ZOË N. ROWELL
RETAIL & OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE | EX-AMAZON
- |-| LinkedIn | Seattle, WA
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Retail and operations executive with a proven track record of driving profitability, operational excellence, and large-scale
transformation across Fortune 100 and high-growth companies. Led Amazon’s $3B consumer electronics division, delivering
$100M in profit improvements through AI-driven sourcing and strategic vendor negotiations. Expertise in P&L management,
supply chain optimization, and enterprise-wide digital transformation. Adept at navigating complex global markets, forging
high-impact partnerships, and scaling omnichannel businesses. Passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to drive
sustainable growth and elevate customer experiences in the evolving retail landscape.
SKILLS
High-Growth & Turnaround Leadership |Strategic Partnerships & Negotiations | P&L Management | Omnichannel Strategy |
Merchandising & Product Strategy | Consumer Insights & Market Analysis | Digital Transformation & Automation | CrossFunctional Leadership | Enterprise Transformation | Venture-backed Scale up | Investment & Portfolio Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR | NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY, Kirkland, WA
MBA Program Faculty - Technology and Innovation Capstone Course
11/2024 - Present
CONSULTING COO | NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Washington, D.C.
06/2024 - Present
Strategic executive partnering with Fortune 500 C-suite leaders to drive technology integration and financial services
expansion
Built investment network connecting businesses to wealth firms & VC funds; projected $2.5M+ investments in 18 months
Spearheaded mentorship initiative connecting 500+ professional women with senior industry leaders
Led retail supplier diversity pilots with three Fortune 100 companies, creating exclusive marketplace opportunities
Orchestrated enterprise-wide digital transformation enhancing member services and operational efficiency
DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR | AMAZON, Seattle, WA
09/2022 - 02/2024
Led a $3B P&L across six product categories, driving revenue growth, profitability, and strategic market expansion. Spearheaded
AI-driven forecasting, vendor negotiations, and product strategy to optimize cost structure and enhance margin performance.
Delivered $100M in margin improvements by pioneering AI-powered sourcing and trend-driven inventory forecasting,
reducing costs by 15%.
Led enterprise-wide negotiations with Amazon’s top global electronics supplier, securing $80M in incremental profit
through strategic partnership alignment.
Exceeded Q4 revenue by $146M (102% to goal) through strategic product portfolio optimization and investment allocation.
Managed a $60M vendor marketing budget, aligning product launches with customer demand and category growth
strategies.
Led Amazon’s first global gaming marketplace strategy, driving engagement and revenue across three continents.
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL | ZNR CONSULTANTS, Seattle, WA
01/2021 - Present
Created strategic advisory practice specializing in operational transformation for venture-backed and mid-size companies
INTERIM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | THE WING, New York, NY
Series B workspace technology company backed by Google Ventures and Sequoia Capital ($40M+ funding)
Scaled operations 10x while maintaining NPS >80 through real-time feedback systems
Led post-pandemic reopening of 6 locations across four major cities
Improved operational efficiency 30% through systems integration and automation
Reduced employee turnover 50% through inclusive hiring processes and training
CONSULTING CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | BLACKBIRD HOUSE, New York, NY
Privately backed hospitality startup focused on diverse professional communities
Led operational setup of flagship location, focusing on organizational structure and process design
Improved P&L outcomes 25% through supply chain optimization and cost management
Implemented enterprise systems driving 20% increase in customer satisfaction
Reduced operational delays 40% through automated workflows and approval processes
ZOË N. ROWELL
RETAIL & OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE | EX-AMAZON
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CONT.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | THE RIVETER, Seattle, WA
03/2020 - 12/2021
Series B technology-enabled hospitality startup backed by Madrona Capital, pivoting during COVID-19
Led a 150+ person organization through a strategic pivot, stabilizing operations and restructuring the business for long-term
viability.
Saved the company from bankruptcy, negotiating a 93% reduction in lease obligations ($16M → $1.12M spend)
across five states.
Increased revenue stability by pivoting to digital-first offerings, driving new recurring revenue streams.
Retained 70% of customers by successfully transitioning to a digital-first business model.
Cut operational costs by 50%, streamlining workflows and automating key processes.
Accelerated executive decision-making by 25% through optimized internal reviews and reporting.
BUSINESS SEGMENT LEADER & SR. VENDOR MANAGER | AMAZON, Seattle, WA
Series B technology-enabled hospitality startup backed by Madrona Capital, pivoting during COVID-19
Managed $672M P&L, driving 20% year-over-year growth through innovative partnerships
Generated $25M in profitability through relationship optimization, exceeding targets by 38%
Improved operating cash flow $12.3M through strategic bulk sourcing program
Earned Amazon Leadership Award for exceptional business results and team development
08/2017 - 03/2020
GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGER | FMC, Philadelphia, PA
08/2017 - 03/2020
Market leader in nutraceuticals sector
Led global marketing and product development for $160M portfolio across three consumer sectors
Increased global account wallet share 15% through data-driven pricing strategy implementation
Built $40M product pipeline leveraging customer insights and market analytics
Achieved 15% year-over-year revenue growth through integrated sales campaigns
Along with CFO, co-authored updated company-wide caregiver leave policies increasing paid leave by 50%
ASSET MANAGER | AIR PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS, Allentown, PA
Market leader in industrial gas and specialty chemicals sector
Managed $15M portfolio delivering $12M topline growth and $1.5M profitability increase
Reduced operational costs 30% through strategic management initiatives
Promoted from Global Supply Chain Manager based on exceptional performance
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MARKETING CONSULTANT | HANESBRAND BRAZIL, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Led strategic marketing initiatives for Brazilian market entry and expansion
2010
SR. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER | PEPSICO, Wytheville, VA
Led supply chain optimization across multiple product lines enhancing delivery reliability
Multi-site SAP lead trainer
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BOARD LEADERSHIP & APPOINTMENTS
BOARD MEMBER | South Dakota Black Chamber of Commerce
Driving strategic initiatives in technology integration and financial services
Advising on digital transformation and membership growth strategies
06/2024 - Present
FOUNDER | The Mentor Circle
Founded executive mentorship platform advancing professional women into leadership roles
04/2024 - Present
EDUCATION
MBA, STRATEGY & FINANCE (with honors) | PURDUE UNIVERSITY, W. Lafayette, IN
2011
B.S., INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT (Minor: Mechanical Engr) | PURDUE UNIVERSITY, W. Lafayette, IN
2007