Former President of Global Operations at Estée Lauder Brings Supply Chain Expertise To Operational Strategy Firm

Edward M. Straw, former president of global operations for The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., has joined PRTM Management Consultants as executive vice president. The retired three-star vice admiral has a highly successful history of developing and managing large, complex and global logistics/supply chain operations in both major corporations and the U.S. military.

At PRTM, a global management consulting firm that helps create and implement transformational operational strategies for its worldwide clients, Straw will help with business development in the consumer goods, high tech and federal markets. In addition, he will represent the firm at executive forums, coach new partners and share his intellectual property through various outlets, including books and articles.

As president of global operations for Estée Lauder, Straw built and directed a supply chain transformation strategy that resulted in dramatic cycle time, customer service and gross margin improvements.

Previously, he served as senior vice president of global manufacturing and supply chain management for the Compaq Computer Corp. Before joining Compaq, he served as president of Ryder Integrated Logistics Inc.

In addition to his private-sector career, Straw had a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. Prior to his retirement from the military service, Vice Admiral Straw was chief executive officer of the Defense Logistics Agency, the largest military logistics command supporting the U.S. armed forces. In this position, he reported to Gen. Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

During his military career, Straw received the Defense, Navy and Air Force Distinguished Service medals; the Ford Foundation’s Innovations in American Government Award; and the Society of Logistics Engineers’ Founders Medal.

“Admiral Straw has a proven record of career successes in developing strategic direction and driving cost-effective operational excellence while markedly increasing service to customers,” said Scott Hefter, PRTM’s global managing director. “His leadership skills in global operations and supply chain management in the public and private sectors are ideally suited to our clients’ needs.”

Straw, a long-time PRTM client, said, “As a supply chain and operational executive, I’ve worked with all of the big management consulting firms, and PRTM is the most innovative, cost-effective, technologically competent and customer-centric company in the industry. Consequently, it’s truly an honor to work with this outstanding operational strategy firm and help drive it to the next level.”

Straw serves on the board of directors for Eddie Bauer Holdings, the MeadWestvaco Corporation, Ply Gem Industries, Inc., and Panther Expedited Services, Inc., and is the chairman of Odyssey Logistics & Technologies. He is also a trustee for the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation.

The Harrisburg, Pa., native holds a B.S. degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from The George Washington University, and is also a graduate of the National War College.