Sue Fernando
About Sue Fernando
Sue Fernando serves as the Director of Global Operations at Rakuten Marketing, where she has worked since 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University and an MBA from Yale School of Management, and has extensive experience in managing operations and strategic initiatives across various markets.
Work at Rakuten Marketing
Sue Fernando has served as the Director of Global Operations at Rakuten Marketing since 2009. In this role, she has been instrumental in leading the company's expansion into international markets, including France, Germany, and Brazil, overseeing a significant initiative valued at $65 million. She has developed the vision and structure for the Global Operations department, concentrating on identifying new market opportunities and analyzing consumer trends. Additionally, she provides thought leadership on supply chain models in emerging markets, benefiting both internal teams and external clients.
Education and Expertise
Sue Fernando holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University, where she studied from 1998 to 2002. She furthered her education by obtaining an MBA from the Yale School of Management, completing her studies from 2007 to 2009. Her academic background supports her expertise in global operations and strategic management, which she applies in her current role at Rakuten Marketing.
Background
Before joining Rakuten Marketing, Sue Fernando worked at the Council on Foreign Relations as Assistant Director of Corporate Development from 2004 to 2007. She also gained experience as a Summer Associate in Marketing Operations at The Associated Press in 2008. These roles contributed to her understanding of corporate development and marketing strategies, which she has leveraged throughout her career.
Achievements in Strategic Operations
During her tenure at Rakuten Marketing, Sue Fernando managed post-merger integration for a strategic mobile and cross-device M&A deal. She established best practices for future integrations, demonstrating her capability in handling complex operational challenges. Additionally, she negotiated a strategic distribution deal aimed at enhancing online retail clients' access to Russian consumers, showcasing her skills in international market development.