Zoe Kanakis

Experience

1. Senior Program Manager, Risk Management

   Amazon

   Apr 2026 — Present · San Jose, CA, US

   I serve as the single-threaded leader responsible for implementing and maintaining a best-in-class risk management program within the Global Engineering Services Design & Construction organization. My role transforms our organization from reactive crisis management into a proactive strategic partner by institutionalizing risk intelligence across our global portfolio of fulfillment and delivery station projects. Strategic Risk Governance: I architect and maintain our global risk management framework, integrating ISO principles and COSO Enterprise Risk Management standards. I define our organizational Risk Appetite Statement and Risk Management Policy, establishing clear escalation thresholds for cost, schedule, scope, and safety across all regions.Advanced Risk Modeling & Analysis: I conduct quantitative risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulations to provide probabilistic forecasts for project timelines and costs. I apply Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA) to critical design components and technical site retrofits, identifying potential failure points before they impact delivery. I also manage contingency planning using Expected Monetary Value (EMV) analysis and integrate with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to visualize and mitigate spatial risks during pre-construction.Program-Wide Risk Intelligence: I maintain our centralized Global Risk Register, tracking risk owners, Key Risk Indicators, and response status across all projects. I develop and execute our Risk Management Plan, defining the Risk Breakdown Structure and responsibility matrices. I deliver monthly Risk Trend Reports to executive leadership, providing portfolio-level exposure analysis and residual risk assessments.Continuous Improvement: I facilitate Risk Control Meetings to review escalated threats and approve contingency utilization. I lead post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and continuously improve our risk modeling accuracy and organizational risk database.

Education

• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

  Business Administration Major, Entrepreneurship Concentration, Law and Society Minor

  2015 — 2019