Nicole Balkau
Parsippany,NJ
Summary
Insight-driven brand strategist with deep expertise in developing and executing end-to-end brand and marketing strategies that maximize commercial impact in premium and FMCG categories. Translates consumer and market insights into initiatives that drive innovation, strengthens brand positioning, and identifies growth opportunities. Combines analytical rigor with creative intuition to foster a collaborative, solution-focused leadership style and achieve sustainable brand growth across complex organizations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations and Client Services
Apex Wealth Partners
Paramus, NJ
01.2026 - Current
- Leads firm operations and client service strategy, overseeing workflows, pipelines, and performance metrics to drive growth and client satisfaction.
- Drives the design and execution of operational processes and initiatives that standardize service delivery and enable measurable service performance.
- Partners with advisors and leadership to analyze business performance and client trends, translating insights into actionable initiatives that optimize retention, efficiency, and service quality.
- Manages operations support staff, driving team performance and achievement of departmental goals.
Client Acquisition & Financial Rep
Apex Wealth Partners
Paramus, NJ
12.2024 - 12.2025
- Developed client acquisition strategies through outreach initiatives, expanding firm’s client base by 22%.
- Built and nurtured high-value relationships with prospective clients through workshops, networking events, and consultative financial guidance, converting leads into long-term clients.
- Increased client retention by 12% and referrals by 20% through tailored engagement programs.
- Implemented comprehensive financial strategies aligned with client goals and market trends, translating complex concepts into clear, actionable insights to strengthen trust and buy-in.
Brand Manager
Safilo USA
Secaucus, NJ
01.2021 - 11.2023
- Led strategic growth of $1B+ eyewear giant’s luxury portfolio, bridging global objectives with regional brand and marketing strategies to deliver measurable commercial impact.
- Owned and executed product strategy and design alignment using sales, consumer, and market insights, analyzing full-funnel performance to capture new market opportunities and strengthen brand positioning.
- Spearheaded new product and fit segment launches, driving 32% YOY net sales growth for Marc Jacobs.
- Doubled Marc Jacobs eyewear sales and quadrupled retail distribution through a globally aligned rebrand underpinned by cross-category marketing and innovative product strategy.
- Boosted brand visibility and campaign performance through full-funnel media, PR, and trade initiatives, developing KPIs that achieved a 450% digital ROI and a 175% Isabel Marant e-commerce sales lift.
- Managed P&L and marketing budgets, executing initiatives that maximized ROI and met profitability targets.
- Increased customer retention by 20% and purchase frequency by 15% for Jimmy Choo through targeted CRM and trade marketing programs.
- Enhanced market positioning in key accounts through collaborative sales and influencer-supported initiatives, contributing to 200% growth in total sales orders.
- Improved inventory efficiency through strategic assortment and SKU planning, reducing backorders by 25% and increasing gross margin by 3%.
Brand Manager
Marcolin USA
Sommerville, NJ
05.2017 - 09.2020
- Led integrated brand, marketing, and product strategy for a $600M+ eyewear leader’s diffusion portfolio, driving market expansion, increasing regional/global reach, and boosting revenue growth across key segments.
- Managed product development lifecycle, aligning creative direction with consumer insights and market trends to enhance commercial performance.
- Revitalized CoverGirl Eyewear by leading the collection relaunch with targeted trade and media strategies, driving a 38% YOY sales increase and reestablishing the brand’s market presence.
- Generated $4.5M+ in revenue and achieved double-digit distribution growth by launching new product lines for Skechers and Swarovski in collaboration with trade marketing and sales teams.
- Monitored market performance and led business reviews using KPIs and performance dashboards, optimizing campaigns and brand plans to meet global and regional objectives.
Assistant Licensing Manager
Innovative Designs
New York, NY
05.2016 - 05.2017
- Managed licensed stationery products for top entertainment brands including Disney, Nickelodeon, Marvel, Warner Bros, and DreamWorks, upholding brand integrity and ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.
- Collaborated with internal teams and vendors to align on timelines, quality standards, and testing requirements.
- Streamlined artwork and product approval workflows by implementing a new tracking system, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating approvals for on-time market delivery.
Brand Product Manager
B. Robinson Eyewear
New York, NY
06.2015 - 05.2016
- Led category development for Revo and Izod eyewear, driving end-to-end product strategy and collaborating with cross-functional teams to create collections that exceeded sales expectations.
- Drove product development and launch of new product category, contributing to 17% sales growth.
- Managed design reviews, material selection, and approvals to align with quality and cost targets.
Assistant Sourcing Manager
The Children's Place
Secaucus, New Jersey
06.2014 - 06.2015
- Coordinated sourcing and product development for dual-gender denim and woven apparel categories, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve timelines and cost targets.
- Maintained cost sheets, purchase orders, and seasonal tracking tools, enhancing data accuracy and alignment across sourcing, merchandising, and production teams.
- Tracked sample development and fabric approvals with overseas vendors for over 1K samples, ensuring quality standards and adherence to key seasonal milestones.
- Supported vendor communications and pre-production workflows, facilitating cross-functional WIP discussions to identify bottlenecks and implement timely process improvements.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Merchandise Product Development
Fashion Institute of Design And Merchandising
Los Angeles, CA06-2010
Skills
- Brand strategy and positioning
- Go-to-market strategy and execution
- Product development and merchandising
- Trade, channel and category strategy
- Digital, DTC and omnichannel marketing
- Market segmentation
- Consumer and market analysis
- Marketing budget and P&L management
- Campaign measurement and ROI optimization
- Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder alignment
- Financial and commercial acumen
Timeline
Director of Operations and Client Services
Apex Wealth Partners
01.2026 - Current
Client Acquisition & Financial Rep
Apex Wealth Partners
12.2024 - 12.2025
Brand Manager
Safilo USA
01.2021 - 11.2023
Brand Manager
Marcolin USA
05.2017 - 09.2020
Assistant Licensing Manager
Innovative Designs
05.2016 - 05.2017
Brand Product Manager
B. Robinson Eyewear
06.2015 - 05.2016
Assistant Sourcing Manager
The Children's Place
06.2014 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Merchandise Product Development
Fashion Institute of Design And Merchandising