Marketing, Communications expert

Daniel G. Langevin | Profile

I am a marketing, communications, public relations, events, CRM, merchandising expert with more than 30 years of diverse corporate and consulting experience. My skills in understanding and influencing consumer behaviour through all formats of marketing and communications have established an extensive record of achievements in increasingly senior marketing positions with large national and multi-national consumer companies. An effective and persuasive communicator, I have implemented a wide range of successful strategic and targeted marketing initiatives that ensured profitability.

National retail/wholesale sales and marketing

Expertly assesses and identifies evolving Canadian, American and European consumer needs to ensure that products and services are relevant to consumers and create satisfying customer experiences. Draws on a strong practical and theoretical foundation in sales and marketing to consistently achieve sales volume, profit and market share objectives.

Rogers Video Vancouver, BC. 04 –05

Spearheaded move from “rentailer” to retailer, resulting in greater return on investment and consumer relevancy

Managed multi-million-dollar marketing budget

Increased profits by 20% in 2004

Opened Quebec market by launching 13 stores in 18 months

Added 12 stores to the Ontario market

Restructured marketing and merchandizing departments to yield greater efficiencies

Implemented Cognos customer relationship management system

Evolved business nationally to be designated in 2005 by Rogers Communications Inc. as the Administrators and distributor for all consumer products offered by Rogers (Telephony, Cable, Hi-speed, Home Phone, Specialty TV, DVD sales and rental) Re-named retail entity “Rogers Plus”.

Founded Annual Rogers Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

Co-founded first Annual Rogers National Gaming Championship

Operations management

Provides inspiring leadership with a demonstrated ability to set performance goals and identify resources needed to meet corporate objectives.

Effectively employs customer relationship management methodology and systems to build enduring customer loyalty. Directs the full scope of activities required to open new regional, national or international locations while maintaining an unwavering focus on the bottom line.

Air Miles Reward Program (Alliance Data) Calgary, AB. 2006 – 2007

Exceeded revenue targets for Western Clients (Shell Canada, WestJet, Safeway Canada, Forzani, etc)

Developed key Strategic Imperatives for Western clients and developed action plans against them

Led the overall loyalty service delivery of sponsor expectations.

Researched and identified consumer profiles and segmentations

Counseled clients on loyalty marketing strategies and tactics applicable to their business.

Reitmans Canada Ltd. Montreal, QC 97 – 01 / 02 – 03

Rebranded major divisions: Reitmans, Penningtons, Addition-Elle

Established full-service in-house merchandising, marketing and advertising department

Created and implemented stakeholder vision and mission statements

Researched and identified consumer profiles

Increased comparable store sales by 12% exceeding industry average

Increased annual profits and earnings by more than 24%

Managed multi-million dollar marketing/merchandising budget

Internal and external communications

Extensive experience developing the architecture for public relations, media relations and market research, including the creation of in-house marketing and advertising departments.

Establishes strategies for sales team recruitment and training and other effective human resource development initiatives. An experienced and respected coach, trainer, teacher and mentor.

Shirmax Fashion Ltd. Montreal, QC 01 – 02

Rebranded national Addition-Elle and Thyme Maternity lines

Developed and implemented strategic plan to increase market share and share value

Increased annual return on investment in marketing to 40%

Established full-service in-house marketing and advertising department

Restructured advertising and marketing department

Recruited to succeed company President

Wholesale Business start-up and development

Combines an entrepreneurial spirit with strategic thinking to develop, implement and monitor effective business, marketing and merchandising plans. Employs business acumen to identify growth opportunities.

VATA Enterprises Inc Vancouver, BC 07 - present

Co-founded present day operation in 2007 that has grown to a breakeven operation with international distribution. ( USA, Caribbean, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Denmark, Great Britain, Canada, Australia etc.

Achieved new corporate direction, new innovative product assortments and international brand awareness for VATA Brasil’s women’s active wear apparel. Breakeven financial status

Achieved International licensing agreement with Bikram Yoga for product design, manufacturing and distribution.

Implemented merchandise guidelines, operational guidelines, financial guidelines.

Developed strategic plan to open expand internationally through distribution and sales agencies.

Coordinated legal contracts and all agency agreements

Built increased product assortment from 200 SKU’S to over 600 SKU’s

Saved over $1 million by renegotiating factory pricing and terms of production

Introduced $1.6 million of working capital form private equity investors into VATA Enterprises Inc. Presently working towards IPO or CPC public offering.

Price Club Canada Laval, QC. 86 - 93

Co-founded Canadian operation in 1986 that grew to 16 warehouses and 7,000 employees by 1993

Achieved sales of $2.3 billion and profits of 3% within eight years

Implemented Price Club Expo, resulting in project net profit of 23% in Montreal and 32% in Toronto

Developed strategic plan to open new warehouse stores in Mexico, Spain and England

Developed all-inclusive customer relationship management system

Coordinated nine zoning approvals and warehouse openings

Built communications department as a profit centre

Saved over $1 million by eliminating redundant consultant fees.

Introduced up-to-date information systems and sales generation procedures

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

VATA Enterprises Inc. Vancouver B.C. | 2007 – present

Co-Owner / C.O.O.

Rewrote business plan to bring VATA Enterprises Inc. from a local retailer to an international Design/manufacturer/distribution company. Brought $1.6 Million private equity into the company.

Led the redesign of assortments from 200 SKU’s to over 600 SKU’s.

Developed agency and distribution legal agreements allowing for the recruitment of Master Distributors in Korea, Japan, USA, Taiwan, Australia, Scandinavia, Caribbean, UAE as well as sales agencies throughout Canada, USA, Mexico.

Developed finance and operating procedures for the company.

Established the creation of a Board of Advisors. Within 2 years company was breakeven.

Air Miles Reward Program / Alliance Data Calgary, AB. | 2006 – 2007

Sr. Director / General Manager

2 year Contract

Led the overall loyalty service deliverables. Increased overall Western region revenues and profits 15+ %.

Increased business acumen and productivity within the entire Western office. Fine-tuned program metrics, simplified and made more compelling and efficient overall reporting to relevant stakeholders.

Maintained high-level relationships with client c-level executives.

Instituted change management skills, accountability and adaptability.

Rogers Video Vancouver, BC | 2004 – 2006

Vice President Marketing and Merchandising

Directed the development and implementation of a 2004 strategic plan to transform Rogers Video from a

“rentailer” to a true retail /wholesale entity under a new Brand “ Rogers Plus”

Increased brand equity and ensured increased sales, profits and shareholder equity.

Helped position Rogers Video enabling Rogers Wireless 84-store takeover and re-brand to Rogers Plus.

Event Strategist and producer to enhance Brand equity and loyalty.

The Marketing Group Inc. Montreal, QC | Jan. 2003 – Dec. 2003

Market Strategist and Consultant

Created key-account retention strategies for major Canadian loyalty management firm.

Performed in-depth retail and wholesale market studies for Belarusian investment firm.

Developed retail / wholesale market Strategy, business and merchandising plans to open Costco-style warehouse clubs in Minsk, Belarus, and neighbouring provinces.

Reitmans Canada Ltd. Montreal, QC | 2002 – 2003

Vice President Marketing / Communications

Penningtons, Addition-Elle, Addition-Elle Sport, Thyme Maternity.

Directed merger of the marketing units of Reitmans and Shirmax plus-size divisions.

Developed long-term marketing and merchandising strategic plan and associated stakeholder communication strategy to ensure increased sales, profits and shareholder equity.

Shirmax Fashion ltd. Montreal, Quebec | 2001 – 2002 (Shirmax was sold to Reitmans August 2002)

Vice President Addition-Elle, Addition-Elle Sport, Addition-Elle Plus, Thyme Maternity

Mastered all marketing, merchandising, operations, real estate, financing and other key executive responsibilities as determined by President prior to Shirmax’s sale to Reitmans.

Developed and implemented merchandising and marketing strategic plan that resulted in immediate sales payback from key strategies, which included creation of in-house marketing and advertising agency.

Reitmans Canada Ltd. Montreal, QC | 1997 – 2001

Vice President Marketing / Communications Reitmans, , Dalmy’s., Penningtons,

Created merchandising and marketing strategic plans that improved consumer perception of Reitmans and increased sales and profits.

Established a full-service marketing, advertising and Visual Presentation department for the largest fashion specialty retailer in Canada.

Helped to increase sales and profits from single to double-digit increases.

Gendis Inc. (M.M.G. Mgmt Group) Pointe-Claire, QC/ Winnipeg, MB | 1995 –1997

Director Marketing / Communications

Vice President Corporate Development

Developed and implemented reorganization of advertising and communications to differentiate key operating units: MetMart/Metropolitan Stores, Greenberg Family Clothing Stores and Red Apple Discount Stores. Introduced advanced direct marketing tactics to increase market share.

The Marketing Group Inc. St-Laurent, QC | 1993 –1995

Founder / President

Launched wholesale / retail consulting firm specializing in warehouse club product development, packaging, pricing and logistics.

Launched a company specializing in the importation and wholesale of international office supplies and products.

Negotiated sale of the company to Cannon Office Inc. after achieving annual revenues of more than $5 million.

Price Club Canada Inc. Laval, QC | 1986 - 1993

Director Corporate Development, Marketing and Communications

Director of Warehouse Operations

As a founding member of the Price Club membership warehouse in Canada, directed the rapid growth and development of a new-concept company across Canada and Europe, including the full scope of marketing, community and member communication, merchandising direction and real estate development activities.

Hudson’s Bay Company Montreal, QC | 1971 - 1986

Held senior executive positions in all major areas of the company: Divisional Merchandising (Men’s Women’s, Children’s, hardlines) as well as Operations and Marketing.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science (Partial 3 yrs) - Sir George Williams University, Montreal, QC. | 1969-72

• Certificate of Direct Marketing - McGill University, Montreal, QC. | 1991

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

• Member of Chambers of Commerce in major urban markets

• Canadian Marketing Association

• Canadian Direct Marketing Association

LANGUAGES

Fully Bilingual - English and French

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Member of Board of Directors BC Special Olympics: SCF activities

Public speaker and seminar leader on Wholesaling, Retailing and Marketing for local, regional and national organizations,

including;

• Point Of Purchase Advertising Institute of Canada (Montreal and Toronto),

• Maritime Food Executive Club (Halifax),

• Institute for International Research, (Toronto),

• Young Presidents Organization, (Montreal, Halifax, Toronto),

• Marketing Clubs (Université de Montréal, McGill University, Concordia University, University of Ottawa),

• Boards of Trade (Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec City, Calgary),

• National Retail Council of Canada,

• Canadian Marketing Association

ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers)

Contact this candidate