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Janis Kemers
Cross-Functional Executive - VP Print & Supplies at Tech Data Europe
Professional Background
Janis Kemers is a distinguished executive renowned for her ability to integrate strategic development with precise execution and financial discipline, ultimately augmenting shareholder value for high-tech companies. With a career spanning across various multinational organizations and extensive international experience, Janis has consistently demonstrated a proficiency in accelerating speed-to-market initiatives and expanding market share. Her multifaceted expertise lies in building Go-to-Market strategies and establishing multi-tier channel solutions that maximize return on invested capital while enhancing commercial operations and supply chain efficiencies.
Throughout her illustrious career, Janis has made significant contributions primarily in Europe and other key international markets such as Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Her leadership has guided teams of over 1,100 people, driving substantial growth and innovative change across diverse sectors.
Education and Achievements
Janis pursued her academic aspirations with vigor, earning multiple advanced degrees that underpin her broad knowledge base and practical skills. Her educational credentials include an Executive MBA from the prestigious International Institute for Management Development (IMD), a Master of Business Administration from Riga Business School, and a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Rigas Tehniska Universitate.
Her professional journey includes high-ranking positions such as Vice President of Print & Supplies in Europe at Tech Data, where she revolutionized supply chain management and enhanced operational efficiencies across key markets. In her former roles, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Global Message Services and Executive Vice President EMEA Sales at Silent Circle SA, consistently showcasing her capabilities in steering organizations toward profitability and sustainable growth.
Janis has expertly crafted her professional reputation through a series of transformative projects that have yielded significant financial outcomes. Notably, she facilitated a remarkable growth of $350 million in European sales by centralizing supply chain operations for tech giants like Intel, Canon, and Epson. This effort ensured comprehensive contract coverage while exemplifying her aptitude for strategic alignment and execution.
Notable Achievements
- Sales Expansion: Janis spearheaded initiatives that resulted in a substantial increase in sales revenue, successfully tripling sales of her own brand's tablets and smartphones to $450 million while leading a team of over 1,100 professionals across 26 emerging markets.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Under her leadership, the pan-European supply chain services project with Xerox rationalized distribution channels, enabling a sales-out focus that added an impressive $200 million to the business.
- Financial Discipline: By initiating and managing a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) project, she improved economic profitability and reduced net working capital utilization by $50 million in businesses yielding lower returns.
- Channel Development: Janis was instrumental in establishing accredited channels and direct enterprise sales with 100% two-tier execution through a robust Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and partner enablement program.
Janis Kemers exemplifies a dynamic blend of strategic foresight and operational excellence. Her fluency in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Latvian, and Russian, has enabled her to navigate complex international business environments, ensuring successful engagements with diverse stakeholders. As a Swiss and Latvian citizen, she brings a unique multinational perspective that enriches her leadership style and approach to business objectives.
With expertise that spans across strategic planning, general management, international business development, product marketing, sales management, financial management, and operations management, Janis continues to pave the way for innovation and excellence within the high-tech sector. Her dedication to leading multicultural teams and fostering organizational change aligns with her vision for sustainable business practices that create enduring value for all stakeholders involved.
