Jeff McGillis
Portland
Summary
Passionate business leader with proven success in driving profitable growth and creating a culture of respect and entrepreneurial spirit.
High-achieving senior executive bringing expertise in business planning, revenue development and change management. Offers 20+ years of leadership in sports industry along with entrepreneurial, forward-thinking mindset and demonstrated track record of accomplishment.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Portland Winterhawks
Portland, Oregon, United States
06.2021 - Current
- Analyzed financial data, identified trends and variances, and provided timely and accurate reports to the ownership group.
- Developed a comprehensive full-funnel marketing strategy resulting in a 24% increase in revenue for the 2023/24 season.
- Executed a complete brand redesign for the 2021 season.
- Created brand guidelines to establish and maintain a consistent brand identity.
- Established and maintained relationships with key industry partners, driving a 48% increase in Partnership Revenue.
- Converted merchandise business from an outsourced licensed business to an in-house operation. Drove Merchandise Revenue to over $1M+ for each subsequent season.
- Awarded 2023/24 Business Team of the Year for the WHL U.S. Division.
- Partnered with Haven Entertainment to capture content for a behind-the-scenes docuseries celebrating the WHL, the Winterhawks franchise, and the storylines of Winterhawks players and coaching staff.
- Developed a robust community outreach program by aligning with organizations such as You Can Play, Boys and Girls Club, Women in Sports and Events (WISE), Portland Women's Hockey League, First Tee, and Sunshine Division.
Global Vice President, US Sports
adidas
01.2017 - 2021
- Quadrupled Football footwear market share between 2013 and 2020. Tripled Baseball footwear market share between 2015 and 2020.
- Responsible for Global P&L management of Football, Baseball, Hockey, and Lacrosse categories that generated over $150 million in revenue.
- Developed a brand playbook to align the strategic direction of all marketing functions through the lens of the brand positioning.
- Directed global merchandise strategy for football and baseball categories, overseeing product assortment, lifecycle planning, and seasonal line architecture to maximize market relevance and revenue.
- Partnered with design, product creation, and marketing teams to align merchandise assortments with athlete insights, consumer trends, and brand positioning.
- Oversaw multi-category and cross-functional brand activations at key sports moments like Super Bowl, World Series, NHL All-Star, US Open, and Little League World Series.
- Managed business health of US Sports categories by monitoring key sell-through, inventory, delivery, and margin metrics.
- Led and inspired a diverse cross-functional team of over 100 individuals to jointly develop and maintain the best team culture at adidas.
- Partnered with Sales and Brand Marketing to devise and execute strategies that maximized ROI while also driving brand heat.
- Presented the category strategy at key milestone meetings.
- Cultivated strong external relationships with key sports marketing and licensed partners such as the National Hockey League, NBC Sports, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Saranac Gloves.
- Mentored key talents in the organization to prepare them for future growth throughout their careers.
Senior Director, Football and Baseball
adidas
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Doubled Football footwear market share from 2013 to 2017.
- Managed Football and Baseball budget for Sports Marketing assets, Brand Activation, and T&E.
- Drove the product creation process for Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories.
- Managed go-to-market processes, ensuring seamless execution from concept to retail across key wholesale, e-commerce, and owned retail channels.
- Oversaw pricing, inventory allocation, and margin optimization strategies to drive profitability while meeting consumer demand.
- Led cross-functional teams in delivering category-defining merchandise stories, including player-driven collections, team partnerships, and event-based launches.
- Presented the category strategy at key milestone meetings.
- Fostered strong external relationships with NFL players and NCAA partners.
- Led and inspired the cross-functional Marketing, Design, Innovation, and Development teams to create compelling product for our target consumer.
- Influenced the Brand Activation team to bring the category vision and positioning to life in all consumer-facing content.
- Steered the long-term innovation roadmap for Football.
Business Unit Director - Football Footwear and Accessories
adidas
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Led and inspired the cross-functional Marketing, Design, Innovation, and Development teams to create compelling and relevant product for our target consumer.
- Crafted and presented the Football Strategic Business Plan to Senior Management that rolls up to the overall Brand.
- Devised the comprehensive product range plan for the wholesale, DTC, and team retail channels.
- Presented the Football strategy and product line to the internal sales force and key retailers.
- Created a long-term innovation roadmap for Football footwear.
- Handled product conversations with adidas-sponsored NFL players and NCAA programs.
- Conducted focus groups with professional, collegiate, and high school athletes.
Global Category Manager - Football
adidas
01.2010 - 01.2012
Category Merchandise Manager
adidas
01.2008 - 01.2010
Global Category Manager - Training
adidas
01.2005 - 01.2008
Product Line Manager - Training Footwear
adidas
01.2003 - 01.2005
Product Manager - Foot Locker Accounts
adidas
01.2000 - 01.2003
Education
MBA - Sports Marketing
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon06.2000
Business Administration with Honors (BBAH) - undefined
Acadia University
05.1997
Skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Team management
- Retail merchandising
- Product Creation
- Innovative thinking
- Effective communication
- Analytical problem solving
- Strategic leadership
Affiliations
- Board Member, Sport Oregon (July 2021 – Present)
- Board Member, Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland (March 2024 – Present)
Languages
English
French
Timeline
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Portland Winterhawks
06.2021 - Current
Global Vice President, US Sports
adidas
01.2017 - 2021
Senior Director, Football and Baseball
adidas
01.2015 - 01.2017
Business Unit Director - Football Footwear and Accessories
adidas
01.2012 - 01.2015
Global Category Manager - Football
adidas
01.2010 - 01.2012
Category Merchandise Manager
adidas
01.2008 - 01.2010
Global Category Manager - Training
adidas
01.2005 - 01.2008
Product Line Manager - Training Footwear
adidas
01.2003 - 01.2005
Product Manager - Foot Locker Accounts
adidas
01.2000 - 01.2003
Business Administration with Honors (BBAH) - undefined
Acadia University
MBA - Sports Marketing
University of Oregon