Chris Halkyard

 
Background and Education
 

Christopher Halkyard is a seasoned professional with a career spanning over three decades in supply chain and logistics. His journey in this field started after serving as a Logistics Specialist in the United States Air Force, stationed at both Grand Forks Air Force Base and RAF Upper Heyford. During his time in the Air Force from 1983 to 1987, he gained valuable experience which laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Halkyard's formal education includes a period at the University of Maryland, though specific details about his degree or field of study have not been disclosed. He also completed his high school education at Mountain Lakes High School in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.

 
Corporate Career
 

Following his military service, Halkyard transitioned into the corporate world, joining Macy's as a Distribution Center Operations Manager in 1990. He spent seven years in this role, further honing his skills in operations management and logistics. He then moved to The TJX Companies, Inc. in Las Vegas, where he served as Operations Director for about two years.

His career continued to thrive as he took on the role of Vice President of Distribution at FAO Schwarz in King of Prussia, PA, a position he held from 1999 to 2004. This was followed by a stint at L'Occitane en Provence as Vice President Supply Chain & Logistics, where he worked until 2008. Subsequently, he joined Marc Ecko Enterprises as SVP Supply Chain, adding to his growing repertoire of experience in supply chain management.

Between 2010 and 2015, Halkyard was the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Gilt.com. He then became the Chief Logistics Officer at Rent The Runway, further showcasing his leadership capabilities. His career progressed with significant roles such as Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Toys"R"Us from 2016 to 2018, and Vice President of Logistics at BARK until 2021.

 
Recent Roles and Achievements
 

Most recently, he has held several influential positions, such as Vice President Logistics at Feather, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Blue Apron, and has taken on advisory roles. Notably, he founded La Bella Stella, a global luxury high fashion marketplace active in multiple regions including the US, Middle East, and Asia.

As of April 2024, Halkyard serves as the Chief Operations Officer at Ox, a company that focuses on human-centered automation technology to enhance productivity in warehouse operations.

 
Recognition and Skills
 

Throughout his career, Halkyard has been recognized for his expertise in supply chain optimization, inventory management, logistics, and strategic planning. Peers and colleagues have praised him for his business-oriented solutions, mentorship, inspirational leadership, and ability to thrive under pressure. His contributions to various organizations have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the field of supply chain and operations.