Ken Young

Senior Director, Planning

Professional Overview
Ken Young is an experienced planning and operations leader with a track record of driving strategic initiatives and enhancing supply chain performance. As the Senior Director of Planning at Converse, he oversees the company's global planning processes, working cross-functionally to improve inventory management, optimize distribution, and support the brand's growth and expansion efforts.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In his current role at Converse, Ken is responsible for leading the planning team and implementing data-driven strategies to align supply and demand. He has spearheaded the implementation of advanced forecasting and inventory optimization models, resulting in a 12% reduction in excess inventory and a 15% improvement in fill rates. Ken's collaborative approach and focus on operational excellence have earned him recognition as a key business partner, contributing to Converse's market share gains in the athletic footwear and apparel industry.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Converse, Ken held progressively senior roles at Nike, where he gained extensive experience in inventory management, supply chain innovation, and strategic planning. As the Senior Director at Nike, he led cross-functional teams in developing and executing supply chain initiatives that improved product availability and reduced costs. Earlier in his career, Ken served as a Manager of Special Projects at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he utilized his analytical expertise to drive process improvements and enhance operational efficiency.

Academic Background
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he graduated with honors. He has also completed executive education programs in Supply Chain Management and Strategic Leadership, further expanding his expertise in these critical business domains.

Areas of Expertise

• Strategic planning and operations management

• Inventory optimization and demand forecasting

• Supply chain design and distribution network management

• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement

• Data analysis and process improvement

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Ken has demonstrated a strong ability to drive measurable impact. At Nike, he spearheaded a supply chain transformation initiative that resulted in a 20% reduction in inventory levels and a 12% improvement in on-time delivery. At Converse, his leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the brand's global supply chain, contributing to its market share growth and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the planning and operations domain, Ken Young is a seasoned professional who brings a strategic and data-driven approach to his work. His ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and implement innovative solutions has made him a valuable asset to the organizations he has served. Ken is committed to continued professional development and is poised to make a significant impact in his current role at Converse.