Sears Holdings names supply chain leader

HOFFMAN ESTATES — Sears Holdings named Raj Penkar as senior vice president and president, Supply Chain, effective Sept. 15.

Penkar will be accountable for all aspects of the company’s supply chain, including logistics, warehousing, inventory management and distribution.

Penkar joins Sears Holdings following a successful 24-year career at UPS, where he most recently served as president of UPS’ Customer Solutions division.  In this capacity, he led a global team of 1,400 employees in designing and implementing customer supply chain solutions.

“I believe that Raj’s vast experience in driving innovative customer solutions and logistics strategy will be invaluable to our company as we continue to put the customer first in everything we do,” said Lou D’Ambrosio, Sears Holdings chief executive officer and president. “Supply chain and fulfillment are key components in ensuring that we have the right product assortment, at the right place, and at the right time to meet the needs of every customer online, in their home and at the store.  Raj’s customer insight is a key asset for any organization and I welcome him to Sears Holdings,”

Prior to becoming president of UPS’ Customer Solutions division, Penkar held roles of increasing responsibility, including director of strategic technology planning/research and development; president of its fee-for-service consulting organization where he leveraged his team-based approach to serve top customers; and vice president of the supply chain solutions business unit where he spearheaded the integration of multiple acquisitions to extend UPS’ capabilities in contract logistics.

“Sears Holdings is an iconic company that has been built on enabling customer choice — in how they buy and receive products,” Penkar said. “ Supply chain is an integral element to that strategy. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of Sears’ transformation to a truly integrated retailer and to join the team of leaders in the company.”

Penkar will be based at the company’s corporate offices in Hoffman Estates.