Marie Dekens Resume

*** ******* ******

FLORAL PARK, N.Y. ***** 516-***-**** cell

*********@*******.***

Marie Dekens

Objective

Qualifications To pursue an executive position in apparel sales and merchandising that will challenge and match my talent and seasoned expertise.

A long term partnership in a fast paced environment where creative ideas and passion for the business is recognized and heard and challenges are embraced.

15 years experience in intimate apparel ,hosiery & knits sales & merchandising worldwide, high level of leadership; Expert on bra construction and product merchandising .Strong influencing, problem analysis and decision making skills; expert relationship building.

Talent for motivating team and customers. Ability to plan, prioritize and direct. Competitive and highly industry aware.

Experience

Account Executive

August 2009- Present Sourcing Solutions International New Jersey

Strategic marketing and sales in packaging including hangtag, labels, heat transfers to key retailers and apparel manufacturers .

Key Accomplishments:

• Captured four new accounts in less than 2 months resulting in $500,000 in new sales, with yearly potential to $ 4 .million

• Potential increase of packaging business 25%

Intimate Apparel Account Manager

2005-December 2008 Invista New York, NY

Marketing & Sales of textiles to key apparel manufacturers and retailers. Responsible for Innovations/Trend presentations; marketing fiber from concept to market new product to key retailers and apparel . Developed key strategies to market fiber innovation to customer partners through Co-op advertising campaigns, promotional events.

Key Accomplishments:

• Expanded revenue by 20% in pull-through fiber sales for existing customer base within one year.

• Reactivated & improved customer relations with key accounts, which were previously negative to product line and services achieving new sales in innovation product , pull through product ; reversed company image and relations, resulting in 35% sales growth.

• Spearheaded marketing of revolutionary, fiber innovations for knits, wovens apparel business with key retailer & manufacturer, resulting in significant brand creation , product adoption with significant volume yield.

• Collaborated with Communications Division & outside agency to redesign Apparel Trend presentations; receiving commendations

by industry professionals and press.

Director of Marketing /Sales & Design Development

2003- 2005 Sara Lee Courtaulds USA New York, NY

Responsible for establishing New York office from start-up which includes, office space, hiring staff, purchasing office and sewing equipment; implementing office and operational procedures for business in less than one year.

Grew key customer accounts through merchandising new garment collections and target new sales in USA in Private Label Intimate Apparel ; Developed and merchandised fashion forward and core bra, panties coordinates, loungewear, nightwear, daywear, corsetry, in specialty and department stores ; such as Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, JC Penney

Identify emerging trends with influence from European styling and generated innovative and fashion forward concepts to market for bra, panties, daywear and sleepwear and collaborated innovations with R&D team.

Managed NY Design Development Studio of design process from initial design concept, overseas sourcing, vendor contact, garment costing, bra fitting from initial fit to final production; maintaining seasonal timelines of grading, patterns, sample-making in order to meet seasonal customer deadlines.

Supervise 6 member staff in NY, comprised Design Stylist, Technical Designer, Sample makers, Marketing/ Design Associate and overseeing UK Design counterparts; maintained budgets, pricing.

Key Accomplishments:

• Set up new office and design studio staff ; design development procedures in order to operate as a self sustaining operation in the USA in less than one year; resulting in industry recognition as key launch supplier.

• Strengthen customer relations with current USA customers , resulting in generating significant design development in multiple style assortments.

• Acquired new business with new customers, projecting $1 million sale for opening order; resulting in first new account in the USA in 14 years.

• Successfully managed design calendar and work flow of design team in order to meet target retail deadlines.

Sales Manager

1994-2003 S&S Industries New York, NY

New sales in underwires and accessories in intimate apparel and swimwear industries. Managed and built business with major intimate apparel manufacturers domestically and internationally. Implemented retail store fit clinics, seminars and retail promotions. Initiated and created product catalogs, advertising and promotional collateral. Participated in lingerie trade shows domestically and in Europe. Managed & trained global sales representatives.

Key Accomplishments:

• Reactivated and increased sales from dormant accounts within first year, resulting in 40% increase.

• Secured a record setting 22% average annual account growth, capitalizing on relationship –building and negotiating skills to land lucrative, high margin accounts

• Achieved $3.2 million in sales after the second year.

• Spearheaded new sales in hardware components categories adding recognition as strong, innovative industry leader

• Redesigned global company brochure and product sheets which improved content and functionality & updated company image

• Successfully managed and executed Trend presentations to key customers

Education Fashion Institute of Technology, AAS , 1973 New York, NY

Major: Advertising & Communications/ Fashion buying & Merchandising

Professional Intimate Apparel Program Certification, 2008-2009- F.I.T.

Organizations The Underfashion Club, New York, NY; member since 1995; Board member since 2005; Chairperson , Insider Newsletter

Contact this candidate