Chelsey Gazeley
Senior Director Apparel Development and Production
Professional Overview
Chelsey Gazeley is a seasoned apparel industry leader with over 18 years of experience in product development, sourcing, and production management. As the Senior Director of Apparel Development and Production at Ariat International, she oversees the end-to-end lifecycle of the company's apparel offerings, driving innovation, optimizing supply chain operations, and ensuring exceptional product quality.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Director of Apparel Development and Production at Ariat International since 2021, Chelsey is responsible for managing a team of cross-functional professionals to develop and produce high-performance, technically-advanced apparel. In this role, she has streamlined the product development process, implementing data-driven decision-making to reduce lead times and improve cost-efficiency. Chelsey's strategic vision and collaborative approach have positioned Ariat as a market leader in the outdoor and lifestyle apparel segments.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Chelsey served as the Director of Sourcing, Development, and Production for Ariat's denim and bottoms categories from 2017 to 2021. In this position, she leveraged her expertise in vendor management and production planning to optimize the supply chain, leading to a 25% reduction in product costs and a 20% improvement in on-time delivery. Before that, Chelsey held the role of Sr. Manager of Sourcing and Production at Ariat, where she played a key role in expanding the company's global manufacturing footprint and implementing lean manufacturing principles.
Earlier in her career, Chelsey worked as a Product Development Manager at Levi Strauss & Co., where she collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative denim and casual apparel solutions, earning recognition for her ability to translate consumer insights into successful product launches.
Academic Background
Chelsey holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Management from the University of Missouri, where she graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Apparel product development and lifecycle management
- Global sourcing and supply chain optimization
- Lean manufacturing and production efficiency
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Data-driven decision-making and strategic planning
Professional Impact
Under Chelsey's leadership, Ariat's apparel division has experienced significant growth, with a 30% increase in revenue and a 15% improvement in gross margins over the past two years. She has spearheaded the development of several award-winning technical apparel lines that have gained widespread acclaim from industry experts and consumers alike. Chelsey's dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement has been instrumental in Ariat's success as a global leader in the outdoor and lifestyle apparel market.
Conclusion
Chelsey Gazeley is a seasoned apparel industry professional with a proven track record of driving innovation, optimizing operations, and delivering exceptional results. Her strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style make her a valuable asset to Ariat International as the company continues to expand its presence and solidify its position as a premier brand in the outdoor and lifestyle apparel space.
