Jeff Chester

Global Logistics and Supply Chain Executive- Expert in Strategic Planning, International Operations, Import/Export and Team Development. Driving Multi-Million Dollar Cost Efficiencies, Scalable Growth and High Performing Teams

Spanx is an apparel brand company, owned by Blackstone. I define, shape, and execute the corporate global logistics and distribution vision, heading an organization of 14 direct employees and 700+ matrixed 3rd-party staff orchestrating inbound and outbound transportation; a network of six direct and outsourced warehouses in the US, UK, Canada, Netherlands, and Hong Kong; domestic and international fulfillment across the B2B and B2C channels; customs; and the performance of a network of freight forwarders, 3PL warehousing partners, customs agents, and other vendors. Within my scope are strategic planning, an OPEX budget, KPIs, and leadership development. Key achievements: ►Architecting a high-velocity enterprise supply chain roadmap that met or exceeded KPI standards for on-time delivery and productivity on 10M units of working inventory. ►Building internal capabilities facilitating sustained double-digit growth. I harmonized global logistics networks incorporating small package, LTL, FTL, ocean, and air delivery, and defined policies and talent competencies supporting and scaling the operation. ►Evolving from a D2D-first model to a blended D2D/D2C operation. I led the RFP and onboarding of a $20M Georgia 3PL DC for wholesale and e-commerce services, and transformed internal capabilities. ►Directing strategic initiatives that greatly reduced OPEX. ►Achieving top-tier inventory management KPIs, driving enhancements to technology, process discipline, and logistics plans. ►Program managing the enterprise operational plan in response to Brexit, mitigating risk and ensuring consistent product flows. ►Countering post-COVID global supply chain challenges via a logistics partner diversification enabling an agile network shift and improved resiliency. ►Collaborated on the due diligence for the 2021 corporate acquisition by Blackstone. ►Cultivating a high-performing organization with a deep bench of leadership talent.

In this role reporting to our senior leadership, I matured and scaled our supply chain operations from those supporting a basic, domestically focused company toward a major brand with a global customer base. I was the executive responsible for managing and developing both domestic and international supply chains, instituting logistics infrastructure and best practices, expanding our warehouse and distribution network, and managing ongoing KPIs and operations. Key achievements: ►Standing up international logistics and warehousing operations for goods moving between the US, Canada, Asia, and Europe. I wrote the business plan, led the 3PL RFPs, and onboarded and integrated our EU and Canada distribution centers. ►Accelerating product flows and reducing cost via the creation of an internal import-export framework. We attained EU TARIC HTS and Canadian HTS preferential trade designations and worked with our customs partners on process optimizations. ►Generating millions of dollars in cumulative cost savings on our Asian distribution network by deploying cross-dock and logistics practices enabling direct Asia-to-Asia customer shipments, which eliminated freight and duty expenditures. ►Establishing export processes for our new Latin American region, which streamlined deliveries to customers in the highly regulated Mexico (Liverpool, el Palacio de Hierro, Saks Mexico), Brazil, and Panama markets. ►Promoting and developing multiple team members into roles of increased responsibility.

I established and managed the insourcing and ongoing operation of our internal warehousing, logistics, shipping, imports, and customs operations at the early corporate growth stage. Within my scope was managing our 3PL freight forwarders, brokers, carriers, and warehouses. Key achievements: ►Navigating the supply chain organization through rapid 5X growth in top-line revenues and inventory volume. I set up a new DC for the B2C and B2C channels, initiated the global customs and compliance framework, and added two additional DCs. ►Directing the planning, configuration, and implementation of Blue Cherry ERP supply chain functionality, successfully deploying production orders, allocations processes, fulfillment workflows, and external ERP and 3PL integration. ►Defining a robust compliance and customs manual that standardized US/Canada HTS, binding rulings, internal audits, and import programs for NAFTA, CAFTA-DR, Singapore FTA, Israel FTS, Jordan FTA, and other non-GSP programs. ►Shaping and integrating supply chains for major retail customers, leading direct collaboration with Target, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, HBC, Ann Taylor, and others to achieve outstanding KPIs for service, accuracy, and chargebacks. ►Saving $5M in warehousing and distribution cost on the QVC account via the creation of a direct shipping network from Asia.

Russell Brands manufactured sports equipment under several brands and subsidiaries, including Russell Athletic and Spalding. I managed the strategic supply chain operations from our origin factory to the warehouse for the Huffy and Spalding divisions, overseeing sea and air freight, regulatory compliance, costing, logistics contracts negotiation, and KPIs. Key achievements: ►Delivering a 68% improvement in division on-time performance via vendor management and coordination. ►Achieving $150–$250 cost savings per forty-foot freight unit via cost negotiation and freight forwarding process design.

APL is a global shipping company