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Director of Merchandising and Product

Top Management

As a strategic merchandising and product development executive, what I do is define a company's vision, drive their growth strategy, and infuse the sales force with new ideas to ultimately take companies to the next level of success. 

I am a driven, creative leader who thinks entrepreneurially that executes with focused strategy, communication, and collaboration. With HD Supply, I currently lead the strategy, merchandising, and innovation agenda for the window coverings, cabinets, and manufacturing categories. Prior to that, I held senior level roles for MBT Footwear and Mizuno, where I led transformation in corporate strategy and influenced change redirecting focus towards innovation, speed to market, and consumer insights. 

The essential value I bring is my ability to articulate the vision and engage the sales organization so they execute in a manner that takes the business to the next level. This is how I've been able to critically drive the business time and again. 

EXPERTISE
¦ Strategic Merchandising Leadership
¦ Product Development & Product Line Management
¦ Assortment Planning & Sourcing 
¦ Organizational Leadership
¦ Corporate Strategy
¦ Strategic Mission & Vision
¦ Revenue & Profit Growth
¦ Consumer Marketing
¦ Integrated Marketing
¦ Cross-Functional Team Leadership
¦ Brand Development & Management


Leading the window coverings and cabinets category on its journey to becoming the preferred solution for MRO and Property Improvement customers. Partner with cross-functional teams and suppliers to build innovative products and merchandising plans that drive unprecedented growth. Champion strategic business development, pricing, and online assortment strategy to target gaps and white space opportunities to drive market penetration.

Led a team with strategic sales, brand marketing, consumer insights, that built and activated the MBT Footwear Portfolio. Under my leadership, we exceeded plan targets across all channels and brought the company into profitability. Oversaw cross-functional teams to execute brand initiatives as well as managing the company P&L. Collaborated with Star 360, acting as strategic advisor on line planning and merchandising for Southeast Asia on Nike, Asics, Reebok, Birkentstock, and Cole Haan brands.

President, Footwear

Led footwear product development, merchandising, and sourcing with P&L responsibility for top line sales, margin dollars, margin percent, and inventory turns. Oversaw multiple product categories managing assortment plans, pricing, costing, aligning Japan and US product development and marketing efforts to maximize efficiencies for global product launches. Liaison between Mizuno USA and Japan on product creation and marketing communication to ensure clear communication and collaboration was attained. 

Developed product vision for footwear, building seasonal assortment, and financial plans. Built out strategic plans, innovation, and 3 year product road maps with emphasis on consumer needs and trends.

Business Unit Director, Footwear and Accessories

Find out detailed information about Ken Ueda, Director of Merchandising and Product in Atlanta, GA

Ken Ueda: Director of Merchandising and Product in Atlanta, GA

Ken Ueda

HD Supply

MBT Footwear

Mizuno USA