Amit Sethi

I gained progressive responsibilities of Global Technology and Operations (Strategy and Execution) of 10,000 member organization, reporting to EVP and Management Board Member. I have a team of 200 Direct & 500+ total with P&L and Budget Management accountability. I work with executive leadership on initiatives with Board-level collaboration to devise and run innovative global products and services to drive customer-focussed and efficient business operations. I launched 5 software platforms to transform operations & technology landscape, scaling to millions of shipments (+10% growth) with +15% productivity in <2 yrs. I scaled new technology-driven logistics business from scratch to multi-million-dollar business model in less than 2.5 yrs. I strategized and am leading the game-changing partnership models to boost the business growth.

I was brought on board to build an agile enterprise by readily adopting new technology, modernizing legacy systems and processes, and developing & executing high-impact global digital and operational transformation strategies to position the 10, 000+ member organization on a competitive edge. I delivered a rapid and sustainable impact across digital and transformation operations strategy, operating model, and capability development. Aligned the enterprise to evolving customer journeys through digital transformation and delivered above-target customer experience and operational excellence. I introduced modern technology-based products to deliver 8-10% annual business growth with 10-15% higher productivity, and set the stage for sweeping systems transformations by delivering next-gen technologies and building innovative products to have tech-based solutions for revolutionizing the customer experience.

I was appointed to a highly visible leadership role with an executive charter to build and lead a multiyear business operating model and transformational program for EU Transport and Supply Chain operations. I built the operations organization to 400 from the ground up across 4 departments to manage operations for multi-billion-dollar annual shipments across Europe, with 11K routes (domestic and international), connecting 243 sites and 120+ carriers. I built a 200-member European Transportation Field Operations team from scratch, and also built and led the analytics and customer experience functions for European Transportation and directed efficient gatehouse and yard operations through a deep understanding of engineering layout, streamlining and refining process, upgrading technology, and using decision-making analytics. I surpassed cost savings benchmark by 200% and improved on-time delivery SLA by 300 bps, and speed of delivery by 0.45 days for international deliveries across Europe. I achieved a 100% safety record across all large sites through operational excellence and digitization.

I continued to earn progressive responsibilities and was made responsible for both Inbound and Outbound operations for transportation and supply chain operations across 50+ distribution sites and 100+ carriers with multi-million-dollar shipments annually. I provided leadership and strategic direction to a team of 200 to manage and transform EU network operations (including launching the EU Air Transportation Network). I built and grew the team across 3 sites in Asia and Europe and delivered goals aligned with customer needs, delivery speed, cost, and service objectives. I positioned my organization, EU network operations, as a strategic business partner to support Amazon’s European expansion plans. I championed change infusing vitality and purpose to the teams and built a focus on excellence—shaped future of EU network (transportation and supply chain) operations with the highest standards in safety, compliance, and efficiency. I enabled 40% business growth by transforming operating models while driving automation and controlling costs. I increased service-level performance by 33% and productivity by 10%. I increased customer experience by 40% by new processes/services and also saved $10M in annual costs.

I was chosen to lead the coveted launch of Air Transportation network for Europe. As the general management responsible, I operated as a thought leader and as the foremost authority on all technology, operations, and process changes. I championed design and development of a robust and futuristic logistics network and operating model—emphasized on operational excellence, capacity planning, and systems development to enable high-speed, high-quality and lean, cost-effective operations. I improved on-time delivery from 91% to 97% and increased delivery speed by 24% while increasing the revenue by >200 Mio$ and reducing the costs by 12%. This launch was recognized as one of the top successes for Amazon Europe. Led 20+ hiring events for Mid to Senior Management and conducted 500+ interviews. I was ranked amongst top 1% high potential employees — solicited to coach, guide, and mentor Senior Managers and Directors in the art of talent acquisition and performance management.

After the success of amazon.in launch operations, I was chosen to lead the new operating model for European Transportation across 7 EU countries, 32+ large warehouses and 100+ carriers. I built the Transportation Operations Center from scratch to 100 people to resolve 39 pan-EU centralized processes, drove 14 in-house optimizations and 130 technology improvements. With enhanced network planning, scheduling and exception-management processes, I achieved a 500% Q4 YoY growth in problems prevented or resolved, improving the delivery experience by 7%. I orchestrated and executed the successful launch of the European Transportation Operations Center involving 40+ external teams across global transportation, technology, supply chain, retail, Prime and FBA. I demonstrated the ability to influence and drive change at all levels—spearheaded efforts to manage process audits, talent acquisition, resource allocation, carrier engagements, and staff training. I transformed the critical operations, processes, and technology to elevate customer experience, drive operational excellence, and enable 30% business expansion.

When I completed my MBA in Strategy and Operations, I was hired by Amazon as a part of Pathways Global Leadership program. At this time, Amazon was going for a much-anticipated launch of the marketplace amazon.in at India. I was chosen to lead Logistics Operations, Customer Service Operations and Program Management for this launch, as a part of Transportation/Supply Chain leadership team that launched Amazon at India. As a part of Amazon's technology development center, I heavily leveraged technology to launch the operations. I rolled out Transportation operations for 60+ delivery stations achieving 98% on customer service quality metrics and 10%+ improvement for the on-time delivery experience. I delivered on-time performance of 96% and reduced lead time of deliveries from 3.45 to 2.03 days. I also partnered in the launch of innovative fulfillment programs (Easy Ship for merchants) and customer returns programs, and reduced manifest to refund initiation cycle by 50% and decrease in contacts per shipment by 30%.

I grew to be independent Subunit Commander with General Management responsibility of an entity of 100+ highly-technical staff (including Commissioned officers and Junior Commissioned Officers). I was responsible driving the operations, technology, procurement, training and finance including all day-to-day activities and transformation of a combat subunit with multi-million dollar technology. I led transformation of technology hardware/software by driving the trials for Thermal Imager (TI) sights, Target Rocket Systems, and variants of missiles and radars. My responsibilities included the commissioning, on-boarding, and testing of new technology including technical feedback, training, process design and rollout. I increased the productivity by 20% and reduced down-time by 25%.

Based on meritorious performance, I was shortlisted to be amongst <5% officers for General Staff Officer appointment for highly active mountain area. I drove Strategic Planning and Field Operations Management, and was awarded 2 medals for recognition of service in sensitive and adverse conditions. I planned 30+ successful operations involving Paramilitary, Police, and Intelligence agencies, and led the Field Supply Chain (Operational Logistics ) for 20K+ equipment and 5K personnel. I was responsible for Network Design, Planning, Forecasting and Operations for >5K staff deployed for active operations.

I was chosen to lead Supply Chain Management and Operations Management involving 300 people, Missiles, Tanks and Radars, as the Adjutant and Technical Equipment Officer of a hi-tech subunit. I led highly-precise missile firing and heavy weapon firing exercises, involving commissioning, testing, development and launch of missiles integrated with radars, command posts and network-wide communication setup. I was also responsible for demand forecasting and stock planning of supplies and consumables. I substantially improved the manpower productivity, down-time of equipment and availability rate of inventory.

As a top-ranked Lieutenant, a part of prestigious Super-Block of top 1% of 430 officers, I chose to join Corps of Army Air Defence. I joined one of the most technology-driven arms, with Missiles, Tanks and Radars. Leveraging technology to run operations which are precise, high-quality, time-sensitive and large-scale, became a part of my DNA. I led the day to day operations and technology (hardware, software & infra) with 70 people, and multi-million dollar missiles/radar equipment & systems. While our regiment was acquiring/upgrading next-gen technologies (Europe-made), I was also responsible for testing and deployment of technology for sensitive operations in desert area (+45 degree C). My service was recognized with the award of service medal.