Derrick Thomas Email & Phone Number

Derrick L. Thomas executes innovative strategies to lead both transportation and distribution in collaboration with sales, procurement and merchandising departments. Throughout his career, he strengthened end-to-end performance across the supply chain and bolstered profitability for three iconic brands—Walmart, Nike and United Natural Foods. Derrick blends business acumen and financial fluency to create high-impact, sustainable solutions that enhance operations, including safety, compliance and productivity. Derrick’s expertise spans a wide range—from change management and process improvement to financial modeling, data analytics, vendor relations, DEI initiatives and talent management. He brings a competitive spirit to the workplace, thrives in high-pressure environments and develops top talent for advancement. During his 20-year career at Walmart, Derrick directed supply chain operations in all regions of the U.S., where he ran both grocery and general merchandise distribution centers for Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs ($22B in annual sales). He also redesigned the supply chain network supporting distribution centers for Walmart’s $3.5B Chinese e-commerce platform. At Nike, Derrick helped to define a 10-year strategy for the company’s North America division and rolled out an operating system that delivered a 2.5% annual rise in productivity and 5% gain in capacity. Most recently, Derrick served as Senior Vice President (East Operations) for United Natural Foods, the largest wholesale grocer in the U.S. In this role, he reorganized a $5.7B region and led culture transformation initiatives. Derrick’s career highlights include: Steered sustainability initiatives that led to all domestic facilities using 100% LED lighting, 100% of food waste being diverted from landfills and converted to compost, and all facilities utilizing some measure of solar power to reduce dependency on municipal utility.  Decreased staff turnover by 25%. Introduced transparent communication among leaders/associates/support team through monthly meetings and acted on feedback to improve work environment.  Created an employee engagement program that produced 10% rise in engagement score across network.  Implemented rigorous root-cause analysis process, reducing preventable injuries by 20% and delivering $1.65M in net savings of lost-time dollars.  Mentored and promoted three high-potential women leaders to general managers of their facilities.

Listed skills include Inventory Management, Inventory Control, Operations Management, Transportation, and 45 others.

• 

  University Of Arkansas

  Business/Logistics