Paula Cook
Dallas,TX
Summary
Results-driven Sales and Retail Business Development Executive with extensive experience in retail sales strategy, global cross category programs and negotiations. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams while maximizing customer satisfaction and achieving significant revenue growth. Notable achievements include the successful implementation of innovative strategies that enhanced market share and profitability, supported by strong skills in data analysis and strategic planning. Recognized for fostering collaborative environments that drive collective business objectives.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Tech Advisor to CEO (EVP Equivalent)
GameStop
Dallas, TX
12.2024 - Current
- Head of Merchandising & Marketing
- Responsible for the overall strategy and execution of product assortment, promotion, pricing, and placement in-store across all categories to maximize sales and profit
- Provide leadership by empowering direct reports with ownership over categories and meeting target metrics of sales, COGS, margins, inventory productivity, market share, Private Label penetration, and overall profitability
- Hands-on leader that cultivated a culture of collaboration across the organization to optimize work processes that improved quality, customer satisfaction, sales, and profitability
VP Sales
Warner Bros Discovery
NY, NY; Burbank, CA; Dallas, TX
11.2007 - 08.2024
- Achieved $4 billion in sales across the US and Latam regions
- Amplified recognition of beloved franchises such as Batman, MK, Disney, and LEGO utilizing comprehensive methods - streaming, omnichannel, retail, on demand, etc..
- Maintained stable operations for WB teams amid changes in ownership by six different Fortune 500 companies
- Drove Business Development efforts, securing global product positioning with Warner Bros Discovery
- Developed and implemented sales strategies to improve market share
- Sustained profitability by negotiating contracts with partners and customers consecutively for 16 years at WB.
- Designed global strategic frameworks to harmonize business targets with company's evolving vision in response to corporate transformations.
Sales Director NA Markets
Konami Digital Entertainment
El Segundo, CA/Tokyo, Japan
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Oversaw the performance of external sales representatives, internal sales team, and operational and administrative staff.
- Generated a 60% growth in Walmart business within the first year of tenure.
- Established and maintained relationships with key customers to identify new business opportunities for Dance Dance Revolution.
- Negotiated contracts with potential partners while maintaining a focus on profitability objectives.
- Successfully negotiated with Walmart to enhance shelf space and boost store counts for challenging titles such as Pro Evolution Soccer, Hitman, and Formula 1 resulting in an $8MM increase in sell-through.
Sales Manager Domestic Special Markets
Hasbro Toys
Pawtucket, RI
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Utilized sales skills in business development roles to successfully pitch and secure new accounts across a wide range of industries including retailers, convenience stores, food and drug chains, discount chains, DIY stores, eCommerce platforms and the Military.
- Achieved 80% growth in gross sales within first year by tapping into new & special markets such as Best Buy, 7-11, HEB, Academy and Gamestop.
- Initiated and executed bespoke programs for emerging accounts for notable brands like Disney, Nerf, My Little Pony, Tonka, Star Wars to name a few.
Sales Manager NA Markets
Eidos Interactive
San Francisco, CA; London, England
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Delivered outstanding performance by achieving the highest internal territory rank at Eidos.
- Boosted gross revenue by $38MM by executing successful campaigns for renowned brands including Tomb Raider, LEGO, Star Wars, Batman and Hitman.
- Created and presented monthly reports to management on sales performance.
- Facilitated the company's smooth transition to Walmart's first-ever Retail Link system mandate.
- Took the lead in implementing a jewel case program at Walmart, resulting in a $5MM boost in sales.
Director Sales & Marketing, NA
Midway Home Entertainment
Corsicana, TX; Chicago, IL
01.1994 - 01.2002
- Surpassed a $100MM goal for the first time ever, exceeding annual sales targets.
- Profitably managed P&L marketing budgets for popular video game titles such as Mortal Kombat, NFL Blitz, Ready to Rumble, Gauntlet, Cruisin' USA, and Doom 64.
- Developed and executed marketing campaigns for Mortal Kombat in collaboration with New Line Cinema for two movie releases
- Conducted cutting-edge market research to identify industry trends, optimal pricing strategies, and competitive advantages.
- Motivated executives to implement the internet!
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Texas A&M University
Skills
- Holistic Retail and Digital Strategy Planning
- People & Global Key Account Management
- Strong Contract Negotiation
- Relationship Management Skills
- Internal and Account C-Suite Executive Engagement
- CPG Leader
- P&L Ownership
- Global Strategic Partnerships
- Brand Marketing Champion
- KPI & Sales Tracking
- Partnership Guidance
- Multi-Organizational Project Ownership
Philanthropy
Various nonprofit boards associated with United Way, Texas A&M, Navarro College, Corsicana ISD, Camp of the Rising Sun, etc.
Affiliations
- Walmart Vendor of the Year
- Multiple Gamestop Vendor Awards
Timeline
Sr Tech Advisor to CEO (EVP Equivalent)
GameStop
12.2024 - Current
VP Sales
Warner Bros Discovery
11.2007 - 08.2024
Sales Director NA Markets
Konami Digital Entertainment
01.2006 - 01.2007
Sales Manager Domestic Special Markets
Hasbro Toys
01.2005 - 01.2006
Sales Manager NA Markets
Eidos Interactive
01.2002 - 01.2005
Director Sales & Marketing, NA
Midway Home Entertainment
01.1994 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Texas A&M University