Join your CEO colleagues at the strategic and networking event of the year—a senior-level conference for industry decision-makers! Access industry experts directly...share information and ideas with other housewares and home goods leaders...wine and dine with your industry colleagues.
October 4-5, 2011 | Chicago, IL USA

Presentation Brief & Bio:


Berk Fernandez
Managing Director
UNA Worldwide

 

Presentation Brief:

GAINING ACCESS TO COMPETITIVE SOURCES OF SUPPLY WORLDWIDE

A quick search on Alibaba or any other global supplier database gives distributors and marketers the sense that the world is full of low-cost manufacturing options. And, to some extent, that is true. Low-cost developing markets can give you a significant COGS advantage over domestic supply. However, true cost is not always visible. How do you work with an offshore supply base and ensure that you achieve and maintain transparency of cost? Additionally, qualifying requirements such as quality, regulatory compliance, IP protection, reliability, clear communication and innovation can be critical in your ability to effectively leverage your suppliers to gain a competitive advantage.

Gaining access to suppliers who meet all of your requirements is just the first step. Maintaining these relationships long term takes a commitment to key resources in these markets. Leave with an understanding of challenges and successes in finding valuable sourcing partnerships in China, India and other global markets.

Biography:

Having traveled and worked in more than 60 countries—a global business track record spanning multiple market sectors and corporate cultures—Berk Fernandez has earned a reputation as an insightful and skilled strategist.
He has been repeatedly selected to lead corporate restructuring and change initiatives. Working with companies facing a wide arrange of challenges, he has a record of success in developing a framework to ensure ongoing corporate stability, future growth and profitability, and a sustainable competitive advantage.

Drawing upon a background across industries with leaders such as Baxter International, First Chicago/Bank One (now part of JPMorgan Chase) and CNA Financial, Berk offers a solid foundation in business strategy, supply chain management, global sourcing, sales/marketing, market entry and finance.

Most recently, as Managing Director of his current firm, UNA Worldwide, Berk has worked with several small and mid-level companies across industries and geographies to drive access to enter the Asian market.