Richard Thomas
About Richard Thomas
Richard Thomas serves as the Senior Director of Commodity Management at Ouster, where he focuses on optimizing supply chain processes and managing contract manufacturing partners. He has extensive experience in supply chain management, having held leadership roles at companies such as Western Digital, Quanergy, and Lumentum.
Current Role at Ouster
Richard Thomas serves as the Senior Director of Commodity Management at Ouster, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he manages contract manufacturing partners to ensure customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth. His responsibilities include optimizing supply chain processes and collaborating with various stakeholders to meet future supply chain needs.
Previous Experience in Supply Chain Management
Prior to his current role, Richard Thomas held several significant positions in supply chain management. He worked at Lumentum as Senior Director of Supply Chain Management from 2020 to 2021, where he successfully executed supply chain transformation projects. He also served as Head of Supply Chain at Quanergy for seven months in 2022, focusing on cost negotiation and contract manufacturing strategies.
Career at Western Digital
Richard Thomas spent 19 years at Western Digital, where he held the position of Vice President of Materials from 2000 to 2019. During his tenure, he contributed to various initiatives that supported the company's supply chain and materials management strategies, enhancing operational efficiency.
Educational Background in Operations Management
Richard Thomas studied Operations Management and Supervision at Mission College from 1994 to 2002. His education provided him with foundational knowledge and skills that have been instrumental in his career in supply chain management and optimization.
Mentorship and Professional Development
Richard Thomas is committed to mentoring others both professionally and personally. He emphasizes continuous improvement and excellence in his approach, sharing his knowledge and experience to help others develop in their careers.