Brianne Dowd
New York,USA
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER-NORTH AMERICA
HIMCO USA INC
10.2021 - Current
- Oversaw wholesale, logistics and operational functions for North America territory
- Managed footwear brands- JW Anderson, Maria Luca, Nodaleto, Odissi, Proenza Schouler, Rochas, See By Chloe, Ulla Johnson, Victoria Beckham, Wales Bonner and RTW brands- Rochas and Nick Fouquet
- Supervised office organizational structure planning and managed warehouse staff to efficiently run the business
- Worked directly with the Italian executive team to create and achieve strategic sales and financial plans and implemented strategies for incremental growth opportunities
- Reviewed quarterly P&L to analyze for cost cutting strategies, reduced costs by 20% for NY office
- Supervised brand relations with senior management for licensee partners
- Developed seasonal stock plans for key clients to meet financial targets
- Executed off price sales to reduce aged inventory by 55%
- Reviewed selling and shipping reports to analyze sales performance and initiate key decisions for growth plans
- Monitored and evaluated sales, inventory levels and retailer activity to maximize sales while adhering to the brands image
- Collaborated with the merchandising and design teams on strategies to develop assortments for the US market to grow businesses
- Developed specific account plans working with the sales and merchandising teams
- Established competitive analysis reports, price analysis reports, market trends, and seasonal trend reports
- Launched Drop Ship business to increase business by 30% and strategized to launch new brands
- Worked with marketing departments to ensure brand image is consistent with goals while maintaining budgets
- Managed growth goals for each brand while leading the strategic prioritization of the company’s plans and initiatives
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key clients -Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks, ShopBop and independent stores throughout North America
DIRECTOR OF SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/MERCHANDISING
AGL
05.2017 - 09.2021
- Opened the first US Showroom in NYC-involved in all aspects such as scouting locations and business negotiations to open office
- Launched the rebranding and positioning of AGL in the US market
- Developed multi-channel strategies including trunk show events, GOOP partnerships, market week press events, etc.that elevated brand presence and drove 15% seasonal sales increase
- Increased business by 50% in first Fall season while continuously increasing business while opening new distribution each season
- Traveled to Italian Headquarters and worked closely with the designers on seasonal merchandising plans and designs for the US market
- Continuously opened new accounts including Bloomingdales, Zappos and many high-end specialty stores
- Established a US stock program for potential best sellers to increase immediate reorder business: increased sales by 20% in first season
- Negotiated marketing and sales agreements with top customers ranging from department stores to specialty stores
- Worked closely with current and potential clients to develop new strategic partnerships to promote AGL
- Constructed seasonal plans for the US market to meet long term business objectives
- Supervised the US showroom’s budget and travel budget
- Managed the customer service/logistics team
VP OF SALES/CONSULTANT-WOMEN'S SHOES
PARADOX LONDON
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Managed all aspects of Pink Paradox London & launched the JL by Judith Leiber Collection
- Within the first month partnered with Lord & Taylor to launch the JL by Judith Leiber Collection for Spring 2017
- Led customer service and logistics operations
- Managed the Pink Paradox drop ship business with key accounts such as Nordstrom, Shoebuy.com, Amazon & David’s Bridal, etc.
- Presented US market insights and product requirements to London design & merchandising team
- Negotiated marketing and sales agreements with top customers such as Nordstrom & Zappos
SENIOR SALES MANAGER-WOMEN'S SHOES
PLC DESIGNS, ASKA & CLEATYN WOOD
01.2016 - 08.2016
- Managed footwear business for ASKA & Cleatyn Wood
- Created Spring 2017 target client proposal and market plan
- Analyzed market trends to implement competitive price structures for key categories
- Worked closely with Creative Director to merchandise and develop the Spring 2017 collection
- Organized and managed tradeshows
SALES MANAGER –WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SHOES
ONWARD LUXURY GROUP
11.2008 - 01.2016
- Managed Chloe, Jil Sander, Marc Jacobs, Rochas, Proenza Schouler, See By Chloe, and Veronique Branquinho footwear categories for all major department stores, online businesses, and specialty boutiques throughout the North American market.
- Opened the Iris North America subsidiary office in New York with one colleague and increased business within 2 years by 37% for annual sales
- Handled approximately $26+ million in annual sales for high-volume accounts
- Responsible for seasonal budgets, working closely with accounts to form accurate projections and developing strategies
- Consistently grew the reorder business, within one year to 80% of seasonal business
- Conducted seasonal seminars at department stores to educate sales team on new collections and build brand loyalty
- Participated in conclaves for both Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales
- Initiated product swaps, exclusives, incentives and contests to grow business
- Worked closely with the licensed brand offices to build the business and show the shoe collections with other categories
- Managed sales campaigns during FFANY, NY Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, WSA, Platform and Coterie
- Supervised production to plan delivery lots by client on a seasonal basis
- Collaborated with the group merchandiser to request market needs by category/brand and develop exclusive styles for key accounts
- Controlled cooperative advertising budgets for each brand and negotiated marketing opportunities on a seasonal basis
- Finalized weekly and monthly selling and comparative selling reports
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE-WOMEN’S SHOES & ACCESSORIES
D&G DOLCE & GABBANA
07.2007 - 11.2008
- Managed the accessories and shoe division for D&G Dolce & Gabbana for all major department stores, online businesses, and specialty boutiques throughout the US market
- Completed all weekly, monthly and classification selling reports
- Supervised customer service to ensure shipments reached all accounts in a timely and accurate manner
- Conducted seasonal seminars at department stores to educate the sales team on new products
- Collaborated with buyers to ensure productivity and implemented action plans to improve business, ex. product swaps
- Analyzed seasonal budgets, working closely with accounts to increase business and form accurate projections
- Partnered with Italy to develop products that are competitive within the market using competitive analysis reports, price analysis reports, market trends, and season trend reports
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE- WOMEN’S & MEN’S SHOES & ACCESSORIES
YVES SAINT LAURENT AMERICA
12.2002 - 07.2007
- Participated in the Neiman Marcus shoe & handbag conclaves
- Managed the specialty store business for shoes and accessories for North America
- Conducted trunk shows and accessory clinics at major department stores along with making regular store visits to merchandise sho
- Prepared weekly selling, shipping, and comparative selling reports
- Analyzed EOM selling for top sellers and assisted clients in processing re-orders for key merchandise
- Distributed monthly and seasonal editorial, visual directives and training material to all stores’ managers and buyers
- Maintained ecommerce sites (Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue) to ensure they meet company standards
- Worked closely with Italy to develop products that are competitive within the market using competitive analysis reports, price analysis reports, market trends, and season trend reports
Education
BBA - Fashion Merchandising
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
New York, NYSkills
- Luxury Footwear Sales Strategist
- Market trend analysis
- Sales Management
- Client relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Executive leadership
- Operations management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Financial oversight
Timeline
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER-NORTH AMERICA
HIMCO USA INC
10.2021 - Current
DIRECTOR OF SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/MERCHANDISING
AGL
05.2017 - 09.2021
VP OF SALES/CONSULTANT-WOMEN'S SHOES
PARADOX LONDON
09.2016 - 05.2017
SENIOR SALES MANAGER-WOMEN'S SHOES
PLC DESIGNS, ASKA & CLEATYN WOOD
01.2016 - 08.2016
SALES MANAGER –WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SHOES
ONWARD LUXURY GROUP
11.2008 - 01.2016
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE-WOMEN’S SHOES & ACCESSORIES
D&G DOLCE & GABBANA
07.2007 - 11.2008
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE- WOMEN’S & MEN’S SHOES & ACCESSORIES
YVES SAINT LAURENT AMERICA
12.2002 - 07.2007
BBA - Fashion Merchandising
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
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