Toys ‘R’ Us names new execs, including supply chain chief
Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us on Tuesday announced several executive appointments. The retailer named Debbie Lentz as senior VP, chief supply chain officer, with responsibility for U.S. distribution and customs compliance, global importing and exporting, fleet operations and domestic transportation, reporting to Hank Mullany, president, Toys “R” Us, U.S.
In the role, Lentz oversees inventory planning and allocation as well as e-commerce fulfillment, while driving efforts to significantly improve in-stock levels in-store and online. In addition, she leads logistics strategy development for the company’s international markets and efforts to improve global supply chain efficiencies, reporting in this capacity to Antonio Urcelay.
Lentz was formerly with Kraft Foods Group and most recently held the position of senior VP, customer service and logistics.
In other appointments:
Joe Venezia has been named senior VP, store operations, Toys “R” Us, U.S. In this capacity, Venezia is responsible for transforming the in-store experience through strong operations disciplines and customer service excellence in the company’s store network across the country. He also provides leadership for ensuring customers have a seamless in-store and online shopping experience through the company’s omnichannel offerings.
Venezia was formerly at The Pantry, where he served as senior VP of store operations for its convenience stores and quick service restaurants across the Southeastern U.S. Prior to this, Venezia served as senior VP of Walmart U.S. and president for the company’s Northeast division.
Christine Morena has been named senior VP, human resources, Toys “R” Us, Inc. In this role, Morena provides strategic guidance and operational support to the company’s global human resources organization throughout its headquarters and regional offices, as well as stores and distribution centers in the U.S. and internationally.
Morena most recently served as principal of her own advisory services business, providing counsel to senior managers and boards on building best-in-class organizational structures and programs. Prior to this, she served as executive VP and chief human resources officer for Saks Incorporated.
“One of the key pillars of our “TRU Transformation” strategy is to develop high-performing, highly engaged, diverse teams, and we are assembling talent that can help lead important areas of the business and offer fresh perspectives,” said Antonio Urcelay, chairman and CEO, Toys “R” Us, Inc. “With these new leaders and our internal team, we are intensely focused on looking at every aspect of the business for process improvement in making the company fit for growth.”
In addition, the company recently announced the appointments of Michael Short as executive VP, CFO, Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Chetan Bhandari as senior VP, corporate finance and treasurer, Toys “R” Us, Inc.