John Mills
Sheffield,TX
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record driving innovative product development and marketing strategy. Expert in data-driven decision-making, achieving record sales growth and profitability. A creative marketing leader committed to aligning organizational goals with operational excellence and fostering high-performing team members.
Highly experienced with strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership. Utilizes comprehensive business acumen to drive organizational success and foster growth. Track record of aligning corporate goals with actionable strategies to achieve measurable outcomes.
Thorough corporate executive with over 40 years of experience. Outstanding at strategic planning and execution, with experience developing and maintaining sound financial plans that lead to significant increases in revenue and market share and profits.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
AmMed Direct
03.2007 - 04.2012
- Supported strategic planning initiatives to align organizational goals with operational capabilities.
- Participated in refining company policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and compliance standards.
- Analyzed competitor strategies to support leadership in positioning the organization effectively within the market.
- Managed risk effectively by implementing robust policies and procedures designed to mitigate potential threats to the business.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through careful financial analysis and budget management, positively impacting overall profitability.
- Implemented cutting-edge technology solutions to streamline workflow processes, and support data-driven decision-making capabilities across teams.
- Conducted market research to inform decision-making and identify growth opportunities for the organization.
- Prepared executive presentations to communicate key business insights and performance metrics to board of directors.
- Established a clear vision for organizational growth while developing actionable plans to achieve both short-term and long-term objectives.
- Provided direction and leadership for 28 sales associates and independent marketing contractors.
- Drove talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier candidates, building a high-performing team capable of achieving company objectives.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, resulting in mutually beneficial business opportunities.
- Guided the development of innovative product offerings, driving market expansion and revenue growth.
- Achieved record sales figures, leading high-performing sales team focused on customer engagement and solution selling.
- Maximised return on investment for marketing initiatives, employing data-driven strategies and continuous optimization.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
Consultant
Consultant
10.2003 - 02.2007
- Developed comprehensive project plans to drive client engagement and satisfaction.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Developed effective product development and marketing plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for client staff, enhancing their skills and knowledge in key areas.
- Implemented customer relationship management (CRM) systems, improving client engagement and retention rates.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements on behalf of clients, securing favorable terms and conditions.
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for client decision making.
- Facilitated workshops to identify process improvements and implement best practices across projects.
Executive VP Product, Marketing, Sales and CS
Hamilton Collection
06.1999 - 09.2003
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency and drive revenue growth.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate operational effectiveness and align with corporate goals.
- Oversaw budget development and resource allocation to optimize organizational performance
- Led cross-functional teams in executing large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints, contributing to overall company success.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Maximized return on investment for marketing initiatives, employing data-driven strategies and continuous optimization.
- Drove talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier candidates, building a high-performing team capable of achieving company objectives.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through careful financial analysis and budget management, positively impacting overall profitability.
- Guided the development of innovative product offerings, driving market expansion and revenue growth.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Secured significant cost reductions, negotiating favorable contracts with key suppliers.
CEO
Consumer Direct
05.1995 - 06.1999
- Founded my own direct advertising and fulfillment agency.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, optimizing resource allocation and project outcomes.
- Generated high profile clients and helped them successfully launch new businesses.
- Created proprietary computer fulfillment system to segregate and manage multiple businesses at one time.
- Developed relationships with direct marketing media brokers offering clients unparalleled media costs.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners to support strategic business objectives.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce operational expenses without sacrificing quality.
- Directed launch of innovative products, capturing new market segments and driving both agency and client revenue growth.
President
Dansk Gorham Direct
10.1992 - 03.1995
- Directed all organizational development, aligning departmental goals with overall business objectives.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
- Launched new products successfully into the market after meticulous research, planning, and marketing campaigns.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
- Prepared annual budgets and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
President
Yield House Furniture
02.1989 - 09.1992
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders to enhance collaboration and drive project success.
- Implemented performance improvement initiatives, resulting in increased operational efficiency across multiple teams.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Streamlined organizational processes by evaluating current systems and implementing improvements.
- Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
- Boosted economic growth with strategic investments in infrastructure and technology sectors.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate the profitability of the business.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Adopted cutting-edge technologies to improve productivity levels within the organization.
- Oversaw all marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Launched new products successfully into the market after meticulous research, planning, and marketing campaigns.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
President
Waterford Wedgwood Direct
05.1987 - 02.1989
- Directed organizational development, aligning departmental goals with overall business objectives.
- Led cross-functional teams in developing innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making and capitalize on growth opportunities.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Prepared annual budgets and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Adopted cutting-edge technologies to improve productivity levels within the organization.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to shareholders.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Mentored senior leadership team, fostering professional development and succession planning within the organization.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Launched new products successfully into the market after meticulous research, planning, and marketing campaigns.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
President
Lenox Collections
03.1981 - 03.1987
- Directed organizational strategy, including development of all business departments in line with overall business objectives.
- Oversaw budget management processes, ensuring alignment with financial targets and resource allocation.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor progress towards strategic goals and objectives.
- Mentored senior leadership team, fostering professional development and succession planning within the organization.
- Prepared annual budgets and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Drove revenue growth to $50 million in just the 5th year by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Delivered operational excellence by optimizing resources, processes, and overall cost structure.
- Launched new products successfully into the market after meticulous research, planning, and marketing campaigns.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to shareholders and board of directors.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability to $10 million in just the 5th year of operation.
- Oversaw all divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
Director of Marketing; Program Director
The Franklin Mint, Canada and The Franklin Mint, USA
06.1977 - 03.1981
- Developed and implemented integrated marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and market share.
- Analyzed market trends and customer insights to inform strategic decision-making and optimize marketing initiatives.
- Developed comprehensive international marketing plans in alignment with overall business goals and objectives
- Oversaw the creation of compelling marketing materials, including multi-channel media and direct mail brochures/mailers.
- Oversaw the creation of compelling marketing materials, including brochures, presentations, and social media content.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Conducted performance analysis of marketing programs, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Developed and successfully launched new product initiatives in both North America, the UK, Germany, France and Australia including best selling programs for the Royal Society for Protection of Birds and The World Wildlife Fund.
Product and Marketing Manager
Harlequin Romances
02.1974 - 06.1977
- Developed and executed marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams in launching successful promotional campaigns for new book releases.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer insights to inform product positioning and messaging.
- Managed relationships with authors to optimize collaborative marketing efforts.
- Oversaw budget allocation for marketing initiatives, ensuring cost-effective execution of campaigns.
- Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of marketing campaigns.
- Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors.
- Coordinated with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets.
- Managed budget allocation and resource utilization to maximize marketing ROI.
- Executed comprehensive marketing plans that consistently achieved targets for increased revenue.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, and other collateral.
- Analyzed campaign performance data to adjust tactics and maximize ROI.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure favorable terms and supporting budget objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada05-1971
Skills
- Innovative product development
- Creative marketing expert
- Data-driven decision making
- Strategic planning
- Talent acquisition
- Sales leadership
- Client engagement
- Strategic business planning
- Executive leadership
Accomplishments
- Developed more than 50 individual product collections with sales exceeding over $25 million
- Planned and executed numerous direct marketing fulfillment systems
- Effectively executed hundreds of direct marketing campaigns including multi-media advertising and direct mail campaigns
- Led teams of highly skilled executives to achieve phenomenal sales and profit results
- Met or exceeded ROI results over 90% of the time
- Product expertise in categories including ceramic and crystal sculpture, fine jewelry, furniture and home decor, and pharmaceutical products
Timeline
Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
AmMed Direct
03.2007 - 04.2012
Consultant
Consultant
10.2003 - 02.2007
Executive VP Product, Marketing, Sales and CS
Hamilton Collection
06.1999 - 09.2003
CEO
Consumer Direct
05.1995 - 06.1999
President
Dansk Gorham Direct
10.1992 - 03.1995
President
Yield House Furniture
02.1989 - 09.1992
President
Waterford Wedgwood Direct
05.1987 - 02.1989
President
Lenox Collections
03.1981 - 03.1987
Director of Marketing; Program Director
The Franklin Mint, Canada and The Franklin Mint, USA
06.1977 - 03.1981
Product and Marketing Manager
Harlequin Romances
02.1974 - 06.1977
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Western Ontario