure of financial independence. In addition, I enjoy spending time & traveling the world with my wife, rooting for NY sports teams that consistently disappoint, and thinking of new ways in which I can make a positive impact on the community & the world.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Daren_M
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Daren_MD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daren-mallard-8525ab24
Shekar Natarajan
EVP, Chief SCO
AEO Inc.
Executive Vice President – Chief Supply Chain Officer
Shekar Natarajan is a Harvard Business School alum with an industrial engineering background and insatiable appetite for innovation. Coupled with his innate entrepreneurial acumen and strategic eye for opportunity, Shekar’s track record for transformation among top Fortune 100 companies has consistently left a lasting impact across numerous industries.
Throughout his 20-year career, Shekar has created an industry-standard system for last-mile beverage delivery; built and scaled grocery-shopping operations now worth more than $9 billion; developed methodologies followed by the White House and FEMA; and enhanced theme-park visitor experience through wearable RFID technology. In December 2018, Shekar joined American Eagle Outfitters (AEO, Inc.) as SVP Global Supply Chain, Logistics & Services and was quickly entrusted with reimagining the retailer’s traditional supply chain network. Ultimately pioneering an open supply chain business model, Shekar now leads a team of 500 staff and 10,000 field associates in his current role as EVP – Chief Supply Chain Officer.
Recognized worldwide for his industry contributions, Shekar’s diversified portfolio includes more than 300 filed and 75 awarded patents and three books translated in 11 languages.
Shekar Natarajan is a Harvard Business School alum with an industrial engineering background and insatiable appetite for innovation. Coupled with his innate entrepreneurial acumen and strategic eye for opportunity, Shekar’s track record for transformation among top Fortune 100 companies has consistently left a lasting impact across numerous industries.
Throughout his 20-year career, Shekar has created an industry-standard system for last-mile beverage delivery; built and scaled grocery-shopping operations now worth more than $9 billion; developed methodologies followed by the White House and FEMA; and enhanced theme-park visitor experience through wearable RFID technology. In December 2018, Shekar joined American Eagle Outfitters (AEO, Inc.) as SVP Global Supply Chain, Logistics & Services and was quickly entrusted with reimagining the retailer’s traditional supply chain network. Ultimately pioneering an open supply chain business model, Shekar now leads a team of 500 staff and 10,000 field associates in his current role as EVP – Chief Supply Chain Officer.
Recognized worldwide for his industry contributions, Shekar’s diversified portfolio includes more than 300 filed and 75 awarded patents and three books translated in 11 languages.
Amy Rardin
Global Sr. Dir.
Procter & Gamble
Supply Chain Digitization & Strategic Partnerships P&G, Global Senior Director
Results oriented, experienced leader with multifaceted experience across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales & Finance in a distinguished, world-class consumer goods company.
Amy is an accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in supply chain management and innovation. She is highly regarded for her ability to deliver exceptional results in Product Supply for P&G. Amy excels at inspiring and motivating key decision makers to embrace change within their organizations. By leveraging supply chain data and insights, she efficiently prioritizes work for her teams, allowing them to focus on executing important business strategies and driving necessary changes. Amy's strengths lie in relationship building, persuasive selling, and achieving success in challenging situations. Her expertise spans supply chain strategies and operations, customer collaboration, leadership of large organizations, and innovation management. She has a unique ability to find innovative solutions that lead to victory, making her an invaluable asset. Amy holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas in Austin and actively leads the Texas Channel P&G Recruiting Team. Outside of work, she enjoys home improvement projects, golfing, traveling, and supporting her children's school. Amy resides in Cincinnati, OH, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Results oriented, experienced leader with multifaceted experience across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales & Finance in a distinguished, world-class consumer goods company.
Amy is an accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in supply chain management and innovation. She is highly regarded for her ability to deliver exceptional results in Product Supply for P&G. Amy excels at inspiring and motivating key decision makers to embrace change within their organizations. By leveraging supply chain data and insights, she efficiently prioritizes work for her teams, allowing them to focus on executing important business strategies and driving necessary changes. Amy's strengths lie in relationship building, persuasive selling, and achieving success in challenging situations. Her expertise spans supply chain strategies and operations, customer collaboration, leadership of large organizations, and innovation management. She has a unique ability to find innovative solutions that lead to victory, making her an invaluable asset. Amy holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas in Austin and actively leads the Texas Channel P&G Recruiting Team. Outside of work, she enjoys home improvement projects, golfing, traveling, and supporting her children's school. Amy resides in Cincinnati, OH, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
John Santagate
VP Robotics
Körber Supply Chain Software
Vice President of Robotics
John Santagate is the Vice President of Robotics at Körber Supply Chain. In this role, John is responsible for defining and executing the autonomous mobile robot strategy for Körber Supply Chain North America. Prior to joining Körber, John was a Research Director for Robotics at IDC where he provided market trends and forecasts for service robotics, business process evolution through the use of service robots, and the integration of robotics into business processes and business IT architecture. John has an MBA from Rutgers with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts with dual concentrations in Finance and Management. In addition to serving as the VP of Robotics at Körber, John is an adjunct instructor at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell teaching a course in supply chain and logistics.
John Santagate is the Vice President of Robotics at Körber Supply Chain. In this role, John is responsible for defining and executing the autonomous mobile robot strategy for Körber Supply Chain North America. Prior to joining Körber, John was a Research Director for Robotics at IDC where he provided market trends and forecasts for service robotics, business process evolution through the use of service robots, and the integration of robotics into business processes and business IT architecture. John has an MBA from Rutgers with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts with dual concentrations in Finance and Management. In addition to serving as the VP of Robotics at Körber, John is an adjunct instructor at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell teaching a course in supply chain and logistics.
Alison Seward
Exec. Dir., Manufacturing Quality
G.E. Appliances a Haier Company
Executive Director – Manufacturing Quality
Alison Seward has business-wide responsibility for all aspects of quality costs, both internally and externally for all GE Appliances manufacturing sites and Mabe affiliates. By owning the strategy and execution for quality, she leads the team to ensure that GE Appliances meets and exceeds owners’ expectations for quality, delivering a world class ownership experience.
Previous roles from her 20-year career with GE Appliances include leadership positions in Product Cost & Design Quality, Cost-Out Execution, New Products Execution and Design Manager as well as Program Senior Director for an $80M investment in Dishwasher that launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alison began her career in 2001 as a co-op in Supply Chain and is an Operations Management Leadership Program graduate with experience in Material Control, Plant Operations, Supplier Quality and Manufacturing Quality.
Alison lives in Louisville, KY with her husband and two young daughters, where they are active in their local church. She is focused on wellness with frequent yoga and ballet classes and has an affinity for plant-based meals. Alison holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville.
Alison Seward has business-wide responsibility for all aspects of quality costs, both internally and externally for all GE Appliances manufacturing sites and Mabe affiliates. By owning the strategy and execution for quality, she leads the team to ensure that GE Appliances meets and exceeds owners’ expectations for quality, delivering a world class ownership experience.
Previous roles from her 20-year career with GE Appliances include leadership positions in Product Cost & Design Quality, Cost-Out Execution, New Products Execution and Design Manager as well as Program Senior Director for an $80M investment in Dishwasher that launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alison began her career in 2001 as a co-op in Supply Chain and is an Operations Management Leadership Program graduate with experience in Material Control, Plant Operations, Supplier Quality and Manufacturing Quality.
Alison lives in Louisville, KY with her husband and two young daughters, where they are active in their local church. She is focused on wellness with frequent yoga and ballet classes and has an affinity for plant-based meals. Alison holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville.
Arjun Sharma
Supply Chain Leader
Google
Arjun Sharma, the Global Lead for Supply Planning at Google, is a distinguished professional with two decades of experience in transforming global supply chains into strategic assets for businesses. His expertise in developing innovative supply chain strategies and operational models has catalyzed extensive enterprise transformations. At Google, he has revolutionized the supply chain for networking equipment, enhancing on-time capacity deployment multi-fold through strategic design and user experience improvements. His initiatives have significantly boosted Google Cloud's customer satisfaction and budget management, alongside conceptualizing and executing advanced replenishment models that spurred notable revenue growth and reduction in stockouts.
In his previous role at Apple, Arjun was instrumental in shaping the strategy for the iPhone Global Service Supply Chain, including the landmark iPhone X. Further, he adeptly managed the ramp-up of new desktop products, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and vendor relations.
Prior to Apple, Arjun's leadership skills were honed in the Indian Army as a Major, where he led critical logistics operations in the Siachen Glacier and counterinsurgency efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. His exceptional service was recognized with a Special Service Medal and the Counter Insurgency Operations Medal.
Academically, Arjun holds an MBA in Strategy, Supply Chain, and Operations from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts from the National Defense Academy, with concentrations in History, Geography, and Political Science. His blend of corporate acumen and military discipline positions him uniquely in the field of supply chain management.
In his previous role at Apple, Arjun was instrumental in shaping the strategy for the iPhone Global Service Supply Chain, including the landmark iPhone X. Further, he adeptly managed the ramp-up of new desktop products, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and vendor relations.
Prior to Apple, Arjun's leadership skills were honed in the Indian Army as a Major, where he led critical logistics operations in the Siachen Glacier and counterinsurgency efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. His exceptional service was recognized with a Special Service Medal and the Counter Insurgency Operations Medal.
Academically, Arjun holds an MBA in Strategy, Supply Chain, and Operations from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts from the National Defense Academy, with concentrations in History, Geography, and Political Science. His blend of corporate acumen and military discipline positions him uniquely in the field of supply chain management.
Tom Ward
A.I. Project Leader
IBM
A.I. Project Leader
Tom Ward is currently an A.I. Project Lead within the Chief Data Officer (CDO) organization. In this capacity, he leads the global development and deployment of cloud, AI and quantum projects across the enterprise. Tom has led supply chain cloud projects over the past twelve years. For the past eight years, Tom has led the implementation of several Watson applications including Operations Risk Insights. He has been a featured supply chain conference speaker and published author in several magazines. Tom is an IBM Academy of Technology Member and one of 25 certified Supply Chain Management Professional – Consultants, globally within IBM. He has over 30 years of technical leadership experience with IBM in many facets of the Supply Chain, Procurement, Enterprise and Operations Services. Tom has recently been certified as an IBM Quantum Ambassador. Tom has a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He lives in Highland, New York.
Tom Ward is currently an A.I. Project Lead within the Chief Data Officer (CDO) organization. In this capacity, he leads the global development and deployment of cloud, AI and quantum projects across the enterprise. Tom has led supply chain cloud projects over the past twelve years. For the past eight years, Tom has led the implementation of several Watson applications including Operations Risk Insights. He has been a featured supply chain conference speaker and published author in several magazines. Tom is an IBM Academy of Technology Member and one of 25 certified Supply Chain Management Professional – Consultants, globally within IBM. He has over 30 years of technical leadership experience with IBM in many facets of the Supply Chain, Procurement, Enterprise and Operations Services. Tom has recently been certified as an IBM Quantum Ambassador. Tom has a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He lives in Highland, New York.
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