Marketing Executive

Samantha Gurry

*** ***** ****** *****, **********, SC 29412 Ring: 843-***-**** Ping: Samantha_ *****@*****.***

Professional Summary

Driven, focused and energetic Marketing guru, with a seasoned talent for global brand development and strategic planning that builds and strengthens product portfolios.

Concentrated experience in all categories of brand management within the beauty industry,

inclusive of: Skincare, Color, Fragrance and Promotions.

Comprehensive skill set and ability in event planning as it relates to corporate, in-store (retail) and/or social events catering to large and/or intimate gatherings.

Licensed real estate professional fully educated and trained on South Carolina regulations and diverse subdivision/community by-laws.

Atlantic Island Properties, Inc., Charleston SC

Leading real estate boutique and property management agency that provides its clients with a unique combination of creative and measurable marketing tactics that helps them to achieve their real estate goals. Coupled with the highest level of professionalism, a thorough analysis’ of market conditions is prepared and reviewed with every client. Extensive experience with established developments as well as new construction luxury communities and historic residences, are part of the seasoned list of accomplishments.

Senior Marketing Executive/Realtor, October 2008–Present

- Successful in developing and implementing fresh, new and market-relevant marketing tactics within key demographic/high profile areas resulting in improved corporate as well as individual awareness within the Charleston community.

- Effectively and proactively building client database and networking skills to further community relationships and increase overall sales volume for the business.

- Actively acquiring knowledge through continuing education courses specifically related to current market conditions and situations (Ie: short sales, foreclosures, technology-driven marketing, auctions and prospecting strategies).

Crave Party Charleston LLC, Charleston SC

Innovative, cutting-edge event planning startup developed to cater to women of all ages seeking the ultimate night of “girl-power camaraderie” and “retail-therapy”. Simultaneously promotes local business and provides platform of promotional opportunities that help drive sales, professional partnerships and brand awareness within the community.

Co-Owner/Marketing Director, December 2005-February 2007

- Developed, launched, and executed all facets of new business franchise that created professional business and charity-based partnerships and countless networking and brand-building opportunities with local vendors.

- Strategically marketed Crave Party’s appeal through the use of compelling, eye-catching promotional tools created in-house, intended to promote ticket sales to the event and increase awareness of local business and vendor representation.

- Live, on-air radio promos coupled with local cable television public appearances added to the brands voice and credibility with community residences and potential business affiliates.

Saks Incorporated, Parisian Department Store Group , Charleston SC

Well-respected, full-service apparel, personal care and home goods retailer focused on exceptional customer service coupled with value-priced product selections.

Area Sales Manager – Cosmetics, Accessories, Intimate Apparel, December 2004-July 2005

- Directly responsible to hire, manage and coach a team of 20 sales associates in driving retail sales and meeting profit plans each month representing approximately $4m in annual sales across 3 key departments of the store.

- Increased overall productivity with implementation of fundamental upselling tactics, customer service techniques and ongoing clientelling training.

- Successfully contributed to year-end financial sales plan after only 3 weeks in role.

- Effectively built and strengthened client, vendor and employee relationships to maximize brand awareness, capitalize on in-store event and merchandising opportunities and drive sales goals.

Samantha Gurry

903 White Marlin Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 Ring: 843-***-**** Ping: Samantha_ *****@*****.***

Elizabeth Arden, Inc., New York, NY

Leading cosmetic giant and Spa pioneer within the beauty industry for over 100 years. Specializing in all areas of beauty products to include Skincare, Color and Fragrance, promoted, marketed and sold within various channels of retail distribution. New York corporate office represents cornerstone of all marketing, sales, training, creative and operational functions. Ongoing licensee agreements for new product introductions within the Fragrance category continue to build the EA brand portfolio and extend its overall consumer reach and market share.

Global Marketing Skincare Director, January 2001-November 2004

- Strategically, financially and “brand” responsible for marketing plans that yield ongoing success, development and seasonal product innovation of the worldwide Skincare portfolio representing $100m in prestige and mass retail sales.

- Actively researched competitive ingredients while collaborating with in-house R&D team to identify next big ingredient/benefit story for launch within EA product lineup to build retail sales, consumer credibility and brand loyalty.

- Established tasks and supervised subordinate associates on individual project assignments to help execute retailer in-store programs and training materials that ultimately enhance existing distribution model and increase brand success in alternate channels of business.

- Maximized brainstorming opportunities with creative department to develop consumer-meaningful and result-oriented package copy for every product in the skincare portfolio, adhering to and adjusting regulatory claims as required by country.

Global Marketing Skincare Brand Manager, March 2000 – January 2001

- Developed worldwide skincare portfolio with direction and input from Global Director to deliver profitable, competitive and innovative product launches for all markets.

- Coordinated all launch projects with relevant service groups including: Planning, Packaging, Design, Legal and Research, through monthly status meetings, upper management brainstorming sessions and retailer shipping/on-counter requirements.

- Wrote and distributed “New Product Flash” to Marketing teams that compiles detailed competitive information regarding new product positioning, pricing and product claims.

Global Consumer Promotions Manager, July 1996-March 2000

- Managed the global development and execution of all Elizabeth Taylor Beauty and European Fragrance promotional portfolios by season.

- Interfaced daily with Regional Marketing teams to develop promotional P&L that would achieve in-store calendar requirements and simultaneously deliver sales goals for each brand’s financial plan.

- Produced and coordinated bi-annual Global Promotional Sellbook consisting of over 250 programs across all worldwide markets to aid with retailer sell-in and in-store beauty advisor product knowledge.

Global Marketing Skincare Manager, May 1995-June 1996

- Strengthened and implemented all global promotional activity for 3 leading skincare brands in prestige distribution channels.

- Accountable for management and liquidation of excess inventory levels in the warehouse facility for skincare brands.

Associate Promotions Brand Manager, Color, Skincare, Fragrance, February 1993-May1995

- Jointly responsible for identifying and negotiating new business opportunities in alternate distribution channels to include QVC, direct mail and dermatological partnerships.

- Excelled at presentation preparation and public speaking opportunities with outside clients and internal management teams.

- Successfully responsible for managing and monitoring all departmental invoices and accounts payable records within the guidelines of an $800k departmental budget.

Early career includes: The Napier Company (Retail Marketing Coordinator) and Lord & Taylor (Retail Sales Associate)

Stonehill College, North Easton, MA., BA Communications

Computer Skills: MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Photoshop, FrontPage, Publisher, QuickBooks

Organizations, Associations and Memberships: Center for Women, Women at Work, The Charlestonian, Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, New York Athletic Club.

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