Lisa Sousa

• Lead and execute against our strategic plans from initial concept product development, technical design through to production to align with company goals • Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and efficiency enhancements to streamline sourcing, production workflows and increase output • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, merchandising, sales, and supply chain, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment across departments to achieve our goals and objectives • Manage relationships with key suppliers while focusing on the key sourcing strategies while ensuring country of origin balance within the supply chain • Lead a team of 18 associates while implementing restructuring changes with the goal of optimizing our efficiency, leveraging talent knowledge while mentoring team to higher performance.

• Restructured organization by forming a Value Center of Excellence team to optimize club and discounter business for both brands. • Developed and implemented a 3-year global supply chain strategy of diversifying the country sourcing while reducing risk and optimizing competitive pricing for brand growth. • Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders, streamlining product development calendars across multiple brands and channels and capitalizing vendor innovation presentations. • Managed development budgets, collaborating cross-functionally to optimize costs and achieve a 50%+ adoption rate for sample development. • Key lead support in the implementation of a new Flex PLM system, improving efficiency and collaboration across multiple brand product development teams. • Spearheaded the annual Costco Vendor Seminar, strengthening relationships and securing future business opportunities.

• Partnered with design and merchandising teams to drive innovation and establish a flexible supply chain, resulting in a 4-week reduction in product life cycle time (concept-to-market). • Streamlined the Technical Fit Process by 4 weeks, saving development time. Hired a Technical Fit Manager and implemented a new fit process utilizing 3D technology. • Implemented First Sale program with key suppliers, achieving $500,000 in annual duty savings. • Enhanced supply chain efficiency by 20% by implementing a supplier qualification program with a scoring system, established seasonal scorecards to track key performance indicators (KPIs), and executed a China Migration Plan with expansion into Vietnam and Ethiopia. • Exceeded company margin goals by over 15% within two years, upgrading brand integrity and product quality. • Contributed to annual freight savings of $550,000 through a carton packing optimization program. • Championed supplier engagement by organizing biannual vendor summits in China and the Corporate Office. These summits fostered communication around product testing, quality, and social responsibility initiatives, uniting all suppliers.

I was promoted to establish a new leadership role for the accessories and footwear categories for their total product life cycle with retail sales of more than $350 million across 900 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, Loft, and Loft Outlet Stores, as well as e-commerce. Reporting to the SVP of Sourcing, I managed and mentored a 12-person team, including an Asia QA direct report. After I restructured team by product category, we were able to meet the company’s 50% unit and sales growth plan. In fact, we exceeded company margin goals by +15% while maintaining brand integrity and quality of product. I implemented seasonal product development/budget guidelines which provided controls for development ratios that reduced expenses by 25% per year. I also identified new suppliers to execute a new fashion trends strategy that resulted in a speed to market supply chain model, leading to a positive sales comp of +20% to the original seasonal plan. As a result, I received the Supply Chain Star of the Year Award (2013). Notable Contributions: »» Leadership: Served as a key business partner on numerous committees challenged with driving supply chain initiatives, including International Trade, Logistics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Quality Assurance, AnnPower Vital Voices Mentorship Program, 100K Commitment to Woman, Green Task Force, and PLM implementation. »» Vendor Management: Built strong vendor direct supplier model relationships globally and consolidated the vendor base by 25%. »» Innovation: Organized and led a supplier vendor summit forum in Hong Kong to engage suppliers in understanding the company’s initiatives and enable sharing of manufacturing best practices.