Whitney Fongemie
Santa Monica,CA
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Gap, Inc., driving $565M in annual sales through strategic inventory optimization and cross-functional collaboration. Proven track record in demand planning and team development, fostering a culture of excellence while achieving significant growth in multi-channel markets. Adept at transforming processes to enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Gap, Inc.- Gap & Gap Outlet
09.2021 - Current
- OMNI NA Gap Outlet Womens, managing $565M in sales annually and team of eight
- OMNI NA Womens, managed $447M in sales annually
- OMNI NA Girls + Teen Girls, managed $192M in sales annually
- Develop long-term strategies to drive growth by analyzing the sales performance of businesses by category, to meet customer needs, and maximize sales.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with the Merchandising, Planning, Production, and Finance teams.
- Develop, mentor, and train direct reports through the review process, timely goal setting, weekly touch bases, and quarterly check-ins; identify and provide additional training as needed to upskill Sr. Manager and Manager
- Lead in the season, open to the buy process team to drive new ways of working, and improve reporting and processes on a weekly/monthly basis.
- SME lead on the rollout of the new cloud-based OTB system, and continue to drive the implementation of updates and process enhancements.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture through effective communication and team-building activities.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
Sr Manager, OMNI NA Girls + Teen Girls
Gap, Inc.- Gap Brand
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Developed a top-down strategy for the Girls and Teen Girls division, and presented our division's financial plans to leadership.
- Collaborated with cross-functional partners and senior leadership to shape financial outcomes, enabling the execution of both tactical and strategic goals.
- Drove profitability through promotional and markdown actions; led as part of the SME pricing team to drive change and efficiencies for the overall brand.
- Developed and supported a team of four by nurturing each different skill set, provided leadership opportunities for each, and challenged them to drive positive business results for the brand.
Sr Manager, Baby, Toddler Boy, Toddler Girl
Gap, Inc.- Gap Brand
10.2020 - 03.2021
- Lead a team of seven responsible for pre-season and in-season management of all baby and toddler products for the Gap North America store fleet, reporting directly to the VP of Merch Planning.
- Collaborated with cross-functional partners and senior leadership to shape financial outcomes, enabling the execution of both tactical and strategic goals
- Strategic partner in long-range planning; assess where there is strategic growth based on the market and competition.
- Interpreted historical data and analyzed market information to focus on business drivers, growth initiatives, demand management, and the overall success/health of the business.
Manager, Men’s Tops & Body
Gap, Inc.- Gap Outlet
01.2020 - 10.2020
- Managed and led over half of the Men’s Outlet division; oversaw the pre-season and in-season management of the business.
- Managed and developed three direct reports, while maintaining cross-functional partnerships with inventory planners, merchants, and production/design.
- Forecasted the flow of profit and inventory on a weekly/monthly basis, and presented during monthly OTB meetings to leadership.
- Formulated pre-season financial plans while partnering with senior leadership to ensure goals are within targets from company planning.
- Presented financial plans and pre-season strategies on a quarterly basis to the leadership team, and reacted to business needs based on current trends.
- Analyzed data on a weekly basis to inform pre-season strategies, and adjusted short-term and long-term plans as needed.
Manager, Men’s Bottoms, Denim & Outerwear
Gap, Inc.- Gap Outlet
04.2019 - 01.2020
- Implemented process improvements to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
- Led team meetings to align goals and enhance communication among staff.
- Developed training programs to improve employee skills and knowledge retention.
Senior Planner, Men’s Outlet Division
Gap, Inc.
05.2017 - 04.2019
- Developed strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency across various departments.
- Mentored junior planners, sharing expertise in best practices and planning methodologies.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration.
Planner, Men’s Division
Lucky Brand, Inc.
03.2016 - 05.2017
- $35M in sales
- Analyzed sales data to forecast merchandise needs and optimize inventory levels.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align product assortment with market trends.
Associate Planner, Omni Channel Accessories
Lucky Brand, Inc.
10.2014 - 03.2016
- Analyzed sales trends to forecast inventory needs and optimize product mix.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop merchandise strategies and promotions.
- Supported seasonal planning processes by preparing detailed assortment plans and timelines.
Senior Allocator, Women’s Denim- Specialty
Lucky Brand, Inc.
09.2013 - 10.2014
- Managed inventory levels to optimize product availability and allocation.
Allocator, Specialty Division- YC Denim, Non-Denim & Outerwear
Guess?, Inc.
01.2013 - 09.2013
- Analyzed inventory levels to optimize stock allocation across multiple retail locations.
Education
Associate of Arts - Merchandise Marketing
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Los Angeles, CABachelor of Science - Business Administration, Business Management and Entrepreneurship
The University of Arizona
Tucson, AZSkills
- Inventory and optimization control
- Multi-channel market management
- Demand planning and forecasting
- Market trend analysis
- Specialty and outlet business models
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Transformation project leadership
- Team leadership and collaboration
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director
Gap, Inc.- Gap & Gap Outlet
09.2021 - Current
Sr Manager, OMNI NA Girls + Teen Girls
Gap, Inc.- Gap Brand
03.2021 - 08.2021
Sr Manager, Baby, Toddler Boy, Toddler Girl
Gap, Inc.- Gap Brand
10.2020 - 03.2021
Manager, Men’s Tops & Body
Gap, Inc.- Gap Outlet
01.2020 - 10.2020
Manager, Men’s Bottoms, Denim & Outerwear
Gap, Inc.- Gap Outlet
04.2019 - 01.2020
Senior Planner, Men’s Outlet Division
Gap, Inc.
05.2017 - 04.2019
Planner, Men’s Division
Lucky Brand, Inc.
03.2016 - 05.2017
Associate Planner, Omni Channel Accessories
Lucky Brand, Inc.
10.2014 - 03.2016
Senior Allocator, Women’s Denim- Specialty
Lucky Brand, Inc.
09.2013 - 10.2014
Allocator, Specialty Division- YC Denim, Non-Denim & Outerwear
Guess?, Inc.
01.2013 - 09.2013
Associate of Arts - Merchandise Marketing
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Business Management and Entrepreneurship
The University of Arizona
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