LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH AMY MARRUFO

August 29, 2024

In our Leadership Spotlight Series, we are highlighting executives across our Company who are driving innovation, transforming business practices, and positively impacting the communities where we live and work.

In 2023, Amy Marrufo, Vice President of Planning, joined Centric in our New York City office. Making significant strides in her first year, Amy transitioned from leading beauty-focused sales and planning to overseeing comprehensive planning for Sleepwear, Beauty, and the Messi brand. She is instrumental in driving process improvements and efficiencies, establishing planning best practices, and helping us achieve our strategic and financial goals.

Amy sat down with us to share more about her role and how her team contributes to the overall success in multiple divisions.

What have been the most significant achievements of your team since you started?

One of my significant achievements has been the development and implementation of process planning within the Beauty division. When I started here, it was just me. I had to quickly get up to speed, establish relationships and build processes that have significantly enhanced team collaboration and operational efficiency. These innovations have not only streamlined operations but also led to their recognition and expanded responsibilities within other divisions like Messi and Sleepwear.

Can you share any challenges your team has faced and how you addressed them?

One of the main challenges has been addressing the need for more robust planning structures. Many people are unaware of the distinct areas within planning—such as retail, financial, merchandising financial, and corporate planning. To overcome this, we are in the process of developing specialized teams to elevate our planning processes. Innovation is a fundamental part of my approach. I continually evaluate our methods and seek more efficient alternatives. This curiosity mindset has led to significant time-saving innovations and enhanced accuracy in our team’s operations.

What aspects of Centric’s culture have you found most aligned with your leadership style?

Centric’s winning culture has greatly complemented my leadership style, particularly through its emphasis on cross-collaboration. The supportive environment encourages reaching out to colleagues across departments to exchange best practices and expand professional networks. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in building strong relationships and leveraging insights to enhance our processes.

What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

Outside of work, I am a devoted dog lover and an active volunteer with a local animal group. Over the past few years, I have fostered numerous dogs and regularly participate in events to support animal welfare. Additionally, I involve my daughter in these efforts on weekends, engaging in various volunteer activities, including animal-related events and organizational tasks.