Ashley Simon

About Ashley Simon

Where I\'m Headed: Leading with Strategy, Creativity, and Purpose In the last 16 years, I’ve built a career at the intersection of strategic planning, operational excellence, and people leadership—guiding large, complex retail organizations through transformation, uncertainty, and growth. I’ve led high-performing teams, improved margins through innovative forecasting, and built systems that not only solve today’s problems but anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. I\'ve turned complexity into clarity—and vision into impact. I lead with empathy, drive with data, and thrive in environments where big goals meet bold ideas. But where I’m going next is even more important. I’m looking to join a company that values dynamic thinking, partnership, and bold strategies that drive growth and profitability. I want to collaborate with people who challenge norms and reimagine what’s possible. I thrive when I’m building—building people, building systems, and building strategies that make a measurable difference. Creativity drives me. Whether it\'s rethinking an inventory model or helping a team member see their next big opportunity, I believe progress happens when we’re willing to imagine something better—and then commit to making it real. I also believe in leading beyond the walls of a business. Through board work, volunteerism, and community involvement, I’ve found purpose in helping others grow, give back, and find their voice. My goal is simple: to be part of a team where I can lead with both vision and heart. Where innovation, mentorship, and impact go hand in hand. Where I can continue to learn, contribute, and make meaningful things happen—for a company, for a team, and for the people we serve. Where I’m going is a place filled with dynamic collaboration, big ideas, and bold execution. I want to lead with vision and empathy—building high-performing teams that thrive on curiosity, mentorship, and shared wins. My future is grounded in strategy and lifted by creativity. I want to learn how to do anything—and then reimagine it in a way the world hasn’t seen yet. If your journey intersects with mine, I’d love to connect.

Experience

1. Associate Vice President, Location Planning & Allocation

   LOFT

   Apr 2021 — Present

   Functional leader of forecasting, inventory optimization, and sizing strategy that delivered profitable outcomes across the under the Ann/Loft umbrella. Earned 5 promotions and progressed through increasing levels of responsibility.Financial Scope: Annual Revenue $1.8B Omni. 4 distinct brands, 700+ Stores, leading a team of 21 people• Implemented efficient solutions that addressed forecasting, assortment architecture, business reporting, and supply chain efficiency. Refocused inventory investment to maintain in-stock rates above 90% in only high impact items that appear in 40% of baskets, reducing safety stock in unproductive goods. • Multi-faceted use of sales & cost levers that solved inventory inefficiency while maximizing revenue. Drove $2.6M in P&L favorability through strategically leveraging ship from store, statistical segmentation for in store promotions, and a third party sell off to eliminate 275k unit overage in Loft stores. • Developed a team of 21 associates- 3 managers and 19 individual contributors that was a pool of high potential associates for Merchandise Planning and adjacent functions.

Education

• The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business

  BSBA, Marketing

  2003 — 2007

• The Ohio State University

  Master's degree, CONSUMER SCIENCE