Alan Amling is a TED speaker and thought leader on harnessing digital disruption for success. Currently a lecturer and fellow at The University of Tennessee, Alan has helped drive innovation over a 27-year career with UPS. He is the CEO of the advisory firm Thrive and Advance LLC and on the executive advisory board for the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute. He researches, invests, advises, and speaks on innovation in manufacturing and logistics and how firms can recognize and thrive in disruption.
Alan’s last role at UPS was as VP of corporate strategy, where he helped revitalize the company’s innovation and venture capital programs for the digital economy. He moved into this role after serving as VP of marketing for UPS Global Logistics & Distribution.
Alan began his UPS career in 1982, working as a seasonal employee for four years, performing various jobs, including package handler and car washer. He rejoined UPS after graduate school in 1992 and held numerous leadership roles in industrial engineering, customer technology, and new product development. Alan has a Ph.D. in Management from Kennesaw State University, an M.B.A. from Indiana University, and a B.A. in Business and Psychology from Lewis & Clark College.