Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Linda Tolleson

Consultant | Retail Strategy & Business Development Executive
Frisco,TX

Summary

Dynamic executive with over 20 years in retail strategy, business development, and brand expansion, specializing in high-impact contracts within airport retail. Known for driving multi-million dollar growth and pioneering innovative retail concepts across domestic and international markets. Demonstrates exceptional skill in RFP execution, project leadership, and operational optimization, achieving measurable revenue increases and industry-leading brand partnerships.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

President/Owner

LKT + Co Consulting
10.2023 - Current
  • Provide consulting expertise to airport retailers, assisting in RFP submissions and securing high-value contracts
  • Lead merchandise strategy development, negotiating vendor programs and new assortments to optimize client revenue
  • Guide brand portfolio development for targeted expansion within airport retail environments

Director of Retail/Business Development

Areas USA
01.2020 - 01.2023
  • Directed RFP and contract retention strategies, achieving a 98% contract renewal rate across major airport retail locations and generating $45M in annual revenue
  • Spearheaded store layout, design, and aesthetic standards for proprietary market concepts
  • Defined and implemented strategic growth plans to maximize retail footprint and profitability in high-traffic environments

VP of RFP, Merchandise & Concepts

Hudson Group
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Led strategic RFP submissions, securing a 10-year LAX contract valued at $120M and introducing premier luxury brands like Bvlgari and Ferragamo into U.S
  • Airport retail
  • Awarded 'Best New Concept' for Fred Segal at LAX, driving brand visibility and customer engagement
  • Managed a North American portfolio of stores generating $1.9B in annual sales, with a focus on brand partnerships, market trend analysis, and concept innovation
  • Expanded brand portfolio by 50+ brands, including first-to-airport concepts, strengthening Hudson’s market position

VP of Concepts & Merchandise

World Duty Free Group | HMS Host
01.2003 - 01.2016
  • Led strategic growth for over 300 North American stores, representing $265M in annual revenue
  • Directed a 6-person team in developing RFP and retail strategies that maximized airport real estate and delivered on brand development goals
  • Identified business opportunities through in-depth market research, boosting bottom-line profits by expanding partnerships and optimizing operational efficiencies

VP of Global Operations

Universal Recreation Group
01.2001 - 01.2003
  • Oversaw retail operations across Universal Studios Theme Parks in Spain, Japan, Hollywood, and Orlando, establishing best practices that increased revenue across international sites
  • Led staff development initiatives and standardized operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent brand representation across all locations

VP of Operations

Universal Studios Japan
01.1999 - 01.2001
  • Managed the end-to-end development and launch of 18 retail stores in Universal Studios Japan, achieving $300M in retail sales within the first operational year
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams in design, construction, and merchandising to ensure timely, on-brand openings within budget constraints
  • Directed a 12-person executive team and 1200 associates, driving operational excellence and revenue growth

Education

Associate of Arts - Did Not Graduate

Tarrant County College
Fort Worth, TX
05.2001 -

Skills

Retail Business Strategy

High-Value RFP Negotiation

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Brand Portfolio Expansion

Strategic Retail Planning & Merchandising

Market Analysis & Trend Identification

Project & Program Management

Contract Negotiation and Compliance

MS

Timeline

President/Owner

LKT + Co Consulting
10.2023 - Current

Director of Retail/Business Development

Areas USA
01.2020 - 01.2023

VP of RFP, Merchandise & Concepts

Hudson Group
01.2016 - 01.2020

VP of Concepts & Merchandise

World Duty Free Group | HMS Host
01.2003 - 01.2016

Associate of Arts - Did Not Graduate

Tarrant County College
05.2001 -

VP of Global Operations

Universal Recreation Group
01.2001 - 01.2003

VP of Operations

Universal Studios Japan
01.1999 - 01.2001

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Linda TollesonConsultant | Retail Strategy & Business Development Executive