Since 2000, Russell Allgor, Chief Scientist for Amazon.com, has led a team of mathematical modeling experts in Amazon’s Global Fulfillment Systems and Worldwide Logistics group. This talented group focuses on using modeling, simulation, and optimization methods to improve the efficiency of amazon’s operations. They focus on problems including network design and facility location, inventory planning, order assignment, equipment and process design, and process control within and across facilities. Ideas and algorithms developed by Russell and his team have returned hundreds of millions of dollars to Amazon’s bottom line.
Prior to joining Amazon.com, Russell worked in the applied research and development department for Bayer AG in Leverkusen, Germany working on the design and optimization of batch and continuous chemical processes, including the color red for Legos. Prior to that he was with Air Products and Chemicals, working in process simulation and design. He received a PhD in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where his research focused on modeling and optimization of discrete continuous dynamic systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Princeton University.
He received of the Martin K. Starr Award in 2016 which recognizes contributions made to the field of Production and Operations Management (POM) by POM practitioners. He also serves at the Vice President of Industry for POMS.
Russell is originally from Ocean, New Jersey and currently resides with his family in Seattle, Washington.
