Michael Kueneke
Strategy & Operations Leader · Gap Inc.
San Diego, CA
In My Own Words
Former P&L owner with experience advising c-suite executives from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies across four continents. Multi-disciplined, data-driven leader specializing in operations at the intersection of apparel and technology. Highly capable in strategy implementation and program management of complex, large-scale initiatives.
Lifelong learner, pragmatic thought-leader, and advocate for sustainability.
Work Experience
Sr. Manager, Strategy & Operations - Chief Digital & Technology Office
Gap Inc.2021 – 2025
● Received the highest annual performance rating (“Exceeds Expectations”) for top 20% of employees in 2 of 3 years since joining Gap Inc. in 2021 ● Execute key strategic and operational initiatives directly sponsored by the Chief Technology Officer of Gap Inc. such as a 3 year strategic workforce optimization plan affecting 2,500+ resources with associated 9 figure labor cost savings ● Drive Long Range Planning activities to support the strategic alignment of brand (Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta) and enterprise priorities with technology roadmaps ● Lead in-year tech portfolio scenario planning and reprioritization exercises with typical impact of $10M+ to respond to changing business priorities and external market factors ● Launch and ongoing management of the quarterly Digital Strategic Governance process with brand and corporate senior leadership to ensure accountability of 9 figure annual tech investment budget
Founder & Management Consultant
Zeppelin Growth2020 – 2021
● Consulted with 8 figure fashion accessories brand to develop new softgoods line including product concepting, design, and sourcing requirements ● Advised apparel start-up in transitioning distribution and fulfillment operations to outsourced 3rd Party Logistics vendors for B2B and B2C channels ● Created comprehensive Go-To-Market strategy and roadmap for California based skincare brand to expand to the EU market
Senior Analyst
Tarida Capital2012 – 2020
● Managed successful merger & acquisition of start-up with 7 figure valuation including due diligence, contract execution, and merging of operations and teams ● Led annual strategic planning activities and quarterly reviews with portfolio company management teams, private equity owners, and board members including at Hemp Tailor through 2020 ● Served as liaison between private equity ownership and management teams of portfolio companies to advise on growth strategy and program execution ● Conducted qualitative and quantitative due diligence on prospective private equity investment opportunities
Director Of Strategy & Operations
Hemp Tailor2013 – 2020
● Owned company-wide $15M+ P&L responsibility prior to hiring of CEO in 2017 ● Launched complete overhaul of e-commerce platform driving an increase in direct to consumer sales of 11x ● Delivered 57% increase in B2B profit margins via restructure of sales operations and distribution agreements ● Secured placement of brand in top-tier commercial accounts such as Nordstrom, Backcountry, and Zalando in North America and Europe ● Implemented platforms, systems, and tools across full technology stack to increase operational effectiveness and visibility including globally integrated end-to-end ERP platform, dedicated B2B sales and service portal, digital marketing dashboards ● Restructured supply chain including vertical integrations in China, streamlined logistics routing, and onboarding of best-in-class European and USA 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) firms for warehousing and fulfillment
AVP, Portfolio Management
U.S. Trust2007 – 2011
● Sole analyst for team that managed over $600 million in investable assets ● Navigated 2008 financial crisis while building trusted relationships with clients ● Achieved double digit growth in new client acquisitions each year ● Analyzed, constructed, and presented investment proposals for clients and prospects
Education
Master of Business Administration
University of San Diego2011 – 2013
Emphasis on International Business
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
University of San Diego2002 – 2006
Emphasis in New Venture (Start-up) Management
