S&OP Unplugged - Episode 15
Leaders from Target, GE Appliances, Continental Tire, Cummins, and SLB unpack what demand planning looks like in a post-COVID world, with an emphasis on supply planning, external collaboration, and new data insights. They explore how S&OP and S&OE are converging, and how cross-functional planning, brand strategy, and diversity are shaping a new era.
Become an IBF Member to watch the unplugged session in full or create an account to watch a few chapters.
S&OP Unplugged Topics:
- Planning Post-Covid
- Supply Planning
- External Collaborative Planning
- Types of Data & New Insights
- Renaissance in Demand Planning
- S&OP/IBP & S&OE
- Product Review & Brand Strategy
- Cross-Functional Planning, Diversity, & Networking
- Additional Nuggets

Prior Roles
- Target: Oversaw Supply Chain intelligence products and applications and end-to-end strategic and operational functions for Network and Topology Planning
- Amazon: Handled Supply Chain Execution, Capacity Planning and Management, Inventory Placement, and Labor Planning
- Panalpina World Transport: Responsible for worldwide logistics and supply chain solutions
Education
- Master’s degree in Electrical and Industrial Engineering
- Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain from the University of Technology in Darmstadt, Germany
Industry Involvement
- Advisory Board for the Institute of Business Forecasting and Planning (IBF)
- Former Executive Director of The Warehouse Education and Research Council

Prior Roles
- Several leadership roles in multiple industries ranging from food and packaging to CPG companies. She has a wide area of expertise including S&OP, demand planning, inventory, and supply planning
Education
- University of Illinois
Award
- Excellence in Business Forecasting & Planning award from IBF

Eric is a predictive analytics and business planning innovator, author, teacher and speaker. As Director of Thought Leadership at IBF, he brings over 20 years of experience, previously leading demand planning at Escalade Sports, Berry Plastics, and Tempur Sealy. Eric is an IBF Advanced Certified Professional Forecaster (ACPF) and received IBF’s Excellence in Business Forecasting & Planning award in 2016. He is a frequent speaker and panelist who has published extensively in The Journal of Business Forecasting and APICS Magazine. Eric is also the author of Cultural Cycles, Predictive Analytics for Business Forecasting & Planning, and Practical Guide to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP/ IBP).


Debbie Evans is the Head of Integrated Business Planning for Elanco Animal Health where she is currently leading the global implementation of IBP processes across Elanco’s business segments, including U.S. Pet Health, U.S. Farm Animal, and international business segments. Her role is focused on driving alignment across commercial, financial, and operational functions to enhance decision-making, improve financial performance, and prepare for the successful launch of IBP capabilities in 2025. Prior to joining Elanco, Debbie was with Cummins Inc., where she played a pivotal role in implementing IBP processes across various business units, transforming operational planning and driving cross-functional alignment. Debbie is passionate about building processes that empower organizations to achieve their strategic goals and foster collaboration across all levels of the business
