Distinguished Engineer Citations

Michael Foss

Distinguished Engineer

2018

Degree

B.S. Industrial Engineering - 1992

Citation

At time of nomination in 2018

Michael Foss joined Amazon in January, 2016, and is the head of Logistics Optimization, Compliance & Controls for Amazon Transportation Services (ATS) where he is innovating and disrupting new solutions to make things easier, faster, better, and more cost-effective for Earth's most customer-centric company. He leads cross-functional teams to implement operational continuous improvement through Kaizen, lean and six sigma processes setting new benchmarks, creating new standard operating procedures, growing and expanding the global Amazon transportation and logistics network, developing and motivating operational leaders globally.
Prior to Amazon, he was the Global Director of Logistics, Export and Import Optimization for Cameron International. Cameron engineers, designs, and manufactures flow and pressure control technologies for customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. He was responsible for setting the global strategic vision and optimizing Cameron's and its 3rd party logistics provider's performance to improve the customer experience, cycle time and reduce overall costs across 80+ countries and nearly $0.5 Billion in annual spend. Prior to Cameron, Michael was the Vice President of Logistics at Weir Oil and Gas where he led a team of 200+ employees in multiple locations responsible for warehousing, distribution, kitting and global transportation. Prior to Weir, Michael spent nearly 20 years with FedEx across four different Operating Companies (FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Office and FedEx Corporation). During his career with FedEx, Michael held many roles focused on operational excellence, planning, implementation and continuous improvement.
Michael holds a BS degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University (TTU) and earned his Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt from the University of Villanova.
Michael is a Sr. Member of the global Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) and has served IISE for many years. He is the current Immediate Past President and CEO on the Board of Trustees.
In 2012, Michael was inducted to the Texas Tech University Industrial Engineering Academy where he currently serves as Chairman. This is a lifetime appointment for significant career accomplishments in the field of Industrial Engineering.
In 2015, Michael was admitted into the global Council of Industrial and Systems Engineers (CISE). The ~20 council members are comprised of ranking executives with extensive experience in Industrial & Systems Engineering and serve as an advisory group to academia and the profession.
Michael has served on several Industry Advisory Boards and Councils including Global Transportation, IISE, ABET and the TTU IE Department.
Michael is a member of the TTU College of Engineering Dean's Council, to help the Dean with strategic planning, external relations, and enhancing the educational and research mission of the Whitacre College of Engineering.
Michael is passionate about leadership, motivation and continuous improvement. He is an avid learner from thought leaders in business and football where he played quarterback into college.