Title: Senior Inventory Planning and Control Manager
Company: Summit Racing Equipment
Location: OH/USA
Education: MBA in Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain Management, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University (2000); BA in Philosophy, Emory University
Career History: Senior Inventory Planning and Control Manager, Summit Racing Equipment, Tallmadge, OH (2017-Present); Inventory Control Manager, Summit Racing Equipment, Tallmadge, OH (2015-2017); Inventory Planning Supervisor, Summit Racing Equipment, Tallmadge, OH (2008-2015); Senior Buyer, Summit Racing Equipment, Tallmadge, OH (2000-2008); Team Lead, Internship, Alcoa Corporation, Cleveland, OH (1999); Industry Analyst, Internship, Global Consulting Services, Ernst & Young (Now EY) Cleveland, OH (1999)
Edward Leung, MBA, Senior Inventory Planning and Control Manager at Summit Racing Equipment, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of automotive services.
Mr. Leung naturally gravitated toward the industry as a lifelong automotive enthusiast. Additionally, he earned a Master of Business Administration in logistics, materials, and supply chain management at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management in 2000; the school was located about an hour from Summit Racing, setting the stage for his career path and connection to the field. He subsequently joined the automotive parts retailer’s Ohio site, contributing as a senior buyer through 2008 and as a planning supervisor from 2008 to 2015.
After two years as an inventory control manager, Mr. Leung became active in his current role in 2017. In this capacity, he handles planning tasks, such as determining which products to stock, where to stock them, and reordering quantities; evaluates and introducing new products; and produces the company’s annual plan, a responsibility typically handled by a finance administrator, demonstrating his versatility and expertise beyond the typical scope of his role. Early on, he was integral by producing a comprehensive five-year forecast of anticipated storage needs to guide construction and inventory planning for Summit Racing’s fourth distribution center in Texas. The project stands out as the largest and most impactful work he has completed for the company.
Reflecting on the company and the industry as a whole, Mr. Leung noted that Summit has performed exceptionally well over the years within the competitive automotive space—despite the industry being highly competitive, he said, the company has recognized that its biggest rival is not another retailer but Amazon. Competing with a company of that scale presents unique challenges, and yet Summit has consistently explored new strategies to improve its operations, focusing on both growth and profitability. Over time, the company has earned and maintained an excellent reputation within the industry.
Attributing his success to self-discipline and a commitment to continuous learning, Mr. Leung has earned numerous certifications over the course of his career, including in Financial Planning and Analysis, Planning and Inventory Management, Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution, Supply Chain Professional, and Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework. By investing his own education, he reinforces that he is doing it for personal growth rather than obligation, motivating him to work harder, go beyond simply earning grades, and truly master and internalize the material so he can apply it effectively. In addition, he’s a member of the Association for Supply Chain Management and the Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Leung hopes to become a role model for others entering the industry. Reflecting on his own journey, he often felt the absence of strong role models growing up and throughout much of his career. Finding guidance required significant effort and while pursuing certifications, he was fortunate to connect with individuals who inspired him. Now, he wants to come full circle, to offer the kind of mentorship and example he once sought and to help others succeed and grow in this challenging line of work.