Chronological Resume for Lynn Walsh

1. Lynn A. Walsh
Page 1 of 3
Chicago, Illinois LinkedIn.com/in/lynnwalsh/
E-mail: lynn.ann.walsh@gmail.com www.lynnawalsh.com
Mobile (312) 890-0714
Relentless in Providing Increased Profitability
Officer-level Strategic Sourcing leader with exceptional Sourcing, Procurement, Merchandising, and
Organizational Transformational execution background. Extensive financial success delivering optimized
solutions in rapidly changing domestic and international markets; consistently delivers results today while
maximizing opportunities for growth
Results: Produced more than $1 billion in incremental earnings in last 10 years
Strategic
Sourcing:
Led large cross-functional sourcing teams responsible for improving profitability on entire enterprise spend
of ~$20 billion across multiple distribution channels online, retail, B2C and B2B. Demonstrated impact on
business results through new business strategy development utilizing robust analytics expertise during
entire sourcing process and negotiations with suppliers
Internal
Consulting:
Led SWAT teams utilizing proven process of deep business analytics to isolate key under-performing
aspects; drive fact-based decision-making to bring cultural change while working with business owners to
implement critical strategic changes for improved profitability; consistently infuse energy within the
business segment to drive execution of best practices
Industry
Experience:
Successful global sourcing across multiple industries: Automotive, Major Home Appliances, Tools,
Grocery, Drugstore, Lawn & Garden, Seasonal & Outdoor Living, Home, Toys, Sporting Goods, Apparel,
Jewelry, Footwear
Brand
Management
Strengthen equity of iconic private-label brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard
Vendor
Management:
Orchestrate global vendor relationships throughout process (qualification, negotiations through
documentation) to strengthen strategic partnerships; develop contingency sourcing alternatives as well as
identify and qualify new vendors based on dynamic global conditions; manage lawyers to document all
aspects of deals in long-term contracts and agreements including all key financial terms, product
performance & specifications, Intellectual Property rights, innovation exclusivities, methodology for future
costing changes, etc.
EDUCATION
Cornell University, Masters in Textile Science and Business
Won full scholarship plus a stipend for research Assistant (first year) and teaching Assistant (second year)
New York State University at Oneonta, Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, Consumer Science Education
HONORS AND AWARDS
MasterMind Advisory Board July 2017
The MasterMind Advisory Board is a group of successful business people who bring their skills and talent to CEOs,
entrepreneurs and Executive Directors who do not have access to a Board of Directors
Board of Governors - College of Merchandising University of Northern Texas January 2016
Invited to serve as member of the Board of Governors at University of Northern Texas, a dedicated professional group
focused on the continuous support and enhancement of students and programs in merchandising and digital retailing
Alumni of Distinction: SUNY Oneonta October 2015
Presented to select SUNY Oneonta graduates who have made significant contributions in their personal and professional
lives, for their character and leadership, and for distinguished service in their communities

2. Lynn A. Walsh
Page 2 of 3
WESTGATE FINANCIAL GROUP
(2016 to Present) Senior Vice President, and Member of the Board of Directors
Westgate Financial Group provides advisory and consulting services to business owners and executive leadership in mid-
market and large companies pursuing internal and acquisition growth opportunities that drive profitability and shareholder value.
This role provides short- and long-term strategies for greater profits, active expense reduction, and process improvement made
possible through change management and cultural shift.
SEARS HOLDINGS CORPORATION
PROFIT IMPROVEMENT (2013 to 2017) Vice President
Head of entire centralized corporate sourcing & analytics team responsible for strategically improving margin on goods for re-
sale in all retailer outlets and distribution channels, and improving profitability on total enterprise annual merchandise spend of
~$20 billion across multiple industries including Groceries, Drugs, Tools, Automotive, Home Appliances, Seasonal, Outdoor
Living, Toys, Sporting Goods, Apparel, Footwear
• Successfully led strategic assortment negotiations across multiple industry categories to improve margin up to 550 bps
despite progressively declining corporate financial results in 2016
• Increased 2015 margins across various hardlines product categories by ~400 bps; re-negotiated product costs by
leveraging falling commodity prices to generate more than $80M in projected savings
• In 2014 produced more than $100 million in incremental profits
• Produced over 20% savings through cost reductions and improved profit margins in 2013
• Led more than 1200 national-branded vendors through competitive sourcing negotiations, and developed short- and long-
term contracts
• Created product costing methodologies to mitigate risk of eroding profitability due to fluctuating materials cost, labor and
currency
STRATEGIC SOURCING, OPERATIONS & INTERNATIONAL SALES (2009 to 2013) Vice President
Led global sourcing team responsible for $6 billion in annual spend for Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard private-label brands
by aggressively leveraging relationships with key manufacturers across multiple industries including Major Home Appliances,
Tools & Hardware, Lawn & Garden, Automotive, and Seasonal & Outdoor Living
• Managed more than 300 vendors as on-going suppliers by defining business terms through competitive sourcing events
and negotiated long-term supply contracts including all key terms
• Optimized benefits to long-term relationships with top 30 vendor partners by developing 10+ year strategic partnering plans
• Identified and negotiated event driven cost reductions opportunities using should-cost and other robust financial models to
ensure aggressive, competitive costing
• Developed strategic product development process to accelerate innovation and market differentiation for Kenmore,
Craftsman, and DieHard branded products while also selling these brands in new B2B channels
• Led training across Product Development, Product Management, and Brand Management teams to transform from a
retailer to a wholesaler
• Managed strategic Operations development in new B2B channels as domestic wholesaler for Kenmore, Craftsman, and
DieHard product distribution
STRATEGIC SOURCING & INTERNATIONAL SALES (2008 to 2009) Director
• In the first 6 months produced over $50 million of product cost savings during rising material costs, and then re-negotiated
substantial cost reductions based on sharply declining commodities
• Developed internal cost analyses to monitor raw material price fluctuations, and negotiated with suppliers based on material
pricing trends using a disciplined should-cost approach
• Executed aggressive International sales growth in more than 50 countries for Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard products
through both licensing and product distribution business models

3. Lynn A. Walsh
Page 3 of 3
STRATEGIC SOURCING (2005 to 2007) Director
• Group leader in evaluating critical business issues to dramatically increase profitability following the Kmart/Sears
combination
• Led effort to capture low hanging profit opportunities
• Created and implemented new Structured Negotiations Tool (Accelerated Line Review – ALR), a first-time occurrence at
Sears. Established a rigorous reverse auction source negotiation process within a competitive environment utilizing
condensed, multi-tiered, simultaneous face-to-face negotiations
• Led enterprise-wide training to establish the ALR process as the corporate standard for all supply/sourcing negotiations
• Generated $24 million of incremental profits in first 6 months, with individual project results up to 43% profit improvement
• Led executive management presentations & managed decision-making with internal merchant, Finance, Product
Development, Logistics, After-Sales Product Services, Marketing, and Legal
SEARS ROEBUCK AND CO.
STRATEGIC SOURCING (1996 - 2005)
• Generated over $300 million of recurring incremental annual savings from $3.3 billion total merchandise spend
• Forged relationships with key suppliers enabling Sears to acquire products, goods and services “Better, Faster, Cheaper”
using a rigorous process that leveraged aggressive negotiations and in-depth knowledge of the products and services and
supplier alternatives after a robust analysis of the market and in-depth consumer preferences
• Leveraged extensive Merchandizing/Buyer experience in global sourcing for Hardline businesses including: Major
Appliances (Refrigeration, Laundry, Cooking, Dishwashers), Small Kitchen Appliances (Microwaves, Countertop
Appliances), Tools (Lawn Power Tools, Air Compressors, Wet/Dry Vacuums, Tool Storage Containers), and Hardware
• Identified and qualified new global suppliers, negotiated business terms to establish and/or maintain competitive
advantages, and substantially increased profitability
o Annual improvements in profitability up to 40%
o Shifted indirect to direct importing processes for Apparel and soft Home Products to drive profit margins and
product quality
o Identified and qualified new international suppliers and included direct and indirect importers for the first time for
various products including: Room Air Conditioners, Refrigeration, and Tool Storage
o Developed launch strategy, supplier structure, and profit projections for aggressive entry into new business
segment for major private label brand. Negotiation wins included Right of First Offer on all future technology and
innovations with suppliers to maintain competitive performance edge of brand.
o Improved profitability of seasonal product lines by changing the business model and minimizing inventory risks;
increased profits by over $47 million or 42%.
o Established Joint Process Improvement (JPI ) with a major supplier to significantly improve product quality which
increased profits by more than $5 million within the first 12 months
CHANGE MANAGEMENT & TRANSFORMATION (1992 - 1995)
After a successful Merchandising career, recruited to Corporate Task Force to facilitate and implement business change
processes during period of corporate transformation.
• Led 21-member top executive group that created long-term strategic and competitive financial objectives to establish new
corporate initiatives. Executives involved included: President; Chief Financial Officer; Merchandise VPs and DVPs.
• Collaborated with VP’s to translate corporate strategic goals into operational and tactical plans
• Designed full-scale corporate strategic work take-out initiatives involving 6,000 employees; personally led the
implementation for over 1,000 associates at all organizational levels
MERCHANDISING (prior to 1992) Divisional Merchandise Manager, Senior Buyer, Buyer
• Broad Buying, Merchandising, and Product Development experience covering Men's, Women's & Children's Apparel,
Footwear, and Jewelry with direct P&L responsibility for more than $250 million at each role
• Demonstrated track record of developing winning products that captured consumer attention through strong product
development talents, effective product positioning, differentiation and market execution while exceeding financial goals
• Extensive global sourcing experience: Far East, Europe, North America, Middle East, Central America, South America,
and Africa