TJX Companies' Logistics EVP Raina Avalon on Servant Leadership and Self-Awareness
In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Raina Avalon, executive vice president of logistics at The TJX Companies, the leading off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the U.S. and worldwide. Listen in as Avalon shares how her diverse career experience has shaped her leadership style (1:50), why servant leadership is essential in logistics teams (2:45), and strategies for building strong teams (3:35). She discusses preparing teams for uncertainty by empowering agility (4:45) and how she keeps teams motivated and engaged (6:40).
In addition, Avalon shares her advice for young women leaders in traditionally male-dominated industries like logistics (9:20), insights into her work elevating the fight against human trafficking in transportation (11:40), and her impact as a board member for the Girl Scouts (13:45). Lastly, she discusses the importance of top talent to supply chain success (15:25).
This episode was recorded last month at the 2025 LINK: The Retail Supply Chain Conference in Orlando, Fla.
To learn more and register to attend the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, click here. Seats are nearly sold out!
Raina Avalon serves as the executive vice president, chief logistics officer for The TJX Companies in Framingham, MA. Since joining, she has led the improvement of end-to-end supply chain, built strategy and analytics capabilities while driving efficiencies to deliver greater value to TJX. Prior to joining TJX, Raina resided in Houston and worked as the vice president of logistics for Sysco, the world’s largest food distributor. Raina oversaw the logistics area for domestic and international products destined for North America. She managed a network including more than 220-plus operating companies (distribution centers), serving Sysco’s 450,000-plus customers. Her team was responsible for compliance with all regulatory agencies, including U.S. Customs, CPSC, OSHA, DOT, FDA, and FMCSA.
Prior to Sysco, Raina was the vice president of transportation for Family Dollar Stores, Inc. where she was responsible for the inbound and outbound transportation of domestic and import sourced products through Family Dollar’s network. Prior to joining Family Dollar in 2006, she was employed by the Dollar General Corporation as senior director, transportation operations. She has more than 30-plus years of experience in transportation and logistics. Ms. Avalon earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University at Los Angeles.
Date: March 4, 2025
Credits: Raina Avalon
Duration: 18:27
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