JIGNA DESAI
Beaverton,OR
Summary
Versatile, dynamic and adaptable leader with deep expertise in Nike’s Consumer Code, strengthened by Global and Geo functional experiences in finance, operations and supply chain. High aptitude in operationalizing enterprise strategies across multiple functions. Strong learning and interpersonal agility to lead direct and virtual teams in fast-paced, complex situations, while consistently delivering outcomes above expectations.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Code Activation Director: NIKE CONSUMER CODE
NIKE Inc.
Beaverton, OR
02.2018 - Current
- Drives operational excellence by setting clear objectives, agendas, standards, collaboration forums, pitchback sessions and scorecards for Key Consumer Code Moments. Acts as a trusted partner to negotiate and facilitate enterprise solutions across Sport and Functional tensions, maintaining a neutral, consumer-first mindset. Aligns diverse leadership groups through objective data points and simplified proactive communications. Committed to cultivating high-performing teams through servant leadership, proactive planning, and clear communications. Key accomplishments:
- Led efforts to design and operationalize Concepts offensive with cross-functional partners in Product, Design, Merchandising, Marketing, Sales, Nike Direct, Finance and Planning.
- Operationalized Senior Leadership Vision for a highly complex Global/Geo collaboration moment to deliver seasonal priorities and assortments in the marketplace. This included collaboration with a virtual team of 100+ stakeholders, balancing competing priorities, perspectives and budgets.
- Established rigor and clear standards for Seasonal Sport product exhibitions to ensure the commercial, inspirational and collaboration objectives show up consistently across Sport rooms.
- Supported development of Rhythm of the Game cadence for weekly Cross-Functional and Sport team engagement to drive accountability for delivering Key Code Moments and Milestones.
- Prepared regular updates for Nike Brand President’s staff meeting on Global Geo Pivot (GGP)
- Seasonal Strategy and facilitated discussions to drive decisions on contentious points, as needed.
- Designed processes, standards and approach for Senior Leadership Engagement during Global Geo Pivot including facilitation of Sport room visits and discussions.
Program Director: NIKE Sustainable Business & Innovation
NIKE Inc.
Beaverton, OR
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Successfully executed high profile, transformational supply chain and product level sustainability initiatives including Equitable Manufacturing, Chemical Data Management, and EU Labeling Pilot. Regularly interacted with senior executives on Nike’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) metrics and targets. Represented Nike’s sustainability values and positions externally in key forums and collaborations such as Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Key Accomplishments:
- Presented to and secured Nike Sustainability Board of Directors’ buy-in to invest in and evolve Nike’s communication approach for Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability metric reporting.
- Collaborated with a team of 30+ industry technical experts, Tier 2 manufacturing partners, leading Footwear and Apparel Brands to build an aligned industry approach to consistently track and measure chemical usage.
- Led efforts with Tier1 manufacturing partners in Indonesia to support Equitable Manufacturing, a game changing, cross-functional initiative for factory workers.
Director of Transition Management
NIKE Program Management Office
Beaverton, OR
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Leveraged Portfolio Management, LEAN, Program and Change Management strategies and tools to establish governance and best practices for successful deployment of Nike’s $500M/year technology portfolio.
Finance Senior Manager
NIKE Global Finance
Beaverton, OR
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Held various roles as financial analyst, auditor and controller in Nike Global Finance team. Key accomplishments:
- Developed long-term financial models, annual budgets and quarterly analysis reports for EMEA.
- Simplified Quarterly SEC reporting of complex foreign exchange impacts.
- Performed pre-acquisition due diligence for Converse and provided post-acquisition finance transition and integration support with my team being nominated for Bowerman award.
- Dissolved Nike’s investment in Savier, optimizing revenues and minimizing inventory risks achieving over $1M in savings.
- Developed Nike’s finance shared services strategy as part of Nike’s Inc. 2015 initiative.
- Led a team of 50+ global finance professionals and leaders to align reporting processes and systems post re-organization receiving Nike Maxim Award for Mastering the Fundamentals.
Internal Audit Senior Manager
NIKE Global Internal Audit
Beaverton, OR
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Developed Nike’s short & long-term internal audit strategy in collaboration with key business partners in Finance, Product Creation, Claims Management and Distribution Centers in Japan, Mexico, Belgium. Key accomplishments:
- Implemented a ‘no-surprise’ approach to identifying and articulating internal control and governance improvement opportunities.
- Led risk focused discussions of audit findings with Board of Directors-Internal Audit Committee.
- Recruited, trained and developed high performing financial audit team of 5 while creating strong virtual and cross-functional business partnerships.
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
VERSO TECHNOLOGIES
Atlanta, GA
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Led Financial Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting processes at Verso Headquarters in Atlanta, GA.
- Performed pre-acquisition due diligence and identified post-acquisition initiatives to achieve efficiencies in the integrated operating model.
- Developed 3-year business plans, cash flow projections and accounts receivables analysis to secure receivables-based financing
- Supported creation of Quarterly and Annual SEC reports
Audit Manager
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
01.1993 - 01.2000
- Led project-based teams of 5-10 audit professionals in Atlanta, Germany and Tampa to provide audit and assurance services for domestic and multi-national public, private and not-for-profit enterprises across various industries, including media research, construction, real estate, consumer products, manufacturing, hospitality and health care.
Education
Master of Accountancy -
University of South Florida
01-1993
Skills
- Expert in Keynote, Excel, Word, Smartsheet
- Business planning
- Program management
- Partnerships and alliances
Certification
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - inactive
- Nike Leadership Next-Level
- Prosci Change Management
- LEAN problem-solving
OTHER
Fluent in Gujarati, Hindi and conversational German
Timeline
Code Activation Director: NIKE CONSUMER CODE
NIKE Inc.
02.2018 - Current
Program Director: NIKE Sustainable Business & Innovation
NIKE Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2018
Director of Transition Management
NIKE Program Management Office
01.2010 - 01.2011
Finance Senior Manager
NIKE Global Finance
01.2003 - 01.2010
Internal Audit Senior Manager
NIKE Global Internal Audit
01.2001 - 01.2003
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
VERSO TECHNOLOGIES
01.2000 - 01.2001
Audit Manager
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
01.1993 - 01.2000
Master of Accountancy -
University of South Florida