Claire Zielinski

Claire Zielinski is an accomplished supply chain and product management professional with extensive experience in sourcing, product development, and supply planning across beauty, personal care, footwear, and apparel industries. Currently serving as Senior Director at CLEARSTEM, she leads strategic initiatives to ensure product availability, efficiency, and innovation across the company’s portfolio. Prior to this role, Claire held positions at Unilever, Caleres, and Maesa, where she managed multi-million-dollar product lines, coordinated cross-functional teams, and implemented processes that improved service levels, reduced waste and increased revenue.

Claire’s career foundation was built through her academic and international experiences in fashion merchandising. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising from Kent State University, supplemented by study abroad programs at New York Studio Experience and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where she focused on apparel production, sustainability, and global fashion trends. These experiences provided her with hands-on exposure to production processes, supply chain logistics, and sustainable practices, allowing her to translate classroom knowledge into real-world operational expertise.

Beyond her technical expertise, Claire is recognized for her leadership and community involvement. She has contributed to student organizations, led fashion shows, and coordinated cross-campus initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to mentorship and team collaboration. Fluent in cross-cultural communication and equipped with certifications in supply chain and data management, Claire continues to drive excellence in operational planning and product strategy, making a significant impact in the industries she serves.