Sears Holdings Names Industry Expert to Lead Supply Chain
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD) announced today that Raj Penkar will be joining Sears Holdings on Sept. 15 as SVP and President, Supply Chain. Mr. Penkar will be accountable for all aspects of the company's supply chain, including logistics, warehousing, inventory management and distribution.
Mr. Penkar joins Sears Holdings following a successful 24-year career at UPS, where he most recently served as president of UPS' Customer Solutions division. In this capacity, Raj led a global team of 1,400 employees in designing and implementing customer supply chain solutions.
"I believe that Raj's vast experience in driving innovative customer solutions and logistics strategy will be invaluable to our company as we continue to put the customer first in everything we do. Supply chain and fulfillment are key components in ensuring that we have the right product assortment, at the right place, and at the right time to meet the needs of every customer online, in their home and at the store. Raj's customer insight is a key asset for any organization and I welcome him to Sears Holdings," said Lou D'Ambrosio, chief executive officer and president.
"Sears Holdings is an iconic company that has been built on enabling customer choice – in how they buy and receive products. Supply chain is an integral element to that strategy. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of Sears' transformation to a truly integrated retailer and to join the team of leaders in the company," said Mr. Penkar.
Prior to becoming president of UPS' Customer Solutions division, Raj held roles of increasing responsibility, including director of Strategic Technology Planning / Research and Development; president of its fee-for-service consulting organization where he leveraged his team-based approach to serve top customers; and vice president of the Supply Chain Solutions business unit where he spearheaded the integration of multiple acquisitions to extend UPS' capabilities in contract logistics.
Mr. Penkar will be based at the company's corporate offices in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.
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SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation