Brian Ooyen

Professional Overview

Brian Ooyen is a seasoned retail executive with over 30 years of experience in merchandise planning, financial strategy, and operational leadership. As the Executive Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Allocation at J.Crew, he is responsible for driving the company's strategic merchandise planning and inventory optimization efforts to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the EVP of Merchandise Planning and Allocation at J.Crew, Brian is accountable for spearheading the company's merchandise planning and allocation strategies. He oversees the development and implementation of data-driven planning models to align inventory with customer demand, optimize open-to-buy, and ensure efficient distribution of merchandise across the retailer's omnichannel network. Under his leadership, J.Crew has achieved significant improvements in inventory productivity, markdown reduction, and overall financial performance.

Career Progression

Prior to joining J.Crew, Brian held senior leadership roles at Victoria's Secret, where he served as the EVP of Finance and VP of Merchandise Strategy. In these positions, he was instrumental in driving the brand's financial planning and analysis, as well as developing and executing innovative merchandising strategies that contributed to the company's growth and profitability. Earlier in his career, Brian also held leadership roles at The Limited and Limited Brands, where he gained extensive experience in financial planning, merchandise strategy, and retail operations.

Academic Background

Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated with honors. His academic background provides a strong foundation in financial analysis, strategic decision-making, and data-driven problem-solving, which he has successfully applied throughout his career in the retail industry.

Areas of Expertise

• Merchandise planning and inventory optimization

• Financial strategy and performance management

• Omnichannel retail operations

• Data analytics and business intelligence

• Cross-functional leadership and team development

Professional Impact

During his tenure at Victoria's Secret, Brian led the implementation of a new financial planning and forecasting system, which resulted in a 15% improvement in inventory productivity and a 20% reduction in markdowns. At J.Crew, he has spearheaded the development of a centralized merchandise planning and allocation platform, enabling the company to respond more effectively to changing market conditions and customer preferences.

Conclusion

With his deep industry knowledge, financial acumen, and proven track record of driving operational excellence, Brian Ooyen is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of J.Crew's merchandise planning and allocation strategies. His strategic vision, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative leadership style make him a valuable asset to the organization as it navigates the evolving retail landscape.