Jacob Thomas

SVP | Global Sourcing & Supply Chain Executive | Apparel & Consumer Goods | ESG | Digital Transformation | $850M+ Ops Leadership

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

Accomplished Senior executive with 20+ years of leadership experience across global sourcing, supply chain, and product operations in the apparel and music industry. I’ve built and scaled supply chain organizations supporting $850M+ in revenue, led full digital transformations (ERP, PLM, PIM), and driven vertical integration strategies to optimize speed to market, margin, and inventory performance. My leadership style blends analytical rigor with cross-functional collaboration—delivering sustainable results through vendor innovation, cost engineering, and high-performing teams. I’m passionate about building ESG-forward supply chains that drive both profitability and impact, and I thrive in dynamic environments where operational excellence and creative product thinking intersect. Let’s connect if you’re building supply chains of the future in the apparel or consumer goods space.

Experience

  • SVP Sourcing and Production at Centric Brands
    Sep 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Leading the Sourcing and Production for Men’s and Women’s Luxury and Streetwear brands. Herve Leger, Off White, Saks, Avirex, Robert Graham, Game Seven, Contenders.

  • SVP of Global Sourcing and Supply Chain at Bravado International Group
    Jan 2017 - Jun 2025 · 8 yrs 6 mos

    Summary: Led global sourcing and supply chain operations for $850M+ in annual revenue across E-commerce, Retail, Tour, and License channels. Managed product development, inventory, logistics, sales operations, and vendor strategy. Focused on digital transformation, verticalization, and ESG advancement. Key Achievements: • Scaled a global vendor network that increased speed-to-market by 22% while maintaining strict quality standards. • Managed $200M+ in annual sourcing spend and introduced vertical integration to improve cost and delivery efficiency. • Implemented ERP, PLM, DAM, and PIM systems, transforming data visibility and lifecycle operations. • Launched the company’s first ESG roadmap—reducing waste, repurposing inventory, and driving community engagement. • Built a performance-based culture with clear KPIs, cross-functional alignment, and leadership coaching.

  • Head of Production Ellen Tracy and Kenneth Cole at Global Brands Group (A member of the Fung Group)
    Sep 2015 - Dec 2016 · 1 yr 4 mos

    Summary: Oversaw production strategy for multiple women’s fashion brands, supporting both domestic and international sales. Balanced speed and margin through strategic vendor placements and proactive capacity planning. Key Achievements: • Developed a global sourcing model aligning fast fashion (Western Hemisphere) and mass production (Asia). • Conducted vendor and market trend analysis to optimize product cost, quality, and timing. • Negotiated competitive pricing and ensured compliance across global manufacturing partners. • Introduced QA and capacity planning frameworks to support dynamic demand and SKU growth. • Led and coached a global team of in-house and agency production professionals.

  • Head of Sourcing Boys and Girls Denim and Wovens at The Children's Place
    Feb 2013 - Aug 2015 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Senior Director of Production 2013 – 2015 | Secaucus, NJ Summary: Directed $500M annual production portfolio across denim and woven categories for boys and girls. Balanced seasonal and core programs while driving cost-efficiency and supplier development. Key Achievements: • Drove end-to-end product development from concept to delivery across multiple seasons and SKUs. • Conducted cost analysis and resource allocation to align with gross margin targets. • Built supplier relationships focused on value engineering and sustainable growth. • Improved lifecycle efficiency through SKU analysis, calendar alignment, and capacity management. • Launched supplier performance programs using structured scorecards and planning tools.

  • Head of Production and Sourcing Urban Kids brands at Li & Fung USA
    Oct 2008 - Feb 2013 · 4 yrs 5 mos

    Summary: Directed production operations for private label and branded accounts within a global sourcing powerhouse. Led cross-functional product development from concept to shipment across multiple apparel categories. Key Highlights: • Built sourcing strategies across Asia and Latin America to support mass-market and specialty retail clients. • Partnered with design, tech, and merchandising teams to align cost, speed, and construction standards. • Oversaw global vendor management and compliance in line with evolving retail expectations.