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Kate Chan
Senior Director, Sourcing and Production - Joe Fresh Apparel, Loblaw Companies Limited
Professional Background
Kate Chan is a seasoned Global Sourcing Executive boasting over 20 years of extensive experience in the apparel and footwear industry. Throughout her impressive career, she has established a strong reputation for her ability to collaborate effectively with vendors and suppliers across a diverse range of countries, including China, Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, Portugal, and Turkey. Her versatility in both the manufacturing and importing/exporting business has made her a valuable asset to each organization she has been a part of.
In her most recent role as Senior Director of Sourcing and Production for Adults Apparel at Joe Fresh, under the umbrella of Loblaw Companies Limited, Kate has demonstrated her excellent negotiation skills and strong business acumen. She has honed her analytical abilities while managing international sourcing strategies, maintaining relationships, and evaluating factories to meet global standards. Her leadership in sourcing and production has always centered on quality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency, echoing her dedication to making informed, strategic decisions that enhance business objectives.
Prior to this role, Kate held several key positions at Loblaw Companies Limited, including Director of Sourcing for Women's Apparel. In these roles, she consistently leveraged her experience in sourcing, problem-solving, and team management to contribute to the company’s growth and success. Before joining Loblaw, Kate built her career at Hudson's Bay Company as a Senior Sourcing and Production Manager, where her global experience in evaluating factories further enhanced her operational effectiveness.
Kate’s career also includes significant tenure at Jaytex of Canada Ltd, where she served as both Director of Sourcing and Product Development and Sourcing and Production Manager. Her time at Jaytex further solidified her capabilities in directing teams and overseeing sourcing initiatives, allowing her to manage the complexities of the apparel supply chain successfully.
Education and Achievements
Kate Chan's educational background reflects her commitment to excellence in the fashion and clothing technology fields. She studied at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where she obtained her Associateship of Clothing and Footwear Institute, which is considered a degree equivalent qualification. Additionally, she pursued Higher Diploma in Fashion and Clothing Technology, further enriching her knowledge and understanding of the industry.
Her educational achievements have laid a strong foundation for her technical expertise in various apparel sectors, including cut-and-sewn knits, sweater knits, and woven fabrics, and have made her proficient in all facets of garment construction and footwear production. This strong technical background allows her to approach challenges with authority and confidence, making her a standout leader in her field.
Notable Skills and Expertise
Kate possesses a unique blend of skills which includes strong management, strategic planning, and critical analytical thinking. Her discerning power allows her to make effective decisions quickly, whether it's in negotiation or troubleshooting complex production issues. She is proficient in three languages—English, Mandarin, and Cantonese—enabling her to communicate across various cultural and professional landscapes successfully.
Kate’s extensive traveling experience has enriched her understanding of global market trends, supplier capabilities, and intricate manufacturing processes. Her ability to evaluate factories worldwide ensures she provides her organizations with high-quality products while adhering to ethical sourcing practices. This commitment is reflected in her approach to sourcing strategies, always prioritizing quality, compliance, and sustainability in every initiative she oversees.
In conclusion, Kate Chan exemplifies a dynamic and results-oriented professional in the apparel and sourcing industry. Her profound expertise, coupled with her passion for the fashion sector, continues to impact positively on the many organizations she has been a part of throughout her illustrious career. As she moves forward, Kate remains focused on fostering strong partnerships, driving innovation, and emphasizing excellence in all facets of her work.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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