Stephen Roche
Bethlehem,PA
Summary
Accomplished leader in the global consumer products sector, known for driving over $300M in annual royalties. Skilled in product development and strategic planning, with a strong focus on cross-departmental collaboration and client relations to enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Global Consumer Products
Major League Baseball
New York, New York
03.2017 - Current
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align company goals with market trends. Development and execution, and associated P&L responsibilities, of the MLB Authentic Collection business plan consisting of on-field apparel, headwear, and sporting goods/equipment, generating over $300M in royalties annually.
- Negotiated contracts with companies who wish to use the MLB platform to promote and expose their brand on field and on players by creating licensing fees and a royalty structure for items that are seen on-field that can be purchased by consumers at global retail locations.
- Managed cross-departmental executive collaboration both internally and externally (30 clubs) amongst key departmental stakeholders such as Legal, Labor Relations, Baseball Operations, Marketing, Players/Umpires Union to improve operational efficiency and communication.
- Facilitated executive meetings to drive decision-making and strategic direction.
- Cultivated a culture of on-site collaboration among department heads to facilitate cross-functional project execution for MLB's jewel events (Ex: Little League Classic, Field of Dreams, All-Star Week events, Rickwood Field, Bristol Motor Speedway Classic, World Baseball Classic and Postseason/World Series).
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for growth within existing markets or new ones.
- Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.
- Drove revenue by cultivating successful client relations with key partners such as Nike, Fanatics, New Era, Rawlings, Marucci, Franklin, KITH, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Tiffany.
Director, MLB Business
VF Corp/Majestic Athletic
Easton, Pennsylvania
01.2013 - 03.2017
- Managed and grew the MLB Authentic Collection apparel category (Development, QC/Field Testing, Forecasting, Inventory Management, Margin Analysis, Retail Marketing, Product Life Cycles and Retail Service Model) from $77.8M to $96.2M, achieving $18.4M in growth over 3 years..
- Managed supply chain for over 130 different MLB Uniforms in 2016 for both the clubhouses and retail execution plans
- Responsible for creating the exit and entry strategic plan for the MLB replica jersey in 2015 and 2016, which included over 1 million units. Exiting old inventory, daily management of supply/demanded jerseys, and introduction of new product flow into marketplace while reacting to the demand set by clubs on-field performances and push towards playoffs.
- Responsible for shareholder reporting through VF Corp quarterly business reviews.
Director MLB Team Services/Concession Retail
VF Corp/Majestic Athletic
Easton, Pennsylvania
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Managed clubhouse managers' business model with inventory management and service models required for custom uniforms for each player.
- Created and executed player uniform fit sessions for Opening Day uniforms.
- Worked directly with MLB Players on product innovation/development and QC testing.
- Executed a retail offering of all on-field apparel pieces for stadium retail resulting in $30M in Majestic sales for club retail. Executed by managing supply chain and sales programs that would allow club retail business to capitalize on the attandance and succes of thier team.
Manager, Concession Sales/Marketing
VF Corp/Majestic Athletic
Easton, Pennsylvania
01.2007 - 12.2010
Manager, Concession Sales/Sponsorships/Outfitting
Majestic Athletic
Bangor, Pennsylvania
01.2000 - 12.2007
Team Service Manager - MLB Clubhouses
Starter Corporation
New Haven, Connecticut
01.1996 - 05.1999
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications/Concentration in Sports Management
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT05-1995
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Contract negotiation
- P&L management
- Product development
- Client relations
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Supply chain management
- Team leadership
- Executive communication
- Proposals and presentations
- Decision making
- Industry best practices
Affiliations
- Active Fundraiser for local non-profit Lehigh Valley Phantoms Youth Hockey Organization
- MLB MENTOR Program
Accomplishments
- 2021 Sports Event of the Year - MLB Field of Dreams
- 2022 Sporting Goods Journal - Best Fashion Statement/MLB City Connect Uniforms
- 2023 Sports Business Journal - League of the Year/Major League Baseball
- 2024 Sports Business Journal - Event of the Year - Rickwood Field Classic
Timeline
Vice President, Global Consumer Products
Major League Baseball
03.2017 - Current
Director, MLB Business
VF Corp/Majestic Athletic
01.2013 - 03.2017
Director MLB Team Services/Concession Retail
VF Corp/Majestic Athletic
01.2010 - 12.2013
Manager, Concession Sales/Marketing
VF Corp/Majestic Athletic
01.2007 - 12.2010
Manager, Concession Sales/Sponsorships/Outfitting
Majestic Athletic
01.2000 - 12.2007
Team Service Manager - MLB Clubhouses
Starter Corporation
01.1996 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Communications/Concentration in Sports Management
University of New Haven
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