Derek Grundy
Vice President HongFu (HuaLi) Industrial Group - Nike Division at HuaLi Industrial Group- Claim this Profile
Click to upgrade to our gold package
for the full feature experience.
-
Vietnamese Limited working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Björn Kälin
Derek is a passionate and authentic leader. He has the amazing ability to build bridges across cultures, involve everybody in a team and motivate each and everyone to give their best. Derek brings humanity to work. His humbleness combined with his ambition in sports allows him to achieve great things with his team. And most of all, he knows how to develop successful businesses based on successful people. Derek really lives up to what people describe as "win-win-partnerships".
Kevin Brochu
I had the privilege of working with Derek at Reebok and was impressed by his dedication to the team, his passion for the brand and his ability to work cross-functionally to achieve success on projects. The CrossFit partnership at Reebok was groundbreaking in many ways for the brand and without Derek’s vast knowledge and expertise in footwear development, many of the key footwear assets that were developed would not have occurred without his involvement. Derek is a truly great asset to have on your team and a gifted educator with his knowledge of footwear.
Björn Kälin
Derek is a passionate and authentic leader. He has the amazing ability to build bridges across cultures, involve everybody in a team and motivate each and everyone to give their best. Derek brings humanity to work. His humbleness combined with his ambition in sports allows him to achieve great things with his team. And most of all, he knows how to develop successful businesses based on successful people. Derek really lives up to what people describe as "win-win-partnerships".
Kevin Brochu
I had the privilege of working with Derek at Reebok and was impressed by his dedication to the team, his passion for the brand and his ability to work cross-functionally to achieve success on projects. The CrossFit partnership at Reebok was groundbreaking in many ways for the brand and without Derek’s vast knowledge and expertise in footwear development, many of the key footwear assets that were developed would not have occurred without his involvement. Derek is a truly great asset to have on your team and a gifted educator with his knowledge of footwear.
Björn Kälin
Derek is a passionate and authentic leader. He has the amazing ability to build bridges across cultures, involve everybody in a team and motivate each and everyone to give their best. Derek brings humanity to work. His humbleness combined with his ambition in sports allows him to achieve great things with his team. And most of all, he knows how to develop successful businesses based on successful people. Derek really lives up to what people describe as "win-win-partnerships".
Kevin Brochu
I had the privilege of working with Derek at Reebok and was impressed by his dedication to the team, his passion for the brand and his ability to work cross-functionally to achieve success on projects. The CrossFit partnership at Reebok was groundbreaking in many ways for the brand and without Derek’s vast knowledge and expertise in footwear development, many of the key footwear assets that were developed would not have occurred without his involvement. Derek is a truly great asset to have on your team and a gifted educator with his knowledge of footwear.
Björn Kälin
Derek is a passionate and authentic leader. He has the amazing ability to build bridges across cultures, involve everybody in a team and motivate each and everyone to give their best. Derek brings humanity to work. His humbleness combined with his ambition in sports allows him to achieve great things with his team. And most of all, he knows how to develop successful businesses based on successful people. Derek really lives up to what people describe as "win-win-partnerships".
Kevin Brochu
I had the privilege of working with Derek at Reebok and was impressed by his dedication to the team, his passion for the brand and his ability to work cross-functionally to achieve success on projects. The CrossFit partnership at Reebok was groundbreaking in many ways for the brand and without Derek’s vast knowledge and expertise in footwear development, many of the key footwear assets that were developed would not have occurred without his involvement. Derek is a truly great asset to have on your team and a gifted educator with his knowledge of footwear.
Credentials
-
Vietnamese Language Skills Level One
VLStudies - Vietnamese Language StudiesJan, 2016- Nov, 2024 -
Coaching Certification
Endicott College
Experience
-
HuaLi Industrial Group
-
China
-
Sporting Goods Manufacturing
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Vice President HongFu (HuaLi) Industrial Group - Nike Division
-
Jan 2021 - Present
• Lead, inspire, coach, and provide strategic direction for HuaLi Industrial Group (previously “HongFu”) Nike business and operations, a Division of HuaLi Industrial Group (HLIG), publicly traded on Shenzhen Stock Exchange (300979). • Responsible for leadership, management, oversight, and P&L for 5 Nike specific factory locations, Nike Product Creation Center (PCC), and scope of 60K+ employees. • Drive accelerated growth and scale for our Nike operation inclusive of factory conversions, new greenfield sites, sub capacity ramp up plans, and talent acquisition/retention strategy to support. • Inspire and build team capabilities to prepare for sustainable long term growth. • Align business and planning with Group level executive team and Group strategy. • Maintain strong connection and strategic alignment with Nike brand leadership team to enable optimal win-win partnership.• Emphasize, role model, and lead with Lean (people first) operating system, principles, and mindset to encourage continuous improvement on a daily basis.• Prioritize and drive sustainability initiatives across our entire business scope to keep people healthy, safe, engaged, and play our part to improve environmental factors that will create a better tomorrow. Show less
-
-
General Manager HongFu (HuaLi) Industrial Group - Nike Division
-
Jan 2020 - Jan 2021
• Led and managed Nike Footwear Business for HongFu Group (HFG), including responsibility for All Factory Operations/Functional Teams at multiple sourcing locations, Product Creation, and Business Development. • Oversaw operation and scope of 35K+ employees at 2 factory locations, Annora Footwear Limited (VQ) and Rollsport II (VQ2). • Led strategic business growth initiative, ramp up plan, and adoption of HFG’s 2nd exclusive Nike factory, Rollsport II (VQ2). • Strategically aligned with Nike on capability investment plan which led to expansion in to new product such as Jordan, Dunk, Air, and Crater Foam Move to Zero (MTZ) product. • Continuously evaluated additional sourcing opportunities to support Nike growth plans, inclusive of new locations, enhanced capabilities, factory optimization, and automation solutions. Show less
-
-
Vice General Manager HongFu Industrial Group - Nike Inc. Division, Annora Factory Ltd. (VQ)
-
Feb 2018 - Jan 2020
• Led and managed all aspects of OEM Footwear Manufacturing Factory and Product Creation Center for HongFu Group’s (HFG) exclusive Nike factory, Annora Footwear Limited (VQ) in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Categories included Nike Sportswear (NSW), Nike SB, Super Core, Kids, and Converse. • Provided vision for entire factory operation. • Sustained strong overall MI performance, achieving 12 consecutive Quarters of Silver rating. • Achieved FY18 & FY19 1st Place Nike Quality Award. • Manufactured 3 of top 10 models in footwear industry. • Elevated capability for product creation, manufacturing, IE, engineering, development, tooling, chemical, materials, quality, delivery, costing, HR, talent, Lean, modernization, innovation, speed, sustainability, IT, digital, community engagement, security, finance. • Strengthened connection and business development initiatives with Nike Leadership in Vietnam Partner Management Office, Singapore Regional Office, Beaverton USA WHQ. • Created/deployed strategic plan and provided clear direction internally and externally. • Presented Quarterly Review to HFG Chairman and Executives. • Supported Executive Team w/ Strategy for factories in VN, CN, Myanmar, Dominican Republic - 150K employees, 20+ customers - Nike, Vans, Cons, Puma, UA, ON Running, Cole Haan, Toms, Keds, Wolverine, Hoka, Saucony, UGG, Columbia, Teva. Show less
-
-
-
Reebok
-
United States
-
Manufacturing
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Senior Director Vietnam Creation Center & Core Footwear
-
2016 - 2018
• Responsible for achieving business growth targets, managing product creation process, and delivering volume to our factory partners for 8+ million pairs of footwear on an annual basis resulting in net sales of +$300M.• Selected to adidas-group Brand Development Series (BDS), composed of top 25 high potential Senior Director level talents within the group. Went through intensive professional career coaching, self reflection with personal executive coach, consultants, and adidas-group Training Academy in Moscow, Russia. Volunteered and served as Diversity & Inclusion Ambassador for adidas-group APAC. • Created and drove innovation initiatives for the Reebok brand as it relates to materials, process, and design. • Pioneered unprecedented service and speed to market opportunities for Reebok footwear through co-located business model, local sourcing of materials, and streamlined sales/creation process. • Inspired, led, and motivated 6 direct footwear product marketing and design reports located in Vietnam and in remote locations across the globe. • Provided vision and operational influence to a team of over 100 factory-direct development/operations employees, within Hwa Seung Vina factory (30K employees). • Responsible for annual budgeting for overall product team, creation center operation/expansion plans, and tooling/innovation. Show less
-
-
Director Vietnam Creation Center & Core Footwear
-
2014 - 2016
• Created and implemented the footwear industry's first co-located product marketing, design, development operation in Asia where we owned all global P&L responsibility, business planning, and product creation from a remote location, netting in accelerated volume growth, profitability, and record speed to market/responsiveness programs. • Led and managed cross functional footwear product creation team directly on site at our key commercial factory, Hwa Seung Vina (Vietnam). • Implemented a new business model for the Reebok brand by closely collaborating with factory counterparts in a co-located set-up to improve product, enhance speed to market, and maximize efficiency across our brand and the adidas-group. • Set, measured, and evaluated business and creation center business targets focused on long-term sustainable growth and profitability for our portfolio of value footwear across sport performance and casual product. Show less
-
-
Director Reebok Classics and Basketball Footwear
-
2013 - 2014
• Led strategic direction and drove growth for the Reebok Royal Flag Classics and Royal Basketball Footwear business. • Provided clear vision to entire product team and company on Reebok Royal Flag business.
-
-
Senior Product Manager Reebok Classics Footwear
-
2011 - 2013
• Created new product and branding concept exclusively for commercial ”Core” channel of distribution for Classics footwear business. Managed and oversaw all Reebok Royal Flag footwear for Classics team.• Pioneered a new sales approach by successfully hosting key account, ABC Mart Korea at our factory in Vietnam. • Within first 3 months in the role, created 500K pairs of incremental business for FW12 pull-forward opportunity. • Within first year in the role, grew the annual biz from €35MM to €63MM (2012 to 2013). • Decreased average FOB on like-models in collection by 10% in one year (2012 to 2013). This allowed us to offer more commercial price points to key retailers. • Created and managed life-cycle for the following notable franchise models: Royal Classic Jogger, Royal Complete, Royal Badge, and Royal Belief.• Worked closely with markets to create CTM projects for key accounts such as Shoe Carnival, Shoe Show, Bata, SDI, Decimas, Decathlon, and Deichmann. • Expanded the business to capitalize on new opportunities with new trend/fashion and women’s specific models. • Led and motivated a focused design, development, and marketing team to commercialize low complexity, trend relevant footwear that generated sustainable volume for the brand. • Managed, coached, and led 4 direct product marketing reports including Associate PM, FTP, and Co-Ops. • Worked closely with ASL and external agent factories to quickly react to CTM business opportunities. • Managed material consolidation/refresh program for new models and carry-over models to maximize efficiency and embrace adidas-group Create to Value (CTV) principles. • Consistently presented business updates, strategy, and growth plans to members of Reebok and adidas-group Senior Team. Show less
-
-
adidas-group Footwear Development & Operations Special Assignment, Vietnam
-
Apr 2011 - Jun 2011
• Special assignment to further knowledge on development, production, mold making, costing, material development/procurement, quality control, finished goods testing, commercialization, manufacturing excellence, and Far East Operations. • Attended and contributed to Country Manager team meetings, Design for Profitability (DFP), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Create to Value (CTV), Eliminate Reduce Combine (ERC), Manufacturing Excellence (ME), Continuous Improvement (CI), Human Rights / Social Environmental Accountability (SEA) and Lean Manufacturing workshops. Effectively communicated a marketing point of view to give a complete perspective to the Far East Development/Operations team. • Tasked to identify opportunities to maximize efficiency and lower costs. This assignment and findings led to the development of a new value “core” footwear category at Reebok, Royal Flag, which contributed to significant growth, increased speed to market programs, and increased profitability for the Reebok brand. Show less
-
-
Product Manager Running and Training Footwear
-
2008 - 2011
• Product Line Manager responsible for initial launch of ZigTech, RealFlex, and CrossFit performance footwear. • Managed the following notable footwear models from brief to product launch: ZigPulse, ZigSonic, ZigDynamic, RealFlex Run, RealFlex Transition, Realflex CrossFit Nano, and CrossFit Oly. • Met with over 20 elite CrossFit athletes and trainers to enroll them in product creation process and gather credible insight for the initial crossfit footwear line. • Worked closely with Consumer/Brand Insights Group to understand consumer needs and determine strategic product messaging, naming, and positioning.• Prior to CrossFit partnership, proactively pursued professional relationship with CrossFit Boston by bringing training product team to periodic WOD’s. Developed Olympic lifting shoe with help of box owner. • Implemented Reebok Running/Training Footwear Team Quarterly Newsletter and Awards Program. • Challenged and inspired development/design teams for innovative solutions & unique approaches. • Traveled extensively to Far East factories to work with design and development for seasonal team travel. • Maintained external relationships with influential buyers/retailers, publications, and suppliers. • Consistently met with training expert Mike Boyle to stay on top of industry trends and to co-brief a new lightweight/deconstructed training shoe, which became the Mobile Travel Trainer. • Traveled on global market visits to LAM, AP, EMEA, and US to identify trends and opportunities. Market trips and analysis include France, Italy, Germany, UK, Spain, Netherlands, China, Korea, Chile, Panama, Colombia, and Mexico. Show less
-
-
-
AQx Sports Inc.
-
United States
-
Wellness and Fitness Services
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
General Manager Footwear & Equipment
-
2005 - 2008
• Drove business strategy and P&L, while launching multiple product lines within the fitness/training/therapy industry, where differentiation was key to success. • Managed sourcing and product development activity, costing, negotiations, logistics with Far East factories, suppliers, and sourcing agents. • Developed understanding of wholesale, direct to consumer, and international distributor business models. • Doubled sales in two consecutive years, while managing 12 sales reps and 2 internal employees. • Developed partnerships with Nike SPARQ Training, USA Triathlon, USA Track & Field, and Tim Grover Attack Athletics (personal trainer for Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade). • Formed strong relationships with fitness professionals, athletes, and publications, which led to PR/editorial coverage in ESPN the Magazine, Men’s Fitness, Stack Magazine, Runner’s World, Triathlon Magazine, and The LA Times. • International Distribution point person - Set up distribution and royalty contracts internationally in Canada, UK, South America, Finland, and Japan. Led a promotional tour in UK market, acquiring key partners such as British Royal Marines, Premier League Football Clubs, and British Institute of Sport. • Analyzed product testing data with R&D and legal team to create product claims. • Worked closely with private investors, Wells Fargo US, and International banks to guarantee line of credit to maintain cash flow/inventory position. • Managed relationship with legal counsel to secure patents & trademarks. • Created and managed AQx Master Trainer Certification for fitness professionals. • Arranged and led merger/acquisition meetings at Nike World HQ. • Presented strategy and financials Quarterly to Board of Directors, owners, & private investors. • In 3 years, progressed from NE Sales Rep, to US National Sales Manager, to VP/GM. • Effective performance led to equity stake and Board of Directors seat. Show less
-
-
-
Baseline Sport Marketing
-
Beaverton, Oregon, United States
-
Co-Owner & Consultant
-
2005 - 2008
Created Baseline Sport Marketing Agency and Consultancy to specialize in developing marketing and sales strategies for sporting goods/fitness products, services. and events. Baseline provided support for business owners in the sports sector looking to increase brand awareness and become more visible to potential partners. Clients included Hoop Mountain, Official Footwear, Jump Snap, Shot Loc (Hoops Innovation), Aqua Bilt, Jump USA, Tuffy Pad Company, FoldLite Boats, TD Hoops Edge, Newton Running, Loco Running Footwear, basketballrefshoes.com, AND 1 Footwear, and others. Show less
-
-
-
Hoop Mountain
-
Boston, Massachusetts
-
Basketball Operations Manager
-
2002 - 2005
Hoop Mountain is a basketball exposure event company and scouting service based in Boston, MA. While at Hoop Mountain duties included assisting CEO, evaluating talent, managing Personal Instruction Program, directing Point Guard Academy, managing partnership with New Balance Footwear, networking and developing relationships with college basketball coaches nationwide, and implementing various promotions/sales activities for Hoop Mountain events. Hoop Mountain is a basketball exposure event company and scouting service based in Boston, MA. While at Hoop Mountain duties included assisting CEO, evaluating talent, managing Personal Instruction Program, directing Point Guard Academy, managing partnership with New Balance Footwear, networking and developing relationships with college basketball coaches nationwide, and implementing various promotions/sales activities for Hoop Mountain events.
-
-
Education
-
2004 - 2005
Van Loan School at Endicott College
Master of Business Administration (MBA), General Management, Marketing, Consulting -
Endicott College
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Sport Management, Event and Product Marketing
Community
