Patti Schnably Shields
Co-CEO at Blanc Noir- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Catherine Guiley
I have known Patti for over 20 years and have worked with her in various roles at 3 different companies. Patti is an exceptional leader with a strategic vision for the business. She innately understands and maneuvers the levers needed to maximize a business whether it is marketing, product, sourcing, organization, business channel, etc. She digs into each aspect of the business to find hidden opportunities. Patti has immense bandwidth. I have seen her build incredibly strong and resilient teams. Patti does not back down from challenges; she will tackle each that she faces using all resources finding solutions where others wouldn't and then conquering it when most would walk away. I consider myself lucky to have had access to her leadership and vision.
Sheamus Toal
Patti is an absolutely amazing leader!!! She is one of the most versatile business executives that I have had the pleasure of working with in my career. Patti clearly has tremendous experience in Merchandising, over many years, but what really sets her apart is her broad cross functional skills and expertise. She is extremely customer focused and is constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience or journey. Patti successfully combines her amazing taste and style, with a deep understanding of the customer and extremely strong analytical skills to consistently maximize sales. This broad knowledge base enabled her to easily take on the role of President of New York & Company, with direct responsibility for all Merchandising, Marketing, Design, Digital E-Commerce, Planning and Sourcing. In this President role, Patti put her deep knowledge base and collaborative operating style to work quickly and the Company, immediately experienced dramatic increases in sales and profitability, particularly within our digital channels. In addition, to her extremely deep functional experience, Patti is also a very well round business executive. She successfully led our business reorganization both from a process standpoint and human capital perspective and she was an extremely valuable and key partner in the Company Sale Process. She is extremely strategic and very comfortable presenting comprehensive strategic plans to board members, executives and investors. Finally, she is a truly amazing leader of people. While she certainly holds herself and her teams accountable, she also plays an extremely active role in the development of key talent for the future. Overall, Patti is an extremely versatile and dedicated executive and I would highly recommend her to any organization. I am certain she will not only help you achieve your goals but will ensure that you better serve your customers and maximize the value of your business.
David Christian Kranz
There are so many things to say about Patti I could write for hours. But simply stated, if I were to start a new business and was picking my team, Patti would be my first phone call. Guaranteed success. The whole package. I hope to work with her again in the future, it would be a dream.
Catherine Guiley
I have known Patti for over 20 years and have worked with her in various roles at 3 different companies. Patti is an exceptional leader with a strategic vision for the business. She innately understands and maneuvers the levers needed to maximize a business whether it is marketing, product, sourcing, organization, business channel, etc. She digs into each aspect of the business to find hidden opportunities. Patti has immense bandwidth. I have seen her build incredibly strong and resilient teams. Patti does not back down from challenges; she will tackle each that she faces using all resources finding solutions where others wouldn't and then conquering it when most would walk away. I consider myself lucky to have had access to her leadership and vision.
Sheamus Toal
Patti is an absolutely amazing leader!!! She is one of the most versatile business executives that I have had the pleasure of working with in my career. Patti clearly has tremendous experience in Merchandising, over many years, but what really sets her apart is her broad cross functional skills and expertise. She is extremely customer focused and is constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience or journey. Patti successfully combines her amazing taste and style, with a deep understanding of the customer and extremely strong analytical skills to consistently maximize sales. This broad knowledge base enabled her to easily take on the role of President of New York & Company, with direct responsibility for all Merchandising, Marketing, Design, Digital E-Commerce, Planning and Sourcing. In this President role, Patti put her deep knowledge base and collaborative operating style to work quickly and the Company, immediately experienced dramatic increases in sales and profitability, particularly within our digital channels. In addition, to her extremely deep functional experience, Patti is also a very well round business executive. She successfully led our business reorganization both from a process standpoint and human capital perspective and she was an extremely valuable and key partner in the Company Sale Process. She is extremely strategic and very comfortable presenting comprehensive strategic plans to board members, executives and investors. Finally, she is a truly amazing leader of people. While she certainly holds herself and her teams accountable, she also plays an extremely active role in the development of key talent for the future. Overall, Patti is an extremely versatile and dedicated executive and I would highly recommend her to any organization. I am certain she will not only help you achieve your goals but will ensure that you better serve your customers and maximize the value of your business.
David Christian Kranz
There are so many things to say about Patti I could write for hours. But simply stated, if I were to start a new business and was picking my team, Patti would be my first phone call. Guaranteed success. The whole package. I hope to work with her again in the future, it would be a dream.
Catherine Guiley
I have known Patti for over 20 years and have worked with her in various roles at 3 different companies. Patti is an exceptional leader with a strategic vision for the business. She innately understands and maneuvers the levers needed to maximize a business whether it is marketing, product, sourcing, organization, business channel, etc. She digs into each aspect of the business to find hidden opportunities. Patti has immense bandwidth. I have seen her build incredibly strong and resilient teams. Patti does not back down from challenges; she will tackle each that she faces using all resources finding solutions where others wouldn't and then conquering it when most would walk away. I consider myself lucky to have had access to her leadership and vision.
Sheamus Toal
Patti is an absolutely amazing leader!!! She is one of the most versatile business executives that I have had the pleasure of working with in my career. Patti clearly has tremendous experience in Merchandising, over many years, but what really sets her apart is her broad cross functional skills and expertise. She is extremely customer focused and is constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience or journey. Patti successfully combines her amazing taste and style, with a deep understanding of the customer and extremely strong analytical skills to consistently maximize sales. This broad knowledge base enabled her to easily take on the role of President of New York & Company, with direct responsibility for all Merchandising, Marketing, Design, Digital E-Commerce, Planning and Sourcing. In this President role, Patti put her deep knowledge base and collaborative operating style to work quickly and the Company, immediately experienced dramatic increases in sales and profitability, particularly within our digital channels. In addition, to her extremely deep functional experience, Patti is also a very well round business executive. She successfully led our business reorganization both from a process standpoint and human capital perspective and she was an extremely valuable and key partner in the Company Sale Process. She is extremely strategic and very comfortable presenting comprehensive strategic plans to board members, executives and investors. Finally, she is a truly amazing leader of people. While she certainly holds herself and her teams accountable, she also plays an extremely active role in the development of key talent for the future. Overall, Patti is an extremely versatile and dedicated executive and I would highly recommend her to any organization. I am certain she will not only help you achieve your goals but will ensure that you better serve your customers and maximize the value of your business.
David Christian Kranz
There are so many things to say about Patti I could write for hours. But simply stated, if I were to start a new business and was picking my team, Patti would be my first phone call. Guaranteed success. The whole package. I hope to work with her again in the future, it would be a dream.
Catherine Guiley
I have known Patti for over 20 years and have worked with her in various roles at 3 different companies. Patti is an exceptional leader with a strategic vision for the business. She innately understands and maneuvers the levers needed to maximize a business whether it is marketing, product, sourcing, organization, business channel, etc. She digs into each aspect of the business to find hidden opportunities. Patti has immense bandwidth. I have seen her build incredibly strong and resilient teams. Patti does not back down from challenges; she will tackle each that she faces using all resources finding solutions where others wouldn't and then conquering it when most would walk away. I consider myself lucky to have had access to her leadership and vision.
Sheamus Toal
Patti is an absolutely amazing leader!!! She is one of the most versatile business executives that I have had the pleasure of working with in my career. Patti clearly has tremendous experience in Merchandising, over many years, but what really sets her apart is her broad cross functional skills and expertise. She is extremely customer focused and is constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience or journey. Patti successfully combines her amazing taste and style, with a deep understanding of the customer and extremely strong analytical skills to consistently maximize sales. This broad knowledge base enabled her to easily take on the role of President of New York & Company, with direct responsibility for all Merchandising, Marketing, Design, Digital E-Commerce, Planning and Sourcing. In this President role, Patti put her deep knowledge base and collaborative operating style to work quickly and the Company, immediately experienced dramatic increases in sales and profitability, particularly within our digital channels. In addition, to her extremely deep functional experience, Patti is also a very well round business executive. She successfully led our business reorganization both from a process standpoint and human capital perspective and she was an extremely valuable and key partner in the Company Sale Process. She is extremely strategic and very comfortable presenting comprehensive strategic plans to board members, executives and investors. Finally, she is a truly amazing leader of people. While she certainly holds herself and her teams accountable, she also plays an extremely active role in the development of key talent for the future. Overall, Patti is an extremely versatile and dedicated executive and I would highly recommend her to any organization. I am certain she will not only help you achieve your goals but will ensure that you better serve your customers and maximize the value of your business.
David Christian Kranz
There are so many things to say about Patti I could write for hours. But simply stated, if I were to start a new business and was picking my team, Patti would be my first phone call. Guaranteed success. The whole package. I hope to work with her again in the future, it would be a dream.
Experience
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Blanc Noir
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Belgium
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1 - 100 Employee
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Co-CEO
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Jan 2023 - Present
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Shuttle Knit Ireland
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Ireland
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Board Member
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Nov 2021 - Present
Shuttle Knit is a stand alone business & social enterprise which involves the Traveller and Settled Communities working together to produce originally designed and hand crafted ranges of knitwear, home products and cotton face masks. Celebrating its 20 year anniversary in 2021, Shuttle Knit has consistently provided training, employment and opportunities for women in the Traveller community that often face challenges elsewhere. As an active board member I provide strategic advice and guidance to the business as we look to grow, expand, and become a global model for sustainable and productive local opportunities for marginalized communities. website is www.shuttleknit.ie Show less
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Enterprise Ireland
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Ireland
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International Trade and Development
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700 & Above Employee
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Pathfinder
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May 2021 - Present
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Technological University Dublin
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Ireland
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Education Management
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700 & Above Employee
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Guest Lecturer / Assistant Lecturer
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2014 - Present
Fall 2022 - Part Time Lecturer - Sociology of Fashion; Guest Lecturer - Graduate/Undergraduate Programs (Fashion Merchandising, E Commerce, Retail, Business) Fall 2022 - Part Time Lecturer - Sociology of Fashion; Guest Lecturer - Graduate/Undergraduate Programs (Fashion Merchandising, E Commerce, Retail, Business)
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The Horse & Hound Delgany
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Ireland
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Hospitality
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1 - 100 Employee
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Co-Owner
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May 2017 - Present
The best pint of Guinness you will find in the beautiful surrounds of the Heritage Village of Delgany, County Wicklow, Ireland. Elegant appointed rooms in our Guesthouse and a 5 star Restaurant with Outdoor Patio Dining. www.horseandhounddelgany.com The best pint of Guinness you will find in the beautiful surrounds of the Heritage Village of Delgany, County Wicklow, Ireland. Elegant appointed rooms in our Guesthouse and a 5 star Restaurant with Outdoor Patio Dining. www.horseandhounddelgany.com
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The Grayson Company
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United States
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Retail
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Managing Consultant
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May 2021 - Jan 2023
Senior Managing Consultant and Lead of Ireland Based EMEA TGC Office. Advisor and Partner on DTC and Retail Brand/CPG projects portfolios worldwide; Focus on US Market entry and scalable Global strategies; PE and Public/Private clients. Global scope and expertise in Customer/Product, Supply Chain strategies and synergies; Digital Marketing; Trend/Design. Worked for Grayson on PE projects during initial Dublin tenure (2010-2016). Open to US/European Projects. Senior Managing Consultant and Lead of Ireland Based EMEA TGC Office. Advisor and Partner on DTC and Retail Brand/CPG projects portfolios worldwide; Focus on US Market entry and scalable Global strategies; PE and Public/Private clients. Global scope and expertise in Customer/Product, Supply Chain strategies and synergies; Digital Marketing; Trend/Design. Worked for Grayson on PE projects during initial Dublin tenure (2010-2016). Open to US/European Projects.
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New York & Company
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United States
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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President/EVP/Chief Merchant
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Jun 2017 - Dec 2020
Assumed President role in April 2020 with responsibilities across Merchandising/Planning/Sourcing/Design and Marketing during a transformative period for NY&Co. Led an accelerated Digital Transition agenda which incorporated Customer Data led methodology, integration of AI/Dynamic Content (Bluecore Email implementation) and new social strategies to leverage Ecommerce growth during COVID impacted period. Led Change Management in high stress environment (included CEO transition, Bankruptcy and All Store Closures) while utilizing remaining team and talent to drive performance. Critical member of the Executive team which executed a successful Company Sale Process in 2020 for the Digital Assets of Retailwinds. Prior role was Omni Chief Merchandising Officer + with responsibility for the NY&Co Brand which included Visual Merchandising, Design, Creative Marketing and Sourcing. Strategized and drove NY&Co Celebrity collaborations and subbrands that included Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union and the launch of Happy X Nature. Full bottom line responsibility for strategic growth initiatives across exclusive sub-brand portfolio and celebrity collaboration platforms for stores and online with revenue over $800MM annually. Show less
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Principal/Speaker/Consultant
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Sep 2010 - Jun 2017
Relocated to Dublin in 2010 as husband was CFO of Primark from 2010 to 2016. Europe based Consultant/Speaker/Advisor on Fashion/Trend, Merchandising, Visual, Assortment Planning, Marketing and Buying. US and European assignments. Consulted with large volume Junior Fast Fashion Retailers on trend and Business strategy, Private Equity acquisitions. Guest lecturer at Arthur Ryan Retail Centre/Dublin Institute of Technology/Trinity College Dublin MBA Program. Relocated to Dublin in 2010 as husband was CFO of Primark from 2010 to 2016. Europe based Consultant/Speaker/Advisor on Fashion/Trend, Merchandising, Visual, Assortment Planning, Marketing and Buying. US and European assignments. Consulted with large volume Junior Fast Fashion Retailers on trend and Business strategy, Private Equity acquisitions. Guest lecturer at Arthur Ryan Retail Centre/Dublin Institute of Technology/Trinity College Dublin MBA Program.
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St. John Knits
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United States
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Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry
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300 - 400 Employee
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Executive Vice President - Retail
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Nov 2009 - Sep 2010
Responsible for Retail Division including Merchandising, Planning, Visual, Ecommerce/CRM and Stores/Operations within St John Brand Structure; 27 Boutiques in North America. Aligned retail organization with brand vision, recruited and developed internal/external talent, evolved process for retail boutiques and HQ interaction. Merchandising, Visual, Planning, Marketing/Events, EComm/CRM and Store Operations. Resigned position to relocate to Dublin, Ireland with husband/family. Responsible for Retail Division including Merchandising, Planning, Visual, Ecommerce/CRM and Stores/Operations within St John Brand Structure; 27 Boutiques in North America. Aligned retail organization with brand vision, recruited and developed internal/external talent, evolved process for retail boutiques and HQ interaction. Merchandising, Visual, Planning, Marketing/Events, EComm/CRM and Store Operations. Resigned position to relocate to Dublin, Ireland with husband/family.
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Charlotte Russe
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United States
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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Executive Vice President/GMM - Merchandising/Product Development/Fashion&Trend/Marketing/Visual
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Aug 2005 - Aug 2008
Head of Merchandising; Steering Committee member for $850MM junior fast-fashion retailer with 480+ stores. Responsible for Merchandising, Fashion and Trend, Sourcing/Product Development, Visual and Marketing. Three year track record of profitability and double digit sales growth during tenure. Awarded Nasdaq California Apparel Stock of the Year and Hot Retailing Pick of the Year for turnaround performance in 2007 Head of Merchandising; Steering Committee member for $850MM junior fast-fashion retailer with 480+ stores. Responsible for Merchandising, Fashion and Trend, Sourcing/Product Development, Visual and Marketing. Three year track record of profitability and double digit sales growth during tenure. Awarded Nasdaq California Apparel Stock of the Year and Hot Retailing Pick of the Year for turnaround performance in 2007
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Old Navy
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United States
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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Divisional Merchandise Manager
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2001 - 2005
Head of Old Navy Baby $1B Division; DMM Old Navy Men’s Denim/Pants/Wovens; DMM Old Navy Outlet (Kids/Baby) Head of Old Navy Baby $1B Division; DMM Old Navy Men’s Denim/Pants/Wovens; DMM Old Navy Outlet (Kids/Baby)
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Victoria's Secret
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United States
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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Merchandising/Sleepwear
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1999 - 2001
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Gap
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Spain
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Architecture and Planning
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1 - 100 Employee
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Sr Merchandiser/Merchandiser
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1996 - 1999
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Macy's
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1 - 100 Employee
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Stores/Buying - Kids
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1990 - 1996
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Education
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Wake Forest University
BA, Art History
Community
