Dr. Mark Chrystal Email Address

General Manager, NETAIL

Rue21 is an American specialty retailer of young men and womenas casual apparel and accessories.

I have spent the past twenty years working in the retail industry because I enjoy the ever-changing environment, the complex challenges and the need to develop high-functioning teams to succeed. For most of this time I have been actively and intentionally developing a skill set that I believe is required in order to succeed as a senior business, analytics and technology leader. I love a challenge; the harder, the better! Complex problems require complex solutions, but those solutions exist and can be found with hard work and innovative thinking. I believe in listening, learning and leading, in that order. My primary motivations: the pursuit of achievement and the delivery of excellent results. I leave others to negotiate for political power and status, it is not my strength, nor my desire. I enjoy building: teams, talent, functions, tools, and solutions. I am extremely passionate about delivering new capabilities and innovations that add real value to the organizations I work with. I am a constant work in progress, but the combination of my strengths in the following areas tends to distinguish me from my peers... Key Competencies: Merchandise & Assortment Planning, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, Replenishment, Allocation, Data Science, Mixed Methods of Research, Action Learning, Digital Analytics, Testing Analytics, Forecasting, Demand Planning, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Dyslexic Thinking, and Change Management. Other Notable Competencies: Analytics/programming skills in R, Python, SAS, SPSS, SQL, Excel. Ability to produce academically rigorous research and publications. Deep knowledge of consumer behavior, organizational leadership, and organizational change theory. Experience leading e-commerce teams, consulting engagements and advisory roles: Board, Private Equity and tech startups. I have implemented, managed and refined systems, teams, tools and processes across the gamut of merchandising, pricing, planning, technology and inventory management functions, and across all product types. Outside of work I am totally dedicated to my family, with whom I love to travel, play games, watch movies and brainwash into Liverpool F.C. supporters and Ohio State Buckeyes! I also read insatiably and try to learn new skills whenever, wherever, I can.