Alka Khetan
About Alka Khetan
Alka Khetan serves as the Head of Planning & Allocation at Urban Outfitters, bringing a strong background in organizational design and change management. She has a proven track record in transforming businesses through analytics and customer insights, supported by her extensive experience in the retail industry.
Current Role at Urban Outfitters
Alka Khetan serves as the Head of Planning & Allocation at Urban Outfitters, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she oversees the planning and allocation strategies for the Urban Outfitters brand, contributing to the company's overall operational efficiency. Her responsibilities include leveraging analytics and customer insights to inform business decisions and enhance inventory management.
Professional Background
Alka Khetan has a diverse professional background with significant experience in merchandise planning and inventory management. She has held various leadership positions, including Vice President of Merchandise Planning at Gap Inc. from 2014 to 2020, and Senior Vice President of Operations at Wonder from 2021 to 2022. Her earlier roles include positions at Coach and Gilt Groupe, where she focused on business strategy and inventory management.
Education and Expertise
Alka Khetan holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan College of Engineering. She also earned a Master's degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and an MBA from Stanford University. Additionally, she completed a certificate program in Executive Presence & Influence at Wharton Executive Education. Her educational background supports her expertise in organizational design, change management, and business transformation.
Achievements in Leadership
Throughout her career, Alka Khetan has successfully managed large global teams and contributed to rapidly growing start-up organizations. She has extensive experience in managing businesses with revenues exceeding $1 billion. Her proven track record includes transforming businesses by implementing effective processes and tools, demonstrating her capability in driving organizational change.
Fellowship and Professional Affiliations
In 2023, Alka Khetan became a Women inPower Fellow at 92NY Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, where she is engaged in leadership development. She is also a member of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle since 2022, reflecting her commitment to advancing women in leadership roles within the retail industry.