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As we have grown, we have been fortunate to assemble a team of senior store support leadership with tremendous experience. We are lucky to have such robust resources and expertise in the various disciplines that matter most to our stores and our partners—i.e., product development and purchasing; visual merchandise presentation and storytelling; store operations and inventory management; systems; accounting and finance; and human resources. Most importantly, however, our leadership team is a very passionate group that buys into our core values and purpose.
Larry Gilbert, President
Larry is involved in every aspect of our store operations and the cultural integration of all “Event Networkers” as we continue to grow. Prior to co-founding Event Network: Larry worked with Helen Sherman (below) as principals in Price Club’s international business pursuits. He has been an entrepreneur for 20 years.
Mike Griggs, VP of Operations
Mike is responsible for the integration of our store leadership and operations team at the store support center. Prior to joining Event Network, Mike led the store operations teams at the Gap and was responsible for all retail at Disneyland. He has 20+ years of retail management experience.
David Gerken, VP of Design
David is responsible for all store planning and design (new store construction and remodels) related to Event Network’s ever-growing portfolio of store improvement projects. Prior to joining Event Network: David has designed, built and merchandised beautiful stores for countless retailers for the past 30 years.
Helen Sherman, VP of Purchasing
Helen is responsible for all merchandise assortment planning and integration with our partners (product planning). She directs the general merchandise managers and category buyers. Prior to co-founding Event Network: Helen was responsible for the international sourcing operation for Price Club (now Costco) and was previously a buyer for many years.
Lorna Davis, VP of Creativity
Lorna is responsible for product development and storytelling. She is also the general merchandise manager for the gift and home décor departments. Prior to joining Event Network: She led purchasing, product development and visual merchandising, and purchasing for an educational retail chain.
Brian Archibald, VP of Information Technology
Brian is responsible for Event Network’s vast IT “network” and customized point of sale system in partnership with JDS Solutions, Event Network’s pos system vendor. Prior to joining Event Network: Brian was an IT Director for several other companies.
Merry DeMartino, VP of Human Resources
Merry is responsible for the recruitment and cultural integration of our new team members; as well as all HR-related issues for our 1,000+ team members. Prior to joining Event Network: Merry led HR departments for two other companies.
Jerry Gilbert, VP of Marketing
Jerry is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships (including frequent communication) with Event Network’s partners; and works closely with each store team and the entire store support team to effectively do so. Prior to joining Event Network: Jerry was involved in various aspects of sales and marketing for a division of VF Corporation, a large apparel company.
Jere Krueger, VP of Store Quality (West)
Jere is responsible for all of our operations in the Western half of North America. He has a support team of regional and area managers that help oversee and support the store teams each day. Jere works directly with our teams and our partners to ensure we deliver on our Purpose and stay true to our Values. Prior to joining Event Network (as a store director at the Indianapolis Zoo): Jere was a district manager for a large department store chain in the Midwest.
Eric Flanigan, VP of Store Quality (East)
Eric is responsible for all of our operations in the Eastern half of North America. He has a support team of regional and area managers that help oversee and support the store teams each day. Eric works directly with our teams and our partners to ensure we deliver on our Purpose and stay true to our Values. Prior to joining Event Network (as a store director at COSI): Eric was a district manager for a large drug store chain in the Midwest.