Experience

Playmates Toys Inc.

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President of Marketing

  • Nov 2011 - Present



DC Comics

• United States
• Entertainment Providers
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Vice President of Business Development

  • Jun 2005 - Aug 2011

  Developed strategic plan to evolve $20MM DC Direct action figure and resin collectibles division from comic book niche manufacturer to specialty, gift and mass channel provider. Identified and implemented improvements to licensing and product portfolio, sales and distribution network, work-flow procedures and financial forecasting and tracking. Worked with cross-functional teams in Product and Packaging Design and Purchasing and Manufacturing to deliver over 150 SKUs annually - on time and on-target with financial requirements. Hired, managed and developed brand management personnel and in-house sales staff. Show less



Play Along, Inc

• Vice President of Marketing

  • Apr 2002 - Nov 2003

  Established, staffed and managed entire marketing division at dynamic new toy company from start-up phase to corporate sale - as volume increased from $35MM to $160MM. Set strategic direction for licensed brands including Care Bears, The Lord of the Rings and Lisa Frank. Implemented documents and procedures including periodic management reviews - as start-up team grew to a network of five Creative Service Designers, five Marketing Managers, and four Project Engineers. Partnered with Research and Development team to keep projects on schedule and within financial targets. Guided Creative Services team in all marketing communication - including packaging, print advertising, sales support materials and trade show presentations. Directed brand teams to support Sales team in developing, controlling and tracking hundreds of quick-turn products "customized" to meet key retailer margins or promotional opportunities. Set advertising communication strategy and oversaw commercial filming and production. Recommended staffing and communication priorities for Public Relations and Online support teams. Created and presented proposals to win new entertainment licenses - including The Cat in the Hat, Teletubbies and Cabbage Patch Kids. Show less



Playmates Toys Inc.

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President of Marketing

  • Dec 1997 - Mar 2002

  Managed profitability of $40MM Boys' Toys business unit - including TLP (profit-and-loss) administration, product development and packaging budgets, and advertising and promotional calendars. Supervised a $7MM annual R&D development budget for over 18 activity, vehicle and male action brands - including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek, The Grinch and The Simpsons. Coordinated and supervised all stages of overseas development, engineering and manufacturing for product and packaging for over 200 SKUs annually. Led development of all marketing communication - including packaging, sales support materials, trade shows, public relations and print, TV and radio advertising. Established positive strategic relationships with licensors to facilitate approval of marketing plans. Participated in new license presentations, outside invention reviews, and internal development teams. Hired, trained and supervised the Boys' Toys staff - including three Marketing Product Managers. Show less



Galoob Toys

• Director of Marketing

  • Jan 1996 - Dec 1997

  Led $80MM multi-year brand launch based on Fox Animation Studio's "Anastasia." Identified product line opportunities for domestic/TV promoted toys and FOB/import items. Directed design to meet product goals and established target costs and profit margins for over 70 SKUs. Participated in all facets of brand communication and sell-in - including Toy Fairs, retailer road shows, sales support materials, packaging, catalog, public relations and advertising strategy. Partnered with national packaged goods brands and other Twentieth Century Fox business divisions: Syndicated Radio, Affiliate TV, Home Video, Exhibitor Relations and Theatrical Marketing. Show less



Mattel, Inc.

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Product Manager

  • Mar 1995 - Jan 1996

  Prepared three-year US and international marketing plan for $60MM Nickelodeon activity toys brand. Led cross-functional project teams with product engineering, design and materials sourcing. Coordinated ten-week interactive feature display and sampling event at Toys'R'Us. Oversaw advertising strategy development and commercial filming and production - including management of $10MM budget for TV and print production and media. Planned promotions with national consumer brands - including Dole, Discover Card and Kraft. Show less



Playmates Toys Inc.

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Product Manager

  • May 1993 - Mar 1995

  Planned brand strategy, product line and development budgets for action figure brands totaling $30MM. Administered $1.3MM development budget for freelance design, sculpting and model making. Reviewed tool layout, decoration plans, final packout and pilot production with overseas manufacturers. Coordinated product review and marketing strategy with licensors. Planned brand strategy, product line and development budgets for action figure brands totaling $30MM. Administered $1.3MM development budget for freelance design, sculpting and model making. Reviewed tool layout, decoration plans, final packout and pilot production with overseas manufacturers. Coordinated product review and marketing strategy with licensors.



Mattel, Inc.

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Product Management Intern

  • Jun 1992 - Dec 1992

  Initiated value-added cross-promotions for 40 Barbie SKUs "customized" for key retailers. Assisted with cross-functional project teams for Barbie and Disney Classics brands. Initiated value-added cross-promotions for 40 Barbie SKUs "customized" for key retailers. Assisted with cross-functional project teams for Barbie and Disney Classics brands.