Steve Kesinger
About Steve Kesinger
Steve Kesinger is the Director of Third Party Risk and Performance at Protective Life, with a notable background in procurement spanning over three decades. He previously held significant roles at Nordstrom, American Ref-Fuel Company, and Shell, where he developed influential procurement strategies and contributed to various advisory boards.
Current Role at Protective Life
Steve Kesinger serves as the Director of Third Party Risk and Performance at Protective Life, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the management of third-party risks and ensuring performance standards are met. His extensive background in procurement and risk management supports his efforts in enhancing operational efficiency and compliance within the organization.
Previous Experience at Nordstrom
Kesinger worked at Nordstrom for 20 years, from 1999 to 2019, where he held the position of Vice President of Procurement. During his tenure, he significantly increased Nordstrom's managed indirect spend from $50 million to $2 billion. His leadership in procurement strategies contributed to the company's growth and operational effectiveness.
Education and Academic Background
Steve Kesinger earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from Eastern Illinois University, where he studied from 1976 to 1980. His educational foundation has equipped him with the skills necessary for a successful career in procurement and risk management.
Past Roles and Contributions
Before his time at Nordstrom, Kesinger held various procurement roles at Shell from 1980 to 1993. He also served as Director of Procurement at American Ref-Fuel Company from 1993 to 1996. At Shell, he developed the 'Total Procurement Process,' which became the operating model for the procurement organization and was highlighted in the Shell Annual Report.
Advisory Roles and Initiatives
Kesinger has served on several advisory boards, including the Institute of Supply Excellence and Innovation at UC San Diego's Rady School of Management and LogicSource. He was also a founding member of SigInnova, an initiative aimed at connecting startup technology firms with procurement leaders, demonstrating his commitment to fostering innovation in the procurement field.