Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Linda Gutierrez is a seasoned retail planning executive with over 30 years of experience in the apparel industry. As the Vice President of Planning at Ariat International, she oversees the company's comprehensive planning strategies, driving efficient inventory management and aligning merchandise assortments with evolving consumer demands.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Vice President of Planning at Ariat International, a leading manufacturer of performance equestrian and outdoor lifestyle apparel, Linda is responsible for strategic planning, inventory optimization, and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution. In this role, she has implemented data-driven forecasting models and streamlined the planning process, resulting in a 12% increase in inventory turn and a 7% reduction in excess inventory over the past three years.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Linda held various planning and management roles at Ariat International and other prominent retail organizations, including Mervyns LLC and Target Corporation-Mervyns. Her extensive experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, and strategic decision-making has enabled her to contribute significantly to the success of the businesses she has served. Throughout her career, Linda has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive operational efficiency, enhance profitability, and lead cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious goals.
Academic Background
Linda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, with a concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Areas of Expertise
- Retail planning and forecasting
- Inventory optimization and supply chain management
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Data analysis and performance reporting
- Strategic decision-making and problem-solving
- Change management and process improvement
Professional Impact
During her tenure at Ariat International, Linda has spearheaded several key initiatives that have had a significant impact on the company's performance. She led the implementation of a new demand-forecasting platform, which improved forecast accuracy by 18% and enabled the company to better align inventory with market trends. Additionally, she has championed the adoption of collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR) strategies, resulting in a 15% reduction in stockouts and a 9% increase in fill rates across the organization.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and proven track record of success, Linda Gutierrez is a highly valuable asset to Ariat International. Her expertise in retail planning, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration positions her as a trusted leader and strategic partner in driving the company's continued growth and profitability.
