— By Mark Kapczynski — Why we should never go back to a pre-COVID supply chain. For the past decade, global supply chains have been running a seemingly normal path. However, when COVID hit the U.S. in March 2020, it exposed many of the vulnerabilities that have been affecting these networks. Even a year and half later, industries across the board are experiencing the impacts of supply chain disruptions. With massive labor shortages and continual shipping delays, there is an increasing desperation to return “back to normal.” Instead of …
supply chain
Tampa, Fla. — David Deno, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., has announced the promotion of Lissette Gonzalez to senior vice president, supply chain. In her new role, Gonzalez will lead the company’s supply chain and join the executive leadership team. Previously, she spent 16 years with Office Depot. “Lissette has made many important contributions to our supply chain since she joined us 7 years ago,” says Deno. “With her planning and forecasting expertise, coupled with her proven talent for global procurement, she ensures our operators have ample supplies, at a …
Atlanta — The Home Depot® will open two new distribution centers in Perth Amboy, N.J., over the next 12 months to support the growing demand for flexible customer delivery options. The expansion is projected to bring more than 400 jobs to the tri-state area, including full- and part-time positions. The company currently operates six distribution centers across New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. “Our customers have varying needs — from DIYers renovating a room in their home to professional contractors on job sites to institutional business customers overseeing maintenance and …
Denver — Eric Grundmeier, a seasoned supply chain professional, has been named chief supply officer of REGO Restaurant Group, the fast-casual restaurant platform backed by High Bluff Capital Partners that includes Quiznos and Taco Del Mar. The news comes on the heels of the recent appointments of President and CEO Tim Casey and Chief Brand Officer Mark Lohmann.
Irvine, Calif. — Joe Baksha, president and CEO of OSI Creative, a leading provider of global supply chain managed solutions for point-of-purchase (POP) displays, consumer product packaging and branded merchandise programs, will retire on March 31, 2019. He will be succeeded by John Kellogg, chief operating officer of OSI.
Manchester, England — BluJay Solutions, a leading provider of supply chain software and services, has hired experienced software executive and industry leader Andrew Kirkwood as chief executive officer. His 25 years of experience in the supply chain and SaaS market will help BluJay continue to drive ever-higher levels of performance and customer satisfaction.
Toledo, Ohio — OptimalLED Inc. is growing as it adds new lighting representatives and lighting manufacturers to its already impressive lineup. Founded in 2008, the Toledo, Ohio-based lighting company has grown steadily over the years to become one of the leading providers of energy-efficient LED lighting to the Midwest region.
Grand Rapids, Mich. — For the first time, Meijer has been named a SmartWay® Excellence Award winner in two categories simultaneously — as a shipper and a carrier — by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Meijer is the first retailer to be honored in both categories.
Pittsburgh — DICK’S Sporting Goods has named Vidya Jwala as chief e-commerce and supply chain officer. In this role, Jwala will be responsible for the company’s digital integration of e-commerce and supply chain efforts, and will report to Lauren Hobart, president of DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Minneapolis — Target Corporation has hired John Bauer to join the company as senior vice president, global inventory management, effective August 20. In this role, Bauer will lead the teams responsible for ordering, inventory positioning, global trade and domestic transportation. He will report to Target’s executive vice president and chief supply chain officer, Arthur Valdez Jr.