Leadership

Amy Lang, President, Global Operations

As president of global operations for CDS, Amy Lang leads business strategy, operations and delivery of demonstration services in Costco warehouses across twelve countries.  With a clear directive to engage members and influence purchasing through brand advocacy, product discovery and retail excitement, CDS makes member moments that matter.

Amy joined Advantage Solutions to lead CDS in July 2022 after 16 years demonstrating business leadership and impact in roles at her previous company, Staples.  At Staples, she led retail and sales operations, talent management, transformation strategy, brand and marketing. Prior to her time at Staples, Amy worked at Bain & Co., American Express and investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Benson.

Amy received her BA in Economics from Williams College and her MBA from Harvard Business School. She is part owner of a local restaurant & an expanding locally-sourced fried chicken market, and loves to sample the newest dishes.

Favorite Kirkland product: Kirkland Signature Praline Pecans

Denise Garcia, Senior Vice President, International

As Senior Vice President of International, Denise Garcia is a key business leader responsible for the operational direction and management of CDS Canada, Mexico, France, Spain and Sweden. Denise leads the execution of strategic plans and operational excellence by offering customized event marketing solutions for Costco and its brand partners.

She joined CDS in May 2004 and over her tenure has held multiple roles in sales, business development, customer relations and international expansion. In 2017, she led the CDS business expansion into Canada and relocated to become the Country Manager. In 2020, Denise expanded her scope of responsibilities to include the Mexico region and was appointed Vice President of International.

Denise received the Innovative Thinker of the Year award for her contributions on creating and implementing a new demo platform in 2011. In 2016, Denise was selected for Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery in the rising star category and at the Executive level in 2019.

Favorite Kirkland product: Kirkland Signature Chocolate Covered Raisins

Pierre-Marc Pepin, Country Manager, Canada

Joining CDS Canada back in Fall 2021 as Director of Sales, Pierre-Marc Pepin has been a key member of the Global commercial leadership team delivering on strategic growth, innovation, creative programming, and enterprise collaboration.

Pierre-Marc was promoted to Country Manager in early 2023, and currently leads all functional areas across Canada working hand in hand with Costco. As an energetic leader focused on his team and a member first approach; he is a committed advocate to driving executional excellence with a focus on meaningful brand and product engagement which delivers on value to Costco and Vendors.

Prior to joining CDS, Pierre-Marc draws from his experience on the manufacturer side in Sales, Marketing & Operations across various CPG consumer segments, categories and distribution channels having held senior leadership positions with Weston Foods & Ozery Bakery. Pierre also helped positively impact market share and category results while working at Edgewell Personal Care and Energizer, and has had the opportunity to call on most major Canadian national and independent retailers and food services providers.

Pierre-Marc holds a Master’s Degree in Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology; and has previously received Achievement Awards highlighting innovate work in his approach with products, processes, solutions and leadership.

His favorite customer to work with has always been Costco!

Favorite Kirkland product: Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup (It makes a great replacement for sugar in your coffee!)