Jon Watschke

Chief Supply Chain Officer

Professional Overview
Jon Watschke is an accomplished supply chain executive with over 20 years of experience driving strategic transformations and optimizing global operations across the retail and consumer goods industries. As the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ariat International, he leverages his deep expertise in direct-to-consumer distribution, fulfillment, and omnichannel logistics to enhance the company's supply chain agility and responsiveness.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ariat International, Jon is responsible for overseeing the company's entire supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and distribution. He has spearheaded the implementation of data-driven forecasting and planning systems, enabling the organization to anticipate and adapt to shifting consumer demands. Under Jon's leadership, Ariat has achieved significant improvements in fill rates, inventory turnover, and overall supply chain efficiency.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Ariat, Jon held various leadership roles at VF Corporation, where he played a key role in the company's global direct-to-consumer supply chain transformation. As the Vice President of West Coast DC Transition, he led the strategic relocation and consolidation of VF's distribution centers, driving cost savings and enhancing service level performance. Earlier in his career, Jon served as the Senior Director of Global Direct-to-Consumer at VF Corporation and the Director of Operations for Vans, a VF Company, where he demonstrated his expertise in omnichannel supply chain management.

Academic Background
Jon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, San Diego.

Areas of Expertise

• Supply chain strategy and optimization

• Direct-to-consumer distribution and fulfillment

• Omnichannel logistics and inventory management

• Data-driven forecasting and planning

• Global procurement and supplier management

• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

Professional Impact
During his tenure at VF Corporation, Jon spearheaded the integration of data analytics and automation technologies, which resulted in a 20% reduction in order cycle times and a 15% increase in on-time delivery. He also played a pivotal role in the successful transition of the company's West Coast distribution network, ensuring seamless operations and uninterrupted service to customers.

Conclusion
With his proven track record of driving supply chain excellence and his deep understanding of the evolving retail landscape, Jon Watschke is poised to make a significant impact as the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ariat International. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style position him as a valuable asset in enhancing the company's competitive advantage and delivering exceptional customer experiences.