Claudia Lee
Managing Partner/Operations
Austin
Summary
Results-oriented professional with over 15 years of experience in luxury brand development, experiential marketing, and hospitality operations. Proven ability to forge strategic partnerships, drive significant revenue growth, and execute high-profile events. Adept at negotiation and a strong communicator, both written and verbal, who thrives in fast-paced environments. Seeking to leverage expertise in cultivating relationships and delivering exceptional consumer experiences to contribute to a dynamic organization.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Managing Partner
Mama Bear Hospitality LLC, DBA Le Calamar
- Current
- Oversees all operational aspects, including finance, back-of-house (BOH), front-of-house (FOH), marketing, events, staffing, and HR.
- Develops and leads operational strategies, enhancing productivity and minimizing waste through results-based problem-solving and process streamlining.
- Exercises daily leadership skills and management in hiring, training, overseeing scheduling, and performance reviews.
- Manages the production of all marketing and branding materials (website design, social media flyers, menus, wine lists, and any item with a logo).
- Project managed both restaurant openings within the last 3 years, starting from a dark shell. This included overseeing full construction build-out for interiors and exteriors, capital budget management, equipment installation, and ensuring all MEP meet Austin city code requirements. Achieved Certificate of Occupancy and TABC licenses.
- Developed and nurtured strategic partnerships within local and national communities to drive growth strategy, enhance brand equity, and generate business revenue.
Senior Manager, Partnerships Marketing
ReserveBar
11.2021 - 10.2022
- Maintained a freelance role during Underdog restaurant build out developing e-commerce partnerships for leading beverage alcohol brands - (Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Moet Hennessy).
General Manager
Starfish Sushi Restaurant
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Successfully guided family restaurant business through the pandemic, scaling operations and increasing revenue by streamlining processes. Ultimately led to the sale of both locations with a net profit of $2.5M.
Manager, Luxury New Business Development
PERNOD RICARD
07.2018 - 01.2021
- Forged synergistic B2B partnerships to enhance brand equity and engage high-net-worth consumers through curated experiences, bespoke gifting, and personalized outreach.
- Developed integrated consumer engagement strategies, connecting luxury brands with B2B partners, including various partnership events at major cultural tentpole activations (Super Bowl & Art Basel).
- Achieved $1.8M year-over-year incremental net sales growth.
- Produced over 200 annual events and gifting initiatives with marketing budgets exceeding $2M.
- Cultivated key partnerships with luxury brands including Versace, Chanel, Hermes, Alice & Olivia, Theory, Piaget, Harry Winston, IWC, Christian Louboutin, Google, and FOX Entertainment Group.
Manager of Special Events, Creative Services Group
FOX
06.2014 - 06.2018
- Strategized and executed internal and external events for FOX Networks Group, including employee events, premieres, show launches, C-suite executive retreats, FYC campaigns, PR initiatives, stunts, festivals, and awards parties.
- Orchestrated over 70 annual programs and events, managing venue procurement, hotel blocks, F&B, travel, and external agencies.
- Notable programs: FOX Sports Super Bowl Hospitality Programs (2015-2017), FOX Upfront, and Television Critics Association Events.
- Specialized in creative marketing for network shows, corporate meeting & hospitality planning, F&B management, budget oversight, contract negotiation, registration & database management, and venue scouting & décor.
Experiential Marketing Manager
GREENLIGHT MARKETING & MEDIA
05.2013 - 09.2014
- Managed and produced impactful brand activations at major programming initiatives such as The GRAMMYs, SXSW, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and the US Open of Surf.
- Focused on client management, comprehensive event production, talent logistics, hospitality services, and food & beverage coordination, agency management.
- Collaborated with prominent accounts including Pacifico, JP Morgan Chase, Ultimate Ears, Hyundai, and The Recording Academy.
Senior Event Coordinator
THE VISIONARY GROUP
02.2011 - 05.2013
- Served as Senior Coordinator for the Microsoft account, producing and managing over 30 nationwide Microsoft Store Openings. Responsibilities included orchestrating consumer experiences, live concert production, VIP meet-and-greets, onsite branding, and catering.
- Spearheaded creative ideation for large-scale marketing projects from initial concept to final execution.
Associate Account Executive
FULL PICTURE PUBLIC RELATIONS
07.2009 - 06.2010
- Managed client communications and drafted press materials (media alerts, pitches, press releases, new business proposals, status reports, press recap presentations, media kits, Q&A documents).
- Assisted PR for Frederic Fekkai, Victoria's Secret, and 42 Proof Vodka, including red carpet events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Eller College of Business Management, The University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05.2009
Skills
- Fluent in Korean and English
- WSET Level 2 certification (Distinction)
Certification
Event Marketer Ex Awards 2012: Best Production of an Event (B-to-B) for Puma Riddim + Run Event
Affiliations
Les Dames d'Escoffier Austin Chapter member 2023 - Current
Delta Gamma Fraternity - Alpha Pi Chapter 2005 - 2009
Timeline
Austin Monthly Best New Restaurants
12-2025
Austin American Statesman: Best New Restaurants
11-2025
New York Times: Best Restaurants in Austin
10-2024
World's 50 Best Discovery: Best Restaurants, Hotels, Bars in Austin
12-2023
Infatuation: Best New Restaurants
11-2023
Event Marketer Ex Awards 2012: Best Production of an Event (B-to-B) for Puma Riddim + Run Event
09-2023
General Manager
Starfish Sushi Restaurant
12.2021 - 05.2022
Senior Manager, Partnerships Marketing
ReserveBar
11.2021 - 10.2022
Manager, Luxury New Business Development
PERNOD RICARD
07.2018 - 01.2021
Manager of Special Events, Creative Services Group
FOX
06.2014 - 06.2018
Experiential Marketing Manager
GREENLIGHT MARKETING & MEDIA
05.2013 - 09.2014
Best Consumer Event Gold Stevie Winner: Microsoft New Store Openings
07-2012
American Business Awards: Program for Microsoft New Store Openings
07-2012
Senior Event Coordinator
THE VISIONARY GROUP
02.2011 - 05.2013
Associate Account Executive
FULL PICTURE PUBLIC RELATIONS
07.2009 - 06.2010
Managing Partner
Mama Bear Hospitality LLC, DBA Le Calamar
- Current
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Eller College of Business Management, The University of Arizona
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