Steven Hurwitz Email & Phone Number

Goshen, Ct, Us

New York, Ny , Us

Cross functional leader bringing product to market in a timely and cost effective manner. Coordinate efforts between design, product management, merchandising, and operations. Drive innovation and speed to market, achieve brand vision, advance margins and improve product quality. Lead sourcing and product development efforts, and building strong supply chain partnerships in USA and Asia.

East/West Strategies offers senior level, global supply chain and product development consulting to the apparel industry. We work with your company’s leadership, to build on your company’s strengths; We offer strategic operations, sourcing and product development guidance, for growth.

Edison, New Jersey, Us

Member of the TUMI Executive Leadership team. Provided strategic direction and oversight that enabled the company to deliver its long term objectives. Created a world-class supply chain team and the needed infrastructure to support global growth and brand development. On any given day, my role included: - Working with design, product management and marketing to expedite new product development, meeting product aesthetic, quality, timing and pricing goals - Inventory planning, forecasting, procurement and delivery to meet customer demands and financial targets - Working with supplier senior management to ensure needed capabilities (engineering, sampling volume, new products) - Partnering with Creative Director and VP of Product Mgmt. to design, merchandise and launch products, meeting the needs of the TUMI consumer and retail organization - Managing materials development: traditional materials (nylon, leather,etc) and technical products (carbon fiber, TEGRIS) - Coaching team to improve communications and work collaboratively across functions, improving speed to market from product concept through product launch Key Accomplishments: - Built global supply chain team, including overseas product development, forecasting, manufacturing and quality assurance - Achieved global fulfillment rates, inventory reductions, and gross margin goals - Expedited product development, drove innovative technical improvements such as lightweight product and TSA compliance, drove continuous improvement to core product line - Led value engineering and lean manufacturing initiatives at the factory level to improve margins; reframed price negotiation based upon efficiencies - Development of new raw materials, innovative packaging and shipping solutions - Shifted manufacturing base to leverage changing trade agreements and reap cost advantages- Managed social governance to reduce TUMI's carbon footprint and other corporate responsibility initiatives

Led a team of 90, responsible for manufacturing, sourcing, and product development across a $450 million, multi-brand accessories business, across multiple product lines includinghandbags, jewelry, and fashion accessories ( belts, scarves and socks). Was a member of the original management team that grew the accessories division from $10 million to category dominance.• Guided product development, production planning, and sourcing for Liz Claiborne Accessories. Portfolio included over 20 active brands including Liz Claiborne, Monet, Juicy, Lucky, Sigrid Olsen, and Mexx, with wholesale sales exceeding $450 million.• Successfully managed 12 brand launches during 18 months including Juicy accessories, Lucky jewelry, Mexx global accessories and relaunch of Liz Claiborne leather handbags. Juicy launch exceeded all sales and profit expectations, surpassing $50 M sales by end of year two. • Developed sourcing strategy to reduce lead times while achieving margin goals.• Partnered with the Group President of Accessories as well as the General Managers of the different brands to achieve brand vision.