Karen Ioli

adw88b@r.postjobfree.com

Seasoned apparel executive with proven track record of delivering top line growth through brand building, licensing, and international expansion.

Extensive worldwide network and relationships with senior decision makers. Rated by License Magazine as one of the “Top 40 Licensing Professionals”.

May ’14 – Present Partnerships Unlimited, Los Angeles, CA

Licensing/Global Business Development - Owner

Consultant to International and US firms seeking retail partners, distributors, or licensees.

Specializing in new business development - Involved from introductions through detailed negotiations, i.e. contract signing, launches, retail site selections and new product launch(s).

Sept ‘11 – May’14 Halston Heritage, Los Angeles, CA

SVP Global Business Development and Licensing

Secured retail/distribution partners in the Middle East, Mexico, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand resulting in commitments for 46 Halston Heritage stores, and $58MM in minimum purchases.

Developed an Int’l Ops/Manual to support the retail expansion.

Under new ownership -- existing licensing partners were evaluated and when necessary, terminations were negotiated for non-performing partners.

May ’08 - Sept ‘11 BCBG/MAXAZRIA, Los Angeles, CA,

President, Licensing and International

Successfully managed a $190MM licensing business and a $46MM international retail operation owned by franchisees.

Increased licensing sales by 24% and increased royalty revenue by 33%

Opened 38 new international locations.

April ’06 – May ‘08 Consultant – Licensing/Brand Development

Created strategies/business growth plans for fashion companies wishing to expand their product lines domestically or distribute abroad.

April ’04 – April ‘06 ABS by Allen Schwartz – Los Angeles, CA

VP Licensing and Advertising

Negotiated license agreements/launched: women’s suits, dresses, handbags, belts, soft accessories, jeans wear, girls wear and active wear, which represented $24MM in sales and $1.9 MM in royalty income 1st year.

Executed advertising campaigns, created POP selling tools and purchased media.

July ’02 - April ‘04 XOXO/Baby Phat – Aris Industries, Commerce, CA

VP Licensing and Exports

Evaluated existing business and negotiated termination of non-performing licenses and helped package/present the XOXO brand to be sold.

Secondary efforts were directed at developing the Baby Phat brand.

Concluded distribution agreements in the Philippines and Europe. Launched XOXO stores, in South America and the Middle East.

Responsible for over $40MM in licensing/export sales

Jan ’98 - July ’02 Bebe stores Inc., San Francisco, CA

VP Licensing and Exports

Entered 3 new businesses, (footwear, eyewear, and swimwear).

Executed retail store agreements in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with 9 new retail locations.

Built a $25MM (at wholesale) domestic licensing business in 18 months.

Built a $3.5MM (at retail) int’l business in less than 1 year.

Sept ’95 – Jan ‘98 Mossimo Inc., Irvine CA

VP Licensing

Entered 3 new businesses, (footwear, men’s tailored clothing and neckwear).

Launched in 5 new countries, (Greece, South Africa, Korea, Mexico and Ecuador), with 8 new retail locations.

Increased sales from $43 MM to $61MM.

Increased royalty revenue from $3.3MM to $4.1MM.

July ’92 – Sept ’95 Guess? Inc., Los Angeles, CA

VP Licensing

Promoted to VP of Licensing. Evaluated and restructured the division in preparation for aggressive worldwide expansion and going public.

Increased # of licensees from 14 to 35 by adding 11 new product categories.

Increased Guess’ worldwide licensing sales from $304MM to $710MM.

Increased royalty revenue from $21MM to $44MM.

Expanded international retail stores from 65 to105

Supervised a staff of 35 with 3 direct reports.

April ’83 – July ‘92 Guess? Inc. Los Angeles, CA

Director of Licensing

Responsible for successfully launching in Asia, South America and Mexico.

Managed 12 product licensees with more than $150MM in sales and $10.5MM in revenue.

Education: Massapequa High School

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles, CA

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