David Huang

Glendale CA ***** 818-***-**** ad4hqk@r.postjobfree.com

www.LinkedIn.com/in/david-k-huang

SUMMARY

Highly passionate product creation and lifecycle leader focused on collectibles, toys, pet products, and home goods. from initial concept and brand building through development, prototyping, manufacturing, packaging and marketing. Digital-market research strategies and goal setting for large product lines, new brands, catalog portfolios, and initiating and obtaining inbound and outbound licensing. Passionate, entrepreneurial minded and creative thought leader with a clear vision who evaluates consumer trends, incorporates feedback from sales and key accounts, and customizes products and marketing for regional differences. Engaging spokesperson who drives vision internally and inspires colleagues at external events. Trusted advisor who not only owns current product portfolios but also innovates new brands and hardlines. Passionate about consumer product creation and go-to-market planning.

Company spokesperson at tradeshows, sales meetings, top national universities, and featured in TrendReports.com and Trend Hunter Magazine. Winner and nominee of multiple toy awards.

COMPETENCIES

Creative Direction

Product Management

Licensing Leadership

Revenue Growth

Design Ideation

Product Innovation

Brand Strategies

Contract Negotiations

Brand Spokesperson

Process Optimization

Business Development

Senior Team Leadership

Marketing Leadership

Mentorship & Career Plans

Global Factory Sourcing

EXPERIENCE

Wham-O, Los Angeles, CA 2018 – Current

Head of Design, Product Development and Licensing

Accomplishments

Drove a 62% increase in actualized sales in 12 months with product rebranding and launching new brands; a 62.5% in 2019-2020; 12.6% in 2020-2021; 27% in 2021-2022 ( Last 2 years amidst pandemic supply chain challenges).

Negotiated multiple top tier global licensing contracts for toys, pet products, apparel, sporting goods, and collectibles.

Shepherded nine new brands and sub-brands into an iconic portfolio that already includes Frisbee, SuperBall, Hula Hoop, Hacky Sack, Morey Boogie Board, and Slip N ’Slide.

Have Launched several hundred products in outdoor, seasonal, STEM learning and educational kits, games and puzzles, junior sporting goods, and more.

Sourced and negotiated agreements with U.S. factories. Sourced factories in China and S.E. Asia. Responsibilities

Transform the entire product portfolio from design of new products, prototypes, global factory sourcing, and through branding, marketing, licensing, and partnerships.

Manage and inspire teams including leadership from art direction, designs, engineers, graphic design, merchandising, DTC, IP Legal Team, and additional business owners as needed.

Pitch new concepts to sales and marketing, outside sales reps and retail customers.

Review submissions from inventors and negotiate contracts, NDAs, and development guidelines.

Oversee and set timelines for product development, packaging development, and engineering.

Stay abreast of global markets, labor issues, tariffs, DTC shifts, exchange rates and more to achieve delivery dates and pricing goals.

Manage multiple marketing initiatives such as brand ambassadors, creative and technical copy, PR announcements, trade show appearances and booths, packaging, catalogs, etc.

Imperial Toy, Los Angeles, CA 2016 – 2018

Vice President, Product Development

Developed and launched three new product lines targeting traditional boys’ and girls’ toy categories in building and construction, role play, novelty and gag, plush, and pre-school as well as for multiple licensed or private label brands.

Managed the FDA/ASTM/CE/EU compliance process for Lick-A-Bubble products and sold 13M+ units upon approval.

Led product development teams that included chemists, product designers, industrial engineers, child development and physiology, as well as sales and marketing specialists.

Collaborated on strategic creative direction and line planning.

Renegotiated and optimized sourcing opportunities and manufacturing relationships.

Maui Toys / Maui Sports, a division of Jakks, Los Angeles, CA 2007 – 2016

Vice President, Design and Product Development (2012 – 2016)

Director, Design and Product Management (2007 – 2012)

Amplified role from marketing strategy and consumer behaviors to product management including patents, trademarks, product testing, packaging and partnerships.

Contributed to a 15% annual revenue growth in year one and significant growth annually.

Directed and produced advertising spots for major networks including Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and KIIS FM in Los Angeles. Associate Producer on a reality series on Fox Sports to support our Sky Ball brand.

Received awards, nominations and unpaid promotions ranging from Toy of the Year from Toy Industry Association to industry magazines, Walmart, Target, and others.

Created and Launched 1,000s of products over 9.5 years, including the Maui Pet Line that exceeded initial projections.

Identified market opportunities and white spaces for brand expansion.

Maisto / Burago Group, Fontana, CA 2004 – 2005

Manager, Design

Eliminated six-month delay in product development by unifying global marketing, sales, manufacturing, and legal teams.

Introduced customizable product lines in vehicle die-cast and R/C lines, achieving 23% increase in total sales in first year and redirected sales focus to accelerate strategic objectives.

ADDITIONAL & EARLIER ROLES

Industrial Design Consultant: Currently hold several patents pending for several inventions in Home Goods. Led consultant projects ranging from Ophthalmic Surgery Tech and Elderly Tech.

Line Producer, Director, Production Designer, Art Director, Set Designer, Special Effects: Directed 2 nationally aired TV toy commercials, Line Produced a TV special, Production Designed 25 feature films, 2 seasons of episodic TV. See IMDB link for PARTIAL Filmography: David Huang - IMDb

EDUCATION

California State University, Long Beach, CA

Bachelor of Science in Product / Industrial Design – Industrial Design Student Portfolio Panel

University of Southern California (USC)

Advisory Panel Member for Graduate Toy Program, Guest Speaker

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