CRISTINA TENAGLIA
New York,USA
Summary
Accomplished executive with a proven track record, driving sales growth through strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration. Expert in leveraging analytics and visionary thinking to lead teams and capitalize on opportunities. Achieved significant profitability and efficiency, demonstrating exceptional decision-making, and team leadership skills. Collaborative partner building strong relationships with internal and external business partners. Quick, adaptable learner of new categories and technologies.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director Merchandising & Sales
Fownes Brothers
New York, NY
12.2023 - Current
- Key driver of $50M+ growth strategy across soft accessories and footwear for '24 - '25.
- Collaborated with executive leadership team to develop long-term objectives that would drive success.
- Led global cross-functional teams in developing and implementing new processes and creative solutions to address challenging problems.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to maximize organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
- Recruited top talent from various sources in order to meet staffing requirements, and built a robust, all-encompassing Merchandising Team of six employees in '24.
- Led change management efforts to adapt to market shifts and organizational needs.
- Established key performance indicators to track progress toward goals (e.g., margin and line adoption goals).
- Spearheaded the development and launch of new products or services (e.g., Footwear / Slippers - Cole Haan, HUE, Weatherproof Vintage, Room Service; Accessories - Roxy, Quiksilver, etc.).
- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
- Managed all aspects of client and licensor relations, developed mutually beneficial strategies with key partners, and traveled to be a key participant in onsite global conferences and presentations (e.g., Timberland, UGG).
Senior Director Sales & Merchandising
CENTRIC BRANDS
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Lead Merchandising and Sales Executive for Mid-Tier and Mass Market Retail Channels - Handbags and Soft Accessories.
- Independent Leader of Sales for Mid-Tier Accounts (e.g., Macy’s, Kohl’s, JCPenney, and Clubs – e.g., BJ’s) equating to a $25M independent wholesale budget.
- Driver of financial planning and fulfillment of monthly budgets, sales, and margin projections, and delivery.
- Key collaborator to sourcing and production teams at the home office and globally – e.g., price target setting, negotiation, delivery management.
- Capitalized on growth opportunities by launching new product categories and brands across accounts of responsibility, e.g., sports, athletic products, socks, and soft accessories.
- Key executive point person to the licensor and brand partners to collaboratively launch and drive additional business in new and existing brands.
- Innovator of processes – responsible for the successful implementation of new time and action processes, growth in social media marketing, and client pitch formats (e.g., 3D design, TikTok-style videos).
- Managed annual budgeting process, including forecasting and financial planning.
Director of Merchandising
CENTRIC BRANDS
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Company Overview: Formerly LF USA, Global Brands Group North America.
- Responsible for the strategic direction and line planning of 15+ brands, inclusive of National Brands (licensed), Owned Brands, and Private Label Handbags and Small Goods.
- Key team member driving $150 million wholesale across 10 or more retail account partnerships.
- Leader of 20 or more creative and merchandising team members.
- Negotiator of first-cost pricing to achieve and increase vendor margins for a range of price points, from mass market (opening price points) to luxury retail.
- Presentation leads to C-suite and upper management internally, and to key accounts.
- Traveled quarterly to domestic client accounts, seasonally to overseas sourcing partners (e.g., Asia).
Product Manager
MACY’S INC.
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Responsible for the strategic planning, sourcing, product development, and management of multiple private brands in the handbag and fashion accessory categories.
- Spearheaded the launch of the INC brand handbags, evening bags, while continuing to drive existing businesses.
- Developed line plans within the context of sales and margin targets, with ultimate responsibility for actual sales performance, stock levels, turn, and margin percentage.
- Negotiated costs to meet pricing and markup goals, and finalized material and production reservations with domestic and overseas manufacturing partners.
- Accountable for timelines, collaborated with planning, design, marketing, quality control, and logistics to adhere to time-in-action deadlines.
- Presented quarterly strategies and product assortments to buying counterparts, and senior management.
- Led a team of merchandising and product development professionals.
- Collaborator on '14 – '15 strategy to drive an additional $15M+ in annual retail sales, leading to a Make Magic Award for Results executives – proven track record of successful employee growth and development.
Associate Merchandiser
MACY’S INC.
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Supported merchandiser to analyze performance, identify trends, and competitive strengths within the branded market.
- Partnered with buying, planning teams, and market resources to develop national strategies for a $125M+ retail business.
- Collaborated with the merchandiser and market resources (vendors) to identify key items and project future sales opportunities.
- Leveraged internal reporting to analyze and present suggested strategic actions to buying partners and management quarterly.
- Partnered with market resources to develop line plans, and maximize mutual growth opportunities.
Senior Assistant Product Manager
MACY’S INC.
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Collaborated on the development and management of a $40M retail private brand for girls' and boys' apparel business.
- Monitored merchandise performance through the management and maintenance of reports.
- Created and maintained production orders, and resolved system errors.
- Communicated with manufacturing partners, both domestic and overseas.
- Participated in fit sessions, and worked with designers to approve material components.
Assistant Product Manager
MACY’S INC.
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Supported the Intimate Apparel Product and Financial teams through ownership of production orders and tracking of shipments.
- Responsible for system inputting costing, product details, and creation of production orders for three brands in the sleepwear, robes, and innerwear categories.
- Collaborated with overseas design, product, and customs contacts to ensure the accuracy of information and communicate costing implications to management.
- Adhered to the time and action calendar to meet deadlines and ensure the timely delivery of shipments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Industrial Relations
MCGILL UNIVERSITY
Montreal, QC, CanadaSkills
- Advanced Excel
- PowerPoint
- Adobe Illustrator
- Comprehensive Financial Insights
- Reporting expertise
- PLM
- SAP
- Exenta
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Process improvement
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership
- Line management
- Visionary thinking
- Analytical decision-making skills
- Competitive market research
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Director Merchandising & Sales
Fownes Brothers
12.2023 - Current
Senior Director Sales & Merchandising
CENTRIC BRANDS
01.2019 - 01.2023
Director of Merchandising
CENTRIC BRANDS
01.2015 - 01.2018
Product Manager
MACY’S INC.
01.2007 - 01.2015
Associate Merchandiser
MACY’S INC.
01.2005 - 01.2007
Senior Assistant Product Manager
MACY’S INC.
01.2004 - 01.2005
Assistant Product Manager
MACY’S INC.
01.2003 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Industrial Relations
MCGILL UNIVERSITY
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