Linda Ko
Colorado Springs
Summary
Results-driven product development and global sourcing leader with over 20 years of experience driving private brands (PB) strategy, cost optimization, and category expansion across pet, consumer goods, and retail industries. Proven ability to lead global sourcing initiatives, secure multimillion-dollar savings, and develop high-quality, customer-centric products. Adept at supplier management, contract negotiations, and cross-functional leadership to ensure operational efficiency and revenue growth. Strategic thinker with a track record of successfully launching new categories, enhancing brand differentiation, and improving go-to-market execution. Passionate about fostering strong vendor partnerships, optimizing supply chain operations, and developing innovative, competitive products.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Director, Private Brands Product Development & Global Sourcing
Chewy
01.2017 - Current
- Led global sourcing strategy, successfully diversifying supplier base beyond China, reducing risk exposure, and optimizing landed costs
- Spearheaded cost-saving initiatives, leveraging the 2022 RMB devaluation to achieve a 5–7% cost reduction across key product categories, securing over $20M in savings
- Developed and launched Chewy’s first Private Brands (PB) dropship program, enabling direct-to-customer fulfillment, significantly shortening lead times, reducing freight costs, and improving supply chain flexibility
- Optimized vendor negotiations and contract structuring, securing competitive pricing and ensuring consistent product quality and compliance
- Led end-to-end product development and sourcing strategies across multiple hardline categories, including bed & furniture, bowls & feeders, containment & gear, litter accessories, waste management, specialty products, tech innovations, and cat litter
- Successfully launched the first PB product categories, generating $4M+ in revenue within the first year and contributing to an overall $160M+ product portfolio today
- Established a structured product development framework, streamlining ideation, prototyping, testing, and commercialization to enhance efficiency and time-to-market
- Maintain product ratings above 4 stars, driving customer-driven improvements, quickly addressing negative feedback, and continuously enhancing product quality and performance
- Led and collaborated across cross-functional teams, including sourcing, marketing, merchandising, quality assurance, and supply chain, ensuring seamless product launches and go-to-market execution
- Partnered with Marketing teams to develop high-impact product assets, PDP (Product Detail Page) content, and brand storytelling, driving customer engagement and conversion rates
- Collaborated on assortment planning and SKU optimization, ensuring a well-balanced, profitable product mix aligned with consumer demand and market trends
- Tracked and analyzed new product performance, leveraging insights to refine assortment strategy, pricing models, and inventory management
Global Sourcing Manager
Petco
07.2012 - 01.2016
- Global Sourcing & Cost Optimization: Secured a 10% cost reduction on Private Brands (PB) by leveraging RMB devaluation. Optimized freight and logistics, reducing transit times and landed costs. Strengthened supplier relationships, consolidating raw material procurement to enhance efficiency and cost savings. Identified cost-saving opportunities through in-depth transportation analysis.
- Private Brand Development & Category Management: Expanded PB assortments in collaboration with Design and Merchandising teams, ensuring market differentiation and competitive pricing. Led PB packaging refresh for So Phresh, You & Me, and Well & Good. Developed category-specific sourcing strategies to align PB items with pricing targets and quality benchmarks.
- Seasonal & Trend-Driven Product Strategy: Curated trend-responsive seasonal assortments, collaborating with vendors and design teams to align with shifting consumer preferences. Ensured seamless seasonal launches through optimized inventory planning and supply chain coordination.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Execution: Worked closely with supply chain, design, and merchandising teams to streamline operations, enhance product consistency, and improve time-to-market efficiency. Led initiatives to prevent stockouts and improve order management for seasonal and core product categories.
Founder
Alabastra
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Founded and managed a fashion accessories business focused on sourcing, importing, and retail distribution.
- Sourced high-quality, trend-forward products from Korea to meet market demand.
- Established retail partnerships and implemented a consignment-based sales strategy.
- Optimized pricing, merchandising, and supply chain operations to drive sales and profitability.
Business Development Manager
Protop
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Led product development, sourcing, and pricing strategy for the export division, driving competitive market positioning.
- Identified market trends and opportunities, translating insights into innovative global product offerings.
- Curated strategic assortments for events and programs, aligning selections with market demand.
- Managed key international accounts and vendor relationships, optimizing export operations and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality sourcing.
International Business Unit Manager
Conair
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Product Strategy & Market Expansion: Led product development and global integration for Conair, Babyliss, Cuisinart, and Waring, streamlining assortments and driving revenue through private label and multi-pack strategies.
- Innovation & Quality Assurance: Optimized cost efficiencies without compromising quality, conducted benchmarking, ensured regulatory compliance, and collaborated on R&D for product innovation.
- Business Growth & Distribution: Managed P&L, achieving 17% YOY revenue growth, strengthened distributor networks, exceeded sales targets, and enhanced brand equity through co-marketing initiatives.
Buyer/Planner
Applied Materials
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Supply Chain & Procurement: Managed procurement for plastic and machining commodities, ensuring cost efficiency, vendor compliance, and seamless operations. Negotiated pricing and SLAs, processed RFQs, and aligned supplier bids with quality standards.
- Inventory & Production Planning: Oversaw order fulfillment via ORACLE, optimized inventory levels based on MRP, and minimized excess stock. Led shortage mitigation efforts to align teams and prevent production delays.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Worked closely with manufacturing, engineering, accounting, and receiving teams to ensure accurate procurement, inventory management, and financial reconciliation.
Education
Merchandise Marketing -
Eastern Michigan University
Associate of Arts (AA) - Merchandise Marketing
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)
Chewy Pack Leadership Program -
01.2023
Skills
- Global Sourcing Strategy
- Cost Negotiation
- Supplier Management
- Private Label Strategy & Category Expansion
- Product Development
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Brand Differentiation & Go-to-Market Execution
- Critical thinking
- Strategic leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Analytical thinking
- Project management
Certification
Chewy Pack Leadership Program – 2023
Languages
Korean
Chinese (Cantonese)
Interests
- Yoga, Pilates
- Volunteering
- Music
- Hiking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP), Snowshoeing,
- Volunteering at local animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Traveling
Timeline
Associate Director, Private Brands Product Development & Global Sourcing
Chewy
01.2017 - Current
Global Sourcing Manager
Petco
07.2012 - 01.2016
Founder
Alabastra
01.2011 - 01.2012
Business Development Manager
Protop
01.2008 - 01.2010
International Business Unit Manager
Conair
01.2001 - 01.2008
Buyer/Planner
Applied Materials
01.1998 - 01.2000
Associate of Arts (AA) - Merchandise Marketing
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)
Chewy Pack Leadership Program -
Merchandise Marketing -
Eastern Michigan University
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