Gareth Baxendale
Hastings on Hudson,NY
Summary
Throughout my successful career in fashion, I have honed a diverse skill set and gained invaluable experience that I believe I can translate into being an effective social worker. Drawing from both my professional achievements and personal experiences I am confident my skills of creative problem solving, effective communication and empathy for others, will transfer and contribute significantly to my new chosen vocation
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
US Sales Director
Rodd & Gunn
10.2018 - Current
- Responsible for all sales and budgeting in North America and UK
- Grew business by 30% during first year in role, while reducing overhead and operating costs
- Opened key retailers, Bloomingdales and Saks whilst still achieving exponential growth with Nordstrom
- Create budget and sales plan for US sales team and effectively manage execution
- Effectively managed the business to exceed budget, during and post pandemic
- Liquidated aged inventory at positive gross margin and well as building SMU programs with Nordstrom Rack
- Launched brand in the UK during successful first season acquiring 10 reputable independent retailers
- Spearheaded expansion into Canada securing a major department store partner which has subsequently moved to concession model
- Work closely with design team in Melbourne to ensure appropriate product assortment and pricing for the North American market.
Senior Account Executive
Rodd & Gunn
12.2015 - 10.2018
- Responsible for North East specialty store business and national accounts for both apparel and footwear
- Executed by spending considerable time on the retail floor educating customers and sales associates on the Rodd & Gunn Brand and products
- Grew the Nordstrom apparel business from 4 doors to 91 doors in the space of 3 years
- Launched footwear in Nordstrom in 20 doors
- Opened Neiman Marcus in 10 doors and built a substantial online business.
Senior Account Executive
Vince
11.2014 - 12.2015
- Responsible for 10 million dollars of department store business with Nordstrom and Bloomingdales
- Achieved double digit wholesale increases with these accounts during first year with Vince
- Managed specialty store rep and actively worked with over 100 specialty stores in the US including premium retailers such as; Boyd’s, Oak Hall, Rothman’s, Scoop, Darien’s Sports Shop and Mitchell’s
- Acted as liaison between Vince head office and West Coast third party showroom
East Coast Sales Manager
Citizens of Humanity Men’s
07.2012 - 11.2014
- Manage Southeast and Midwest sales reps while personally overseeing Barney’s, Scoop, Bloomingdale’s direct and the Northeast specialty store business
- Acquired International Majors, including Harvey Nichols (Dubai), Bloomingdale’s (Dubai) and Demsa (Turkey)
- Solely responsible for the launch of COH diffusion line AgoldE
- Maintained regular communication with Los Angeles Headquarters and senior management in regard to inventory management, product needs and brand positioning
National Sales Manager
Ben Sherman Clothing
06.2011 - 07.2012
- Hired and managed account executives for the Midwest, Northeast and Central States specialty store business
- Personally, responsible for Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s accounts, as well as, all off-price liquidation and cut-up programs
- Mentored specialty store team to be on track to make fiscal year goals through regular meetings, progress evaluations and focus on brand equity
- Represented the U.S Market in seasonal range review meetings with design team and global management at Ben Sherman HQ in London
- Worked closely with executive management from Ben Sherman and parent company (Oxford Industries) on operational necessities, such as: sales forecast, shipping budgets and inventory management.
East coast Sales Manager
Ben Sherman Clothing
07.2005 - 06.2011
- Worked my way up from Sales assistant to East Coast sales manager in 5 years
Education
BA Hons: Business Studies (2:1) -
Leeds Metropolitan University
Leeds, UK05.2024
Skills
- Adept communicator skilled in engaging with diverse individuals from various cultural backgrounds
- Excels at maintaining composure and efficiency while navigating high-pressure situations
- Relish being part of a cohesive team while also possessing the autonomy and self-discipline required for independent work
- Adept at understanding diverse perspectives and fostering strong, supportive relationships
Additional Information
- Anti Bullying counselor and mentor in senior year of high school
- Played rugby at high level from the age of 11 years old. I was fortunate to captain the New York Knights rugby team to four championships and also had the honor of representing the US national team on 10 separate occasions
- Upon finishing my playing career in 2013 I switched to coaching the New York Knights, a role I fulfilled for 6 years
- Currently I coach little league baseball and take great joy in developing the youth in my town both in baseball and as individuals.
Timeline
US Sales Director
Rodd & Gunn
10.2018 - Current
Senior Account Executive
Rodd & Gunn
12.2015 - 10.2018
Senior Account Executive
Vince
11.2014 - 12.2015
East Coast Sales Manager
Citizens of Humanity Men’s
07.2012 - 11.2014
National Sales Manager
Ben Sherman Clothing
06.2011 - 07.2012
East coast Sales Manager
Ben Sherman Clothing
07.2005 - 06.2011
BA Hons: Business Studies (2:1) -
Leeds Metropolitan University
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