Seattle, Washington, United States
Board member, advisor, and consultant for companies that want to connect with today's customers. During a 20-year global career at Amazon.com, I launched multiple businesses that delighted customers, achieved challenging financial goals and created great careers for energetic Amazonians around the world. Before that, I was senior executive at a traditional retailer, a consultant at McKinsey & Co., and a staff reporter and foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. I've managed teams or worked extensively in 15 countries, and lived outside the U.S. for a total of 8 years (Mexico, China, and the United Kingdom). I'm also a proud fifth-generation native of the state of Kansas, a graduate of the University of Kansas, and a greenhorn farm manager (with a lot to learn).
Built and managed teams to expand three international strategies for Amazon: (1) Amazon's B2B strategy, known as Amazon Business, operating in Europe, Japan and India (2) Amazon's Brazil e-commerce site, and (3) Private Brands in Japan and Europe. Served as Technical Advisor to CEO on interim basis in early 2015. Managed Amazon's global trade business -- Amazon Exports and Amazon Global Store -- from 2015 to 2016.
P&L and general management responsibility for Amazon's e-commerce activities in China, including product category teams, website technology, pricing, inventory planning, buying, retail operations, delivery experience and product compliance.
Launched and managed new new product categories at a time when Amazon was expanding beyond books. From 2001-2004, managed Electronics, Tools, Kitchen and Toys; and managed the launches of Jewelry, Health & Personal Care, Gourmet Food and Personal Computers. From 2005-2011, launched and managed Automotive Parts & Accessories; Motorcycle Parts and Accessories, Industrial and Scientific Supplies, and Amazon's dedicated B2B website, SmallParts.com, which later grew into Amazon's B2B business, now known as Amazon Business. I also supported several management development initiatives: the launch of Amazon's Retail Undergraduate Program, executive sponsorship of several MBA recruiting initiatives, and executive sponsorship and management of the Amazon Category Leader Training program.