IOANA BANU
Burlington,VT
Summary
C-suite growth strategist with 20+ years scaling DTC, B2B, and creator-led brands across consumer, media, and retail. Led monetization, go-to-market, and brand strategy from early-stage to billion-dollar scale — including growing one from $800K to $30M+ and driving 98% YoY revenue launching a European brand into the U.S. Built brand equity and cultural relevance for Gucci, Mercedes-Benz, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Paris Hilton, with content collaborations alongside Post Malone, The Weeknd, J Balvin, and Vince Staples. Drive growth through brand clarity, partnership ecosystems, and content that converts.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Journey of a Thousand
04.2024 - Current
- Advise early-stage startups, creator-led brands, and global companies on brand strategy, user acquisition, and monetization.
- Develop and lead brand growth strategies that combine influencer and brand partnerships, content built for cultural resonance, and high-impact programs that grow equity, strengthen loyalty, and position brands as best-in-class in their category.
- Partner with founders and executive teams to sharpen positioning, drive faster go-to-market execution, and convert early traction into scalable growth.
Chief Development Officer
SuperplasKc
01.2020 - 06.2024
- Scaled IP-driven brand from $800K to $30M+ in revenue through content, partnerships, and product expansion.
- Led global campaigns and brand partnerships with Gucci, Fortnite, Post Malone, and Mercedes-Benz, resulting in 10x audience growth.
- Delivered $12M+ in digital revenue through NFTs, Roblox, licensing, and experiential drops with minimal paid media.
- Lead cross-functional teams across marketing, product, and content to translate brand vision into growth strategy — integrating analytics, creative direction, and performance targets to drive execution, speed, and measurable impact.
Head of Sales, North America
Rituals CosmeKcs
New York, USA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed a 100+ person sales and marketing team across DTC, B2B, and retail; launched 20+ stores and secured distribution in 300+ retailers including Ulta and Macy's.
- Negotiated shop-in-shop partnerships covering buildouts and staffing; delivered full-year marketing calendars, GWPs, loyalty programs, and community activations.
- Drove a 15% lift in average transaction value and sustained YoY growth; increased online conversion, brand search, and repeat purchase metrics.
Director of Sales & Business Development
F4M Brands / Lapcos
New York, USA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Launched Lapcos in North America, surpassing revenue targets by 225% through strategic influencer marketing and brand storytelling.
- Secured retail partnerships with Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and Ulta; scaled brand visibility through community-driven growth initiatives.
Director of Business Development
Piece & Co
New York, USA
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Created brand partnerships with Nike, Alice + Olivia, and Opening Ceremony by connecting artisan communities to global retail.
- Developed scalable partnership models focused on ethical storytelling and sustainable sourcing.
VP of Sales & Marketing
Liberty London
New York, USA
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Grew U.S. revenue from <$1M to $10M+ via collaborations with Marc Jacobs, Nike, and Thom Browne.
- Opened Liberty's first U.S. office and led brand strategy focused on cultural relevance and design storytelling.
Founder & President
Still Life, Inc.
New York, USA
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Built a craft-driven lifestyle brand through partnerships with Marc Jacobs, Coach, and United Arrows Japan.
- Achieved 50%+ YoY revenue growth through experiential retail, editorial content, and creative marketing.
Education
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Skills
- Brand Architecture
- Market Launch & Expansion
- Cultural Strategy
- Strategic Partnerships
- Monetization Systems
- Community Building
Timeline
Founder
Journey of a Thousand
04.2024 - Current
Chief Development Officer
SuperplasKc
01.2020 - 06.2024
Head of Sales, North America
Rituals CosmeKcs
01.2018 - 01.2019
Director of Sales & Business Development
F4M Brands / Lapcos
01.2015 - 01.2018
Director of Business Development
Piece & Co
01.2014 - 01.2015
VP of Sales & Marketing
Liberty London
01.2010 - 01.2014
Founder & President
Still Life, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2010
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
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