Vice President Talent Acquisition

DAVID J. MCKEAN

Boulder, CO 571-***-**** *******@*******.*** LinkedIn

Business Builder

Fractional CEO / COO / CIO and business builder with over two decades of success scaling companies from zero to multi-million-dollar enterprise and earning multiple Inc. Magazine Top 500 rankings. Demonstrates a robust history in IT, Hospitality, Media, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and Retail industries across EMEA and APAC regions. At Sherpa Chai LLC, revenue grew 208% to $2M, expanded distribution, and effectively navigated pandemic challenges. Secured federal contracts with the IRS, FBI, and FAA at Demeter Software Technologies. Builds world-class cultures that attract and retain top talent. Exemplifies leadership in global operations, stakeholder engagement, and talent acquisition, supported by an advanced degree from the London School of Economics.

Core Competencies

Strategic Planning ˑ Business Development ˑ Investment Funding ˑ Mergers & Acquisitions ˑ Leadership Development

Sales & Marketing ˑ Financial Strategy ˑ Global Operations ˑ Stakeholder Engagement ˑ Risk Management

Market Expansion ˑ Revenue Growth ˑ Talent Acquisition ˑ Operational Efficiency ˑ Continuous Improvement

Professional Experience

Co-Founder / Executive Vice President of Sales

Retailsphere ˑ Salt Lake City, UT ˑ 2024-Present

Leading software company that provides market research and analysis for the commercial real estate industry.

Co-founded a second successful SaaS company

Chief Executive Officer

Sherpa Chai LLC ˑ Boulder, CO ˑ 2019-2022

Producer and global distributor of high-quality and authentic chai.

Invested in emerging startup and join the senior leadership team. Develop and implement strategy, establish operational policies, manage risk, drive growth, and improve effectiveness. Led organization through the COVID pandemic through robust business processes.

·Increased annual revenue from $650K to $2M by implementing comprehensive sales and marketing strategies.

·Navigated the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, offsetting significant revenue losses and achieving $900K in sales in 2020.

·Expanded grocery distribution from Colorado to Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, Pacific Northwest, and Southern California.

·Launched a new website and proactive social media campaign, generating over 200 press stories in the first 12 months.

·Redeveloped the company’s entire online sales and eCommerce platform, resulting in a 50% increase in company revenue within the first two months.

·Established the company’s first retail trade plans, online sales discounts, and consumer coupon efforts.

·Restructured corporate debt and transitioned the company’s finance reporting from QuickBooks to a comprehensive ERP system.

Co-Founder / Executive Vice President

Knowland Group Inc. ˑ Washington, D.C. ˑ 2004-2012

Leading software company that provides market research and analysis for the hospitality industry.

Co-founded a successful SaaS company, leading it from inception to a multi-million dollar enterprise with a global client base. Directed sales, customer service, HR, and IT departments. Led new business and market development, including competitive intelligence, internet marketing, customer acquisition and retention, and sales pipeline development.

·Developed and implemented strategies that grew the customer base from one to over 3,000 global hotel clients, with success generating over $1 million in monthly revenue.

·Drove business growth, achieving $13M in annual sales and increasing the company's valuation to $30M.

·Guided and developed over 200 employees across four regional offices.

·Ranked as an Inc. Magazine Top 500 Company for years, Private Equity acquired the company in 2012.

Principal / Vice President of Business Development

Demeter Software Technologies Inc. ˑ Washington, D.C. ˑ 2003-2004

Federal consulting company specializing in cloud-based software solutions and mobile app development.

Oversaw P&L, sales, strategic marketing, business development, contract negotiations, staff recruiting, and Federal RFP development.

·Fostered relationships with federal agencies, increasing business opportunities and securing contracts with the IRS, FBI, FAA, and more.

·Recruited, developed, and managed a team of ten.

·Oversaw transactions for IT services, application development, and staffing.

·Developed a strategic teaming agreement with a prime contractor to pursue business opportunities with the FBI.

·Authored comprehensive proposals securing new business with USAID.

Early Work

Business Affairs Specialist

Corporation for Public Broadcasting ˑ Washington, D.C.

Evaluated and developed transactions for a non-profit government entity's internet, television, radio, and new media programs. Ensured contract compliance and managed business opportunities for program development.

Vice President of Business Affairs

Story House Productions Inc. ˑ Washington, D.C.

Managed program financing, sales, and distribution for feature documentaries, TV, film, and digital platforms. Oversaw marketing, contract development, budget management, and business operations.

Manager, Joint Venture Networks

Discovery Communications Inc. ˑ Washington, D.C.

Advanced from Coordinator roles (1995-1996) to Manager. Led programming for joint venture partners in Germany, Switzerland, and Canada. Generated $6M in gross revenue by ensuring quality program delivery and successful sales.

Education

M.Sc. Politics and Economics of Western Europe ˑ London School of Economics ˑ London, England

B.A. Political Science ˑ University of Colorado ˑ Boulder, CO

Professional Affiliations

Member ˑ National Association of Corporate Directors

Advisory Board Member ˑ Consumer Goods Forum

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