John Winkels Email and Phone Number

Helping small to mid-size start ups and established companies design and build supply chains to scale for growth.Specializing in building B2B and D2C food e-commerce fulfillment, including refrigerated and frozen solutions.Driving operational efficiencies in both automated and conventional distribution centers.

As a member of the senior executive team, help set the strategic direction for the company and focus the Supply Chain organization on executing that visionRecruited, hired and developed the highest caliber logistics professionals in a challenging, fast paced startup environmentProvided guidance and leadership transitioning an early stage company to an established industry leader

As the first logistics hire in an early stage e-commerce company, created and implemented the fulfillment strategy from the ground up including negotiating all contracts for suppliers and shippersBuilt an organization capable of delivering results while scaling quickly, including developing all processes and proceduresDeveloped the network strategy and opened fulfillment centers quickly to enable massive growth

Developed and led a department of 50 professional engineers and project managers to create and implement the strategic direction of the Kroger Supply Chain, as well as manage transformational change projects.Accomplishments: • Lead development and successful implementation of a $360M project to transform the Southern California Logistics Supply Chain including building and automating two facilities • Created the strategic roadmap for a 34 DC network and executed the first priority project, a $250M new automated Atlanta complex • Initiated and helped create a multi-year associate engagement plan that significantly improved self-reported job satisfaction and lead to measurable increased discretionary effort • Lead development of a sustainability project portfolio including: a first of its kind anaerobic digester, solar installations, fuel cells material handling equipment, natural gas trucks, water conservation, LEED buildings, and zero waste projects • Collaborated with a small team to create Kroger’s Digital and E-Commerce strategy with particular responsibility for fulfillment centers • Contributed expertise to cross functional committees such as: merger and acquisition evaluations, long term business strategy, new market evaluations, corporate IT strategy, customer insights analytics, and health and wellness initiatives

• Recruited, trained and mentored a diverse group of young engineers • Led teams that stabilized and improved facilities in transition or in crisis including leading several facilities through very disruptive automation system implementations • Built a Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma group that delivered millions of dollars annually in improved distribution and transportation service and efficiency

• Successfully executed a project to automate an existing mail order pharmacy operation • Led a team of pharmacists, technicians and customer service advocates through a transformational change to all new systems and processes • Successfully conducted a reduction in force from 125 to 85 associates resulting in both improved efficiency and better morale • Responsible for the budget and profit and loss for a business with $110M in annual sales

• Responsible for IT system installations and labor standards development • Designed facility layouts and managed projects to remodel facilities while in operation, improving efficiency and adding capacity • Worked with Logistics operations teams to identify, document and implement best practices • Developed, implemented and trained Supervisors and Associates on labor standards in a heavily union environment