Guild Member Profile

Home Site Selector Didi Caldwell
Past Chair

Didi Caldwell

Founder & President, Global Location Strategies
Founder & Board Chair, Strata Platforms

Global Location Strategies
Greenville, SC

For more than 27 years, Didi Caldwell has been at the forefront of global location strategy, guiding some of the world’s largest corporations through billions of dollars in foreign direct investment decisions. As Founder and President of Global Location Strategies (GLS)—launched in 2008—she has helped shape the competitive landscape for advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology projects worldwide.

Known by Bloomberg as “The Factory Whisperer,” Didi is a leading voice in global investment trends. She writes widely circulated articles, produces vlogs, and through GLS delivers industry-specific insights on location competitiveness that are used by executives, investors, and policymakers alike.

In 2020, Didi founded Strata Platforms, a technology company revolutionizing the site selection process. Now serving as Board Chair, she has led the company through Series A funding while maintaining her role at GLS, advancing both strategic advisory and technology-driven solutions for global investors.

Featured in Bloomberg and a regular guest on Bloomberg TV and CNBC, and named to the INC 500 Female Founders list, Didi combines deep expertise, strategic vision, and entrepreneurial experience to help companies and communities thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS SERVED
International North America
Industries
Education Aerospace, Aeronautics and Aviation Forestry, Minerals, Metal
Electronics Paper Real Estate
Logistics, Warehouse and Distribution Food and Beverage R&D
Advanced Manufacturing Chemicals and Plastics Medical and Life Sciences
Pharma Business Services and HQ Automotive
IT Energy Data Centers
PAST CLIENTS
Sabic Hexcel Scoular
Kairos Nuclear Global Foundries JD Irving
First Quality Enterprises Brose North America Caesarstone
Orica BBA Nonwovens Berlex
Kuwait Petroleum Nacero Van Hool
Wanhua Procter & Gamble Knauf Insulation
PERSONAL NOTE

A native of Savannah, Georgia and current resident of Greenville, SC, Didi has also lived in Argentina, Australia, Mexico and Spain, and holds dual citizenship of the United States and Australia. She received her B.A. in Architecture at Clemson University and her International M.B.A. from the Moore School of Business from the University of South Carolina.

INSIGHTS FROM DIDI