Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Business Experience
Areas Of Expertise
Timeline
Generic

Drew Cofer

New York,USA

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in product and business development, notably at Artistic Apparels LTD, where I drove sales for US market. Expert in budget planning and supplier relationship management, I excel in collaboration and process improvement, consistently delivering high-quality results and innovative solutions in fast-paced environments. Methodical director with over 20 years of comprehensive experience overseeing daily operations of company or organization. Hardworking and versatile professional well-versed in executing business strategies, preparing and implementing business plans and overseeing financial performance. Thorough knowledge of market changes and trends paired with strong grasp of corporate finance and performance measures.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Product and Business Development for the America’s

Artistic Apparels LTD
08.2019 - 09.2025
  • Started the US business for Artistic Apparels opening both denim and non-denim clients full package .
  • Managed all Product Development Collections for the US Market along with fabric sourcing for all full package programs.
  • Sales and Budget Planning based on strategic plans and capacities.
  • Managed the USA team for merchandising and worked closely with development, laundry, quality and production teams.
  • Customers on boarded: Macy’s, Pac Sun, Aeropostale, G-III, Dillard’s, Berne Apparel, Centric Brands, True Religion, Sunrise Brands

Director of Product Development, Merchandising and Fabric Innovation

Grupo M Codevi
01.2002 - 09.2017
  • Company Overview: (Privately held International vertical manufacturer of knitwear and woven bottoms with annual revenues of $200 million.)
  • Managed a $50 million budget, with 4 direct reports and 10 indirect reports.
  • Reported to CEO.
  • Responsible for long range strategies, planning, product/fabric development, merchandising and production.
  • Implemented detailed Time and Action Calendars for both development and production.
  • Reduced raw material cost creating a recognized price value exceeding corporate gross margin requirements while maintaining product quality.
  • Created speed to market models that reduced lead times for both the development and production segments of the supply chain.
  • Collaborated with the Wash Facility to reduce lead times on garment dyed product by 4 weeks.
  • (Privately held International vertical manufacturer of knitwear and woven bottoms with annual revenues of $200 million.)

Product Development Retail Knitwear Supply Chain Director

Spring Ford Knitting Mill USA
03.1996 - 05.2002
  • Company Overview: (Privately held vertical knitwear manufacturer in the USA with revenues of $75 million. Managed all vertical retail accounts)
  • Developed vertical retail full package programs from design to finished garment.
  • Opened major retail accounts (Kohl’s, JC Penney, Target and Macy’s).
  • Directed product development, design and merchandising for men’s, ladies and children’s products.
  • Profit and Loss responsibility and managed a budget of $20 million.
  • (Privately held vertical knitwear manufacturer in the USA with revenues of $75 million. Managed all vertical retail accounts)

Buyer: Men’s Designer Collections, Young Men’s Sportswear and Boy’s 4-20

Macy’s
New York, USA
06.1983 - 04.1996
  • Company Overview: New York, New York
  • Effectively drove sales, managed inventory levels and exceeded gross margin goals by partnering with senior management on implementation and forecasting of key strategies.
  • Cultivated and maintained critical partnerships with suppliers.
  • Introduced key seasonal trends and value priced items by shopping the market to ensure consistent flow of new product to the consumer.
  • New York, New York

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Business

Valdosta State University

Skills

  • Product Development
  • Business Development
  • Trend Forecasting
  • Collaboration
  • Budget Planning
  • Pricing Strategy
  • Merchandising
  • Production
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Presentation Skills
  • Marketing
  • Retail Management
  • Cost Analysis
  • General Management
  • Profit and Loss Management
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Forecasting
  • Team Building
  • Process Improvement

Business Experience

  • Director of Product and Business Development for the America’s, Artistic Apparels LTD, 08/2019, 09/2025, Started the US business for Artistic Apparels opening both denim and non-denim clients driving volume up to 25 million., Managed all Product Development Collections for the US Market along with fabric sourcing for all full package programs., Sales and Budget Planning based on strategic plans and capacities., Managed the USA team for merchandising and worked closely with development, laundry, quality and production teams., Customers on boarded: Macy’s, Pac Sun, Aeropostale, G-III, Dillard’s, Berne Apparel, Centric Brands, True Religion, Sunrise Brands.
  • Director of Product Development, Merchandising and Fabric Innovation, Grupo M Codevi, 01/2002, 09/2017, Managed a $50 million dollar budget with 4 direct reports and 10 indirect reports., Reported to VP of Marketing and CEO., Responsible for long range strategies, planning, product/fabric development, merchandising and production., Implemented detailed Time and Action Calendars for both development and production., Reduced raw material cost creating a recognized price value exceeding corporate gross margin requirements while maintaining product quality., Created speed to market models that reduced lead times for both the development and production segments of the supply chain., Collaborated with the Wash Facility to reduce lead times on garment dyed product by 4 weeks.
  • Product Development Retail Knitwear Supply Chain Director, Spring Ford Knitting Mill USA, 03/1996, 05/2002, Developed vertical retail full package programs from design to finished garment., Opened major retail accounts (Kohl’s, JC Penney, Target and Macy’s)., Directed product development, design and merchandising for men’s, ladies and children’s products., Profit and Loss responsibility and managed a budget of $20 million.
  • Buyer: Men’s Designer Collections, Young Men’s Sportswear and Boy’s 4-20, Macy’s, 06/1983, 04/1996, Effectively drove sales, managed inventory levels and exceeded gross margin goals by partnering with senior management on implementation and forecasting of key strategies., Cultivated and maintained critical partnerships with suppliers., Introduced key seasonal trends and value priced items by shopping the market to ensure consistent flow of new product to the consumer.

Areas Of Expertise

Knitwear, Denim , Non-Denim Tops and Bottoms: Review style development and seasonal direction, identifying key buys and margin opportunities., Proven ability to collaborate among design, merchandising, production, finance and logistics., Detailed budget and style planning incorporated with pricing strategy, allocations, sampling and production., Maintains excellent relationship with global yarn suppliers, fabric mills and trim suppliers., Excellent presentation skills of product lines to major companies of both fabric development and finished garments., Worked with major Retailers and National Brands on the advantages of working in Pakistan and Western Hemisphere in terms of duty-free options, cost savings, and speed to market models., Profit and Loss responsibility, corporate strategy and communication, forecasting and budgeting., Implemented business structure process and design to streamline for speed., Talent evaluation and team building.

Timeline

Director of Product and Business Development for the America’s

Artistic Apparels LTD
08.2019 - 09.2025

Director of Product Development, Merchandising and Fabric Innovation

Grupo M Codevi
01.2002 - 09.2017

Product Development Retail Knitwear Supply Chain Director

Spring Ford Knitting Mill USA
03.1996 - 05.2002

Buyer: Men’s Designer Collections, Young Men’s Sportswear and Boy’s 4-20

Macy’s
06.1983 - 04.1996

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Business

Valdosta State University
Drew Cofer