Sales Product Development

CATHY KELLY

*** ******* ********* • New Milford, NJ 07646 • 201-***-**** email: ********@*******.***

Profile

Successful brand management and product development professional with a consistent record of accomplishments across diverse

categories of business. Areas of expertise include:

Development of effective global strategies to capture greater market share and improve profitability; Proven ability to identify and market

new business opportunities; Solid foundation of key skills in design, product lifecycle management, manufacturing processes, product

launches, competitive analysis, and consumer focus; Building highly effective cross functional team alliances; Thorough knowledge of

retail and wholesale environments; Creating tools that improve overall operational efficiencies.

Professional Experience

TOYS-R-US Inc. – Wayne, New Jersey

Global Brand Director Girls Division Feb. 2004 – April 2010

• Guided the business management, creative, and product development process over 8 private brands generating $230m in sales revenue

globally.

• Built comprehensive brand strategy decks inclusive of vision and mission statements, marketing strategy, and business goals.

• Generated an incremental $20 million in global sales for 2008 through identification of market trends and category opportunities leading to

the launch of new businesses in pre-teen girls’ lifestyle and craft activities.

• Developed a 3 year business plan projected to drive an incremental $50 million in sales revenue by YE 2012. Defined and negotiated

license opportunities and contracts in support of profit and growth goals.

• Drove 5-8% cost reductions on key items and programs through creative, strategic vendor negotiations and alliances. Led sourcing strategy

and drove supplier cost negotiation process seasonally.

• Extensive global travel in support of product development, sourcing, and market and trend analysis.

• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing process across a diverse portfolio of product classifications. Experience includes understanding of

packaging process, cut and sew, wood, and injection, extrusion, rotation, and blow mold plastic production.

• Increased productivity, reduced cycle time, and improved quality through analysis, design, and implementation of various project

management tools and processes.

• Recipient of “R Star” award 2 consecutive years for excellence in performance and leadership. Completed training in executive leadership

programs, served as Mentor in corporate “future leaders” program .

Director of Product Development - Kids R Us Nov. 1999 – Feb. 2004

• Guided the research, design, development, and production of all Boys private branded apparel and accessories, generating $150M in

retail sales.

• Developed and implemented profitable and effective product roadmaps, line plans, and sourcing strategies seasonally.

• Collaborated with merchants, sourcing, planning, and logistics to ensure buy-in and execution of seasonal strategies.

• Reduced manufacturing cost and improved category profitability by recommending innovative, cost effective alternatives to more

complicated, labor intensive embellishments and production processes.

• Instrumental in guiding technical fit process, final approval on color, fabric and artwork

• Led creative development process and built effective working alliances between internal development team, numerous external designers,

studios, and suppliers.

• Reduced operating expenses on external design services through annual, effective negotiation of all ‘work for hire’ contracts.

• Drove significant improvements to operational efficiencies through formulation and implementation of product development milestone

calendar, electronic specification packages, and soft-lines PLM system rollout.

• Extensive global travel in support of market and trend analysis, trade show attendance, sample production approvals.

RALPH LAUREN CHILDRENSWEAR, S. SCHWAB & CO. - NY, NY 1997 - 1999

Director of Global Merchandising

• Developed framework and spearheaded campaign leading to $100m global launch of Ralph Lauren 7-16 Girls

collections.

Formulated and implemented transition strategy for $125m Ralph Lauren Boys 4 20 business from prior licensee.

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Created strategic merchandising vision for new businesses inclusive of visual merchandising and seasonal product roadmaps.

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Prepared, presented and executed seasonal business plans that met internal and licensor sales/profit/vision goals.

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• Collaborated with sales and planning teams to direct seasonal assortment planning sessions, and recommended customized

collections by account while maintaining merchandising vision and sales/profit goals.

• Maintained alignment between creative vision and merchandising vision through strong alliance with corporate design team,

served as key liaison for all product approvals with RL Corporate teams.

• Extensive global travel with VP sourcing in support of program negotiations and production approvals.

• Sustained profitable outlet store strategy through effective use of raw materials overruns and excess inventory.

• Oversaw and managed production of extensive sample lines in support of market week and trade show requirements.

• Conducted all presentations in collaboration with sales during market weeks, trade show events, and global sales meetings.

CHILDRENS APPAREL GROUP (Division of Salant Corp.) NY, NY 1996 1997

Vice President of Merchandising

• Guided the business management, product development, and sourcing functions for $200m children’s division.

• Formulated business plans, and directed creative vision, manufacturing, sourcing, and pricing across 3 national brands – Dr.

Denton, Osh Kosh Sleepwear/Underwear, and Joe Boxer! Kids.

• Prepared and implemented strategic vision and merchandising plan leading to launch of $60m Joe Boxer children’s sportswear

line.

• Demonstrated strong communication and influential skills in maintaining collaborative and effective licensor relationships.

• Oversaw and guided budget, forecast/production plans, vendor negotiations, packaging, testing and compliance processes.

• Built and led a team of 10 direct reports responsible for all merchandising, product development, and sourcing efforts.

• Extensive domestic and international travel in support of sourcing and production planning strategies.

• Instrumental in creating and leading powerful presentations during market weeks, trade shows, and national sales meetings.

CALVIN KLEIN JEANS – CHILDRENS NY, NY 1995 – 1996

Director of Global Merchandising

• Formulated and implemented business plan and launch strategy for $175M Calvin Klein children’s sportswear collections.

• Collaborated with corporate Men’s and Women’s design and production teams to build collections that maintained the creative

brand integrity, reflected strong marketability, and achieved sales and profit goals.

• Developed and implemented profitable and effective product roadmaps and line plans seasonally, based on thorough product

performance analysis, market trends, and vendor scorecards.

• Instrumental in achieving smooth transition and maintaining strong alliances with CK corporate when children’s business was

licensed.

• Prepared and implemented effective, profitable sourcing strategies. Frequent Mexico travel for denim approvals and R&D.

• Executed all raw materials approvals inclusive of denim washes, labeling, and packaging. Presented to corporate design for final

sign off.

• Led seasonal assortment planning meetings with VP sales, to create effective brand plans across account base.

• Presented collections at all market appointments, sales meeting, trade shows.

WRIGHTS KNITWEAR NY, NY 1991 1995

Director of Merchandising – Children’s Apparel

• Directed the creative, product development, and production process for all children’s categories of business.

• Guided the creative design and development for Boy’s and Men’s Laguna brand in knit, loungewear & sleepwear categories.

• Presented seasonal collections to extensive account base, and collaborated with sales to create profitable, exclusive

assortments tailor made to each account.

• Maintained profit goals by providing innovative, cost effective alternatives to more labor intensive features.

• Traveled domestically and internationally in support of market research, trend direction, and account presentations.

• Developed innovative fabric qualities, finishes, and print techniques through extensive R&D at domestic production factories.

• Instrumental in providing direction and support for seasonal Laguna marketing campaigns

PRIOR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

ANDOVER TOGS (1985 – 1991)

Senior Merchandiser & Designer, Boys Division

Private label sportswear, active wear

D. GLASGOW & SONS (1983 – 1985)

Merchandiser & Designer, Boys Division

Private label sportswear, active wear, Licensed brands Pierre Cardin, MLB, NHL, NFL

GARAN INC. (1980 – 1983)

Designer, Boys ‘Garanimals’ brand

EDUCATION

Associates Degree – Fashion Buying and Merchandising

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 1980

Workshops & Course Studies:

Stephen R. Covey Leadership Workshop; Communication Skills; Effective Negotiation Tactics

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