REI Adds Sylvia Wilks and Minnie Alexander to Co-Op Senior Leadership Team
REI Co-Op added two new members to its senior leadership team, naming Sylvia Wilks SVP, chief supply chain officer, and Minnie Alexander VP, general counsel and corporate strategy. Wilks will take on the role beginning May 23 and Alexander joins on May 31.
"Sylvia and Minnie join our team from customer-centric organizations that are deeply focused on creating best-in-class experiences. Their talent will help REI deliver on our promise to inspire and enable a life outside for everyone by serving our members, employees and broader outdoor community," said Eric Artz, REI Co-Op president and CEO. "As we grow to a 50-million-member community by 2030, their leadership of our supply chain and legal functions will be instrumental."
[More leadership news: Crate & Barrel Adds Metaverse VP, Dollar Tree Hires Supply Chain Chief]
Sylvia Wilks
Wilks will be taking on the newly created role at the retailer, overseeing the strategic leadership of REI’s global value chain. She brings more than 25 years of experience in retail, food and beverage, and consumer products.
Previously, Wilks worked with TireHub, a wholesale distributor and startup. Her supply chain and direct procurement leadership also includes prior roles at Kimberly-Clark and Starbucks Corporation.
"As an REI member since 2006, my passion for preserving nature, delivering value to organizations and building effective teams led me to the co-op. REI is known for an amazing culture and I'm excited to join REI leading supply chain operations, demand planning, and vendor services teams to further the mission to connect more people to nature," said Wilks.
Did You Know?
Only 11% of retailers and consumer goods companies have up-to-date AI/ML-infused replenishment technology, according to RIS research.
Read more about supply chain technology in our interactive report: Unveiling the Transformative Potential of AI and Automation Across the Supply Chain
Minnie Alexander
Alexander will oversee the management, development, and operations of REI's legal division and serve as the corporate secretary. She will lead the implementation of REI's strategies with legal considerations in mind for frameworks, plans, and execution.
Alexander will also ensure REI is in compliance with its cooperative business model in the interest of its members, and to the benefit of the outdoor industry. She will also serve as a key advisor to the REI board of directors.
Alexander succeeds Wilma Wallace, who was promoted to senior vice president, chief diversity and social impact officer and chief legal officer in fall 2021.
She previously worked for The Walt Disney Company as assistant general counsel. Alexander also spent time with Campbell Soup Company and law firm Dorsey & Whitney.
"I have been a member of the REI community for more than 20 years. I am excited to help bring to life REI's vision of enabling more people to enjoy time outside because I believe in the restorative power of nature. As a lawyer, being the general counsel for a company like REI is a great opportunity to put my legal skills to work for a company that I love," said Alexander.
Companies Are Investing in the Future
Learn more about why retailers are strengthening their leadership teams, particularly in areas like the supply chain and operations. We'll be tackling the issues at the forefront of discussions leadership teams are having across the entire retail space at this year's Analytics Unite event, being held June 21-23 in Chicago.
