Suri Kovela
Senior Director
Westerlo
Summary
Professional leader equipped for high-level management roles with 20+ years of global supply chain, operations, and transformation leadership across APAC, EMEA and the USA. Proven ability to drive results through strategic planning, team collaboration, and innovative solutions. Strong focus on operational efficiency, financial oversight, and fostering positive workplace culture. Adept at navigating changing environments and ensuring consistent achievement of organizational goals. Recognized for stakeholder alignment, program turnaround, and motivating high-performance teams in cross-cultural environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Executive Manager, EMEA West Hub
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
10.2023 - Current
- Created, managed, and executed business plan and communicated company vision and objectives to motivate teams. >€2.5M savings,
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by promoting best practices in project management, process optimization, and risk mitigation. OEE > 98.6% across sites.
- Championed WMS transformation via the ELITE project; integrated the SAP EWM roadmap.
- Built EMEA-wide training systems, and implemented succession planning frameworks.
- Managed budget planning and financial forecasting, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum return on investment.
Director, Regional Distribution – APAC
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
07.2019 - 10.2023
- Led $79M Project OPAL and JEWEL to modernize DCs with automation and sustainability.
- Drove DTC service level improvement by over 300% across APAC.
- Secured 18%+ savings via 3PL contract renegotiation; implemented direct-ship and cross-dock models.
- Ensured business continuity across APAC with zero COVID disruption via strategic BCP plans.
- Rated 'Exemplary' in all KPIs including leadership and development.
Senior Manager, Supply Chain & Value Realization
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
06.2013 - 06.2019
- Led SAP/LE-WM deployments across 7 DCs and 15 business units in Asia-Pacific.
- Delivered >$1.8M+ in cost savings through labeling, slotting, and GR process improvements.
- Managed ERP and TPM integrations with SIOP and global inventory strategies.
- Developed and deployed KPI dashboards, training templates, and affiliate performance tools.
SMI APAC WM Lead / Consultant
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Implemented SAP LE-WM, OTC and for TPM across Asia Pacific.
- Managed business requirements, documentation, SOPs, and system deployment for SAP modules.
Senior Consultant
Deloitte Consulting LLP
07.2004 - 06.2010
- Led SAP rollouts for CPG and energy clients in the US and UK.
- Built automation blueprints, handled picking logic, and optimized labor and layout efficiency.
- Managed onshore/offshore delivery teams and led stakeholder training initiatives.
Data Analyst (Internship)
GECIS (General Electric)
10.2003 - 08.2004
- Built SLA reporting systems for GE Advanced Materials division.
Education
Masters - Computer Applications
Osmania University
Bachelors - Commerce and Accounting
Osmania University
Skills
Strategic partnerships
Organizational development
Corporate social responsibility
Digital transformation
Cost reduction
End-to-End Supply Chain Strategy
Omnichannel & DTC Fulfillment
Key performance indicators
Operations management
Succession planning
Budget planning
Stakeholder management
Websites
Certification
SAP LE/WM, Manhattan WMS, TMC, HKWMS, LM7, Maximo
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Over $2.5M in budget savings in EMEA FY24 from vendor optimization, energy projects, and headcount strategy.
- Rated 'Exemplary' 5 years in a row across business, development, and leadership KPIs.
- Delivered complex transformational Projects LEO, OPAL, and JEWEL with zero disruption and measurable ROI.
- Created and led regional CAPEX frameworks, labor planning tools, and global KPI dashboards.
Timeline
Executive Manager, EMEA West Hub
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
10.2023 - Current
Director, Regional Distribution – APAC
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
07.2019 - 10.2023
Senior Manager, Supply Chain & Value Realization
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
06.2013 - 06.2019
SMI APAC WM Lead / Consultant
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2013
Senior Consultant
Deloitte Consulting LLP
07.2004 - 06.2010
Data Analyst (Internship)
GECIS (General Electric)
10.2003 - 08.2004
Bachelors - Commerce and Accounting
Osmania University
Masters - Computer Applications
Osmania University
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