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Wayne Whitko

Wayne Whitko


Strategic Sourcing, California, United States

Professional Overview


Wayne Whitko is an experienced strategic sourcing professional with a proven track record of driving cost optimization and supply chain efficiency within the consumer goods and manufacturing industries. As a Strategic Sourcing expert at Activision Blizzard, he leverages his extensive industry knowledge and cross-functional collaboration skills to develop and implement sourcing strategies that enhance the company's competitive advantage.

Experience Summary



Current Role


As a Strategic Sourcing professional at Activision Blizzard since 2018, Wayne is responsible for managing the procurement and supplier relationships for critical components and services. He works closely with cross-functional teams to analyze spend, identify cost-saving opportunities, and negotiate favorable terms with vendors. Through his strategic sourcing initiatives, Wayne has contributed to improved operational efficiency and significant cost savings for the organization.

Career Progression


Prior to joining Activision Blizzard, Wayne held several leadership roles in global sourcing and supply chain management. As the Senior Global Sourcing Manager at Jacuzzi Group Worldwide, he oversaw the procurement of raw materials, components, and finished goods across multiple product lines. At Oakley, he managed the global sourcing, production, and quality assurance for the company's apparel, footwear, and accessories divisions. Wayne's diverse experience also includes roles as the Director of Supply Chain Management at PowerBalance and the Manager of Global Sourcing, Production & Quality Assurance at TaylorMade Golf Company.

Academic Background


Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management from the University of California, Riverside.

Areas of Expertise


  • Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

  • Supply Chain Optimization

  • Cost Reduction and Cost Modeling

  • Vendor Relationship Management

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Contract Negotiation and Vendor Selection


Professional Impact


Throughout his career, Wayne has demonstrated his ability to drive measurable improvements in supply chain performance and operational efficiency. At Activision Blizzard, he has spearheaded initiatives that have resulted in cost savings of over $3 million annually through strategic sourcing and vendor consolidation. His expertise in supply chain management and data-driven decision-making has enabled him to identify and implement innovative solutions that enhance the company's overall profitability and market competitiveness.

Conclusion


With his extensive experience in strategic sourcing and supply chain management, Wayne Whitko is a valuable asset to Activision Blizzard. His strategic mindset, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate cross-functionally position him as a trusted advisor who delivers sustainable, data-driven solutions that drive the company's growth and profitability.