Eric Stowe is a transformative leader in supply chain management and strategic operations, whose career spans more than twenty-five years across some of the most respected names in retail, manufacturing, and consumer goods. His professional journey reflects not only technical mastery and operational excellence, but also a deep commitment to the people and principles that drive long-term success. Known for his integrity, his analytical precision, and his gift for empowering teams, Eric has shaped organizations through his leadership in demand planning, S&OP/IBP integration, and cross-functional optimization. His career tells a story of relentless learning, consistent performance, and the belief that effective leadership begins and ends with trust.
From the outset of his career, Eric demonstrated a rare balance of analytical rigor and human-centered leadership. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of Northern Iowa, with a minor in Creative Writing, he went on to complete his MBA from the University of Iowa’s Tippie School of Management. This educational foundation—grounded in both human behavior and business strategy—laid the groundwork for his unique leadership philosophy: that sustainable operational excellence depends as much on understanding people as it does on managing processes. His combination of business acumen and emotional intelligence has since become a defining hallmark of his career.
Eric began his professional path at Target Corporation, where he spent nearly nine years mastering the intricacies of large-scale distribution and operations management. Rising through positions of increasing responsibility, from Team Leader to Distribution Operations Process Owner, he became known for his ability to identify inefficiencies, design practical solutions, and foster high-performing teams. During this period, he earned his Six Sigma Green Belt certification, leading process improvement initiatives that streamlined product flow and increased throughput across multiple distribution centers. His tenure at Target set the stage for a lifelong dedication to continuous improvement—a theme that would define his future leadership roles.
At Ulta Beauty, Eric advanced into the role of Senior Operations Manager, overseeing a department of more than 650 associates within a high-volume eCommerce distribution environment. His work was marked by a commitment to operational precision, automation, and innovation. Eric not only delivered on productivity and budget goals, but also cultivated a collaborative culture grounded in respect and accountability. His time at Ulta demonstrated his ability to lead at scale—balancing strategic direction with on-the-ground execution—and reinforced his passion for developing people as the true drivers of organizational success.
In 2015, Eric joined Kohler Co., one of the most renowned brands in global manufacturing, marking a significant evolution in his leadership journey. Initially serving as Senior Staff Project Manager within the Supply Chain Optimization Services group, he quickly distinguished himself as an architect of process transformation. Through the application of Lean, Six Sigma, and SCOR methodologies, Eric led global improvement initiatives that aligned strategy with execution and produced measurable gains in efficiency and reliability. His ability to act as both a change agent and a steadying force earned him recognition across Kohler’s leadership ranks.
Eric’s advancement to Manager of Supply Chain Alignment for Global Faucets, and later to Manager of Demand Planning for Kitchen & Bath North America, reflected his growing influence on the company’s strategic operations. Managing multimillion-dollar product portfolios and leading teams of high-performing analysts, he orchestrated the end-to-end integration of demand planning processes into Kohler’s S&OP framework. He spearheaded systemic enhancements—including machine learning and statistical forecasting—that elevated accuracy and efficiency. Beyond the metrics, his leadership philosophy remained centered on developing people, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring that every decision served both customer needs and organizational goals.
In 2022, Eric took on a new challenge with Spectrum Brands Inc., where he currently serves as Senior Manager of Demand Planning for the Home and Garden business unit. At Spectrum, he continues to embody strategic foresight and operational excellence, guiding his team through the complexities of forecasting, customer collaboration, and systemic integration using SAP-IBP technology. His role extends beyond the analytical; it is about leadership, mentorship, and cultivating a culture of accountability and innovation. Eric’s ability to align business processes with strategic intent ensures that growth is both sustainable and scalable—hallmarks of his leadership style.
Throughout his career, Eric has been more than a manager—he has been a mentor, a strategist, and a trusted partner to executives and peers alike. His leadership is rooted in transparency and reinforced by his belief that trust is the foundation upon which high-performing teams are built. His decision-making is characterized by clarity and courage—qualities that enable him to address complex challenges with composure and conviction. Colleagues often describe him as a leader who listens first, decides decisively, and acts with purpose.
Eric’s professional expertise spans a diverse range of competencies including supply chain management, capital planning, budgeting, and analytics. Yet it is his strength in uniting these disciplines through people that distinguishes him most. His proficiency in S&OP/IBP processes, demand forecasting, and systemic optimization is matched by a deep appreciation for the human side of business—coaching, communication, and leadership development. This dual mastery of systems and relationships allows Eric to create environments where both business performance and human potential thrive.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Eric is guided by a profound sense of purpose and balance. His interests in literature, church, sports, leadership development, and continuous improvement reveal a person who values both personal growth and community engagement. Having worked extensively with global teams, including partnerships across China, he brings an international perspective and a deep respect for cultural diversity. Eric approaches every professional and personal pursuit with the same dedication to learning, excellence, and service.
Today, as he explores opportunities to serve on corporate and advisory boards, Eric views board service as a natural extension of his leadership journey. With over two decades of hands-on experience, strategic insight, and a record of operational transformation, he seeks to help organizations navigate growth, resilience, and innovation in a changing world. Above all, Eric’s guiding principle remains unchanged: to lead with integrity, to empower others, and to drive meaningful progress—one decision at a time.
Character:
Eric exemplifies integrity and authenticity in every facet of his leadership. His colleagues trust his consistency and admire his ability to stand by his principles even under pressure. Guided by a strong moral compass, he leads by example, cultivating environments where honesty and respect are nonnegotiable foundations for success.
Knowledge:
With over twenty-five years of experience across supply chain, operations, and planning, Eric brings an unparalleled depth of expertise to every challenge. His mastery of SAP-IBP, S&OP, and Six Sigma principles enables him to synthesize data into actionable strategy. He is a lifelong learner who continuously refines his craft and stays ahead of evolving industry standards.
Strategic:
Eric approaches leadership with foresight and precision, aligning operational execution with long-term business objectives. His strategic thinking balances innovation with pragmatism, ensuring that every initiative is both visionary and achievable. Through disciplined planning and thoughtful risk assessment, he consistently drives sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Communication:
A gifted communicator, Eric bridges the gap between vision and implementation through clarity and empathy. He inspires trust through transparent dialogue and leads teams with a communication style rooted in listening and inclusion. His ability to translate complex ideas into shared understanding makes him a powerful connector across functions, cultures, and organizations.
