Supply chain operations
10 supply chain network design experts
These ten supply chain leaders have led network design, network planning and network optimization work inside operating companies, in roles from manager to senior director. A reader can learn how companies model their networks and decide where to place plants and distribution centers.
Professionals to explore
01—10Erik Fuhrmeister
LinkedInExperience: Manager, Supply Chain Network Design & Analytics · Danone
Manager, Supply Chain Network Design & Analytics at Danone since 2020, and former Supply Chain Network Optimization Manager at Danone (2017–2018). The profile describes experience designing optimal network structures with IBM LogicNetPlus and Llamasoft SCGX, configuring the network around manufacturing locations, capacities and the characteristics of production, distribution and retail facilities.
Erik Johnson
LinkedInExperience: Director, Supply Chain Network Planning & Design · Target
Director, Supply Chain Network Planning & Design at Target since 2021. Former Lead Supply Chain Analyst - Network Capacity Management (2019–2021) and Sr. Supply Chain Analyst - Network Capacity Management (2018–2019) at Target. The profile describes specializing in capacity planning and optimization at Target, using analytics and modeling tools.
Geoff Wendell
LinkedInExperience: Associate Director - Network Optimization · Kimberly-Clark
Associate Director - Network Optimization at Kimberly-Clark since 2019, where the profile describes leading the supply chain network optimization team for Kimberly-Clark North America's consumer business, including network and inventory design and strategic manufacturing and distribution network analyses. Former Team Leader - Supply Chain Analysis at Kimberly-Clark (2016–2018).
Heather Cameron
LinkedInExperience: Director, Supply Chain Analytics & Network Optimization · Rich Products Corporation
Director, Supply Chain Analytics & Network Optimization at Rich Products Corporation since 2023, where the profile describes leading teams of supply chain analysts and modelers who deliver operational and strategic insights to the supply chain. Former Manager - Supply Chain Transformation (Supply Chain Strategy, Network Design, Program Manager) at Kohler Co. (2020–2023).
Jeff Byron
LinkedInExperience: Director, Logistics Planning · Walmart
Former Director, Logistics Planning at Walmart (2009–2019), and Director, DC Capacity Planning at Walmart since 2024. As Sr. Logistics Planning Manager at Walmart (2005–2009), the profile says this person led a team of 10 people responsible for determining when, where and how many distribution centers Wal-Mart needed to build in the US and international markets.
Leigh Mathewes
LinkedInExperience: Director, Global Supply Chain Network Planning & Design · Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
Senior Director, Global Supply Chain Network Planning & Design at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. since 2025, and former Director, Global Supply Chain Network Planning & Design there (2023–2025). The profile describes developing global manufacturing and logistics network strategy for 100+ sites at Stanley Black & Decker. Former Manager, Supply Chain Network Design & Analytics at Kroger (2019–2021).
Lekshmanan Natarajan
LinkedInExperience: Director, Global Supply chain network design, science and strategy · Walmart
Director, Global Supply chain network design, science and strategy at Walmart since 2026. The profile describes leading and supporting supply chain strategy and network design initiatives across Walmart's international markets, using optimization and data science to guide cost, service and growth decisions. Former Senior manager - Strategy & Data science, Walmart International Supply chain (2024–2026).
Melissa Vandegrift
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Manager Global Operations Network Design & Optimization · The Hershey Company
Former Manager Global Operations Network Design & Optimization (2017–2019) and Sr. Manager Global Operations Network Design & Optimization (2019–2022) at The Hershey Company. Director, Supply Chain Strategy & Network Planning at The Hershey Company since 2024, where the profile says this person leads a team of four managers shaping the strategic backbone of Hershey's chocolate supply chain.
Sashank Divakala
LinkedInExperience: Supply Network Design Manager, North America · Mondelēz International
Former Supply Network Design Manager, North America (2020–2021), Supply Network Design Manager, AMEA (2017–2018) and Network Planning & Capacity Manager (2021–2022) at Mondelēz International. Sr. Manager, Supply Chain Strategy - Analytics, Network Design & Logistics Engineering at Chamberlain Group since 2022, where the profile describes leading supply chain analytics, network optimization and logistics engineering programs.
Zach Alkire
LinkedInExperience: Director, Network Design (Supply Chain Design) · Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Director, Network Design (Supply Chain Design) at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. since 2022, and former General Manager, Network Design (Supply Chain Design) there (2019–2022). Other Williams-Sonoma, Inc. roles listed are Transportation Network Analyst (2010–2013) and Manager DC Operations (2013). The profile lists network design among the person's skills.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's network to yours, since a global manufacturing footprint, a national retail distribution network and an eCommerce fulfillment network raise different modeling questions. If you need help running the models themselves, favor people whose roles centered on modeling and analytics; for turning a study into an approved investment, favor those who led network strategy teams.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you scope a network design study, and which data do you need before the model is worth trusting?
- 02How do you weigh transportation cost, facility cost and delivery speed when choosing between network scenarios?
- 03How do you get leadership to approve and fund a network change once the model points to it?
Reaching supply chain network design experts
How can I contact one of these supply chain network design experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 9 companies, including Danone, Target and Kimberly-Clark, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach supply chain network design experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
Request a correction or removal