EMILY DE SOUSA: Director of Sales in VERNON HILLS, IL

September 2018 - present Responsible for sales at Mass, Specialty, Ecommerce, Discount Retailers, and International Distributors • Promoted to head of sales after five months with company • Developed and implemented multi-channel sales strategy to maximize sales across all segments of business • Established partnerships with over twenty new retail and distribution partners within first year • Worked closely with product team to develop new products for key accounts

Managed all aspects of sales and marketing for juvenile and pet products, annual sales of over $10 million • Established over thirty(30) new major retail partnerships in less than four years, including a customer who became top account in less than six months. • Created and maintained Sales Budgets/Forecasts and evaluated results on a monthly basis to ensure optimum item mix at customers. • Implemented profit-driven retail programs to increase product placement by 30% at key retailers. • Managed a team of three (3) customer care representatives and ten (10) independent sales representatives.

Hired to obtain global placement for start-up brand of pet products. Developed “go to market” strategy by completing a thorough analysis of pet industry and writing a business plan for two segments of market. • Grew sales from zero to over $500k in less than nine months. • Coordinated and monitored social media campaign to effectively launch new brand. • Implemented strategy to define optimal product assortment. • Managed in-house customer service representative and six (6) independent sales representatives.

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Kids Brands – Sassy, Inc. Division/January 2009 – September 2013 Oversaw sales and distribution of consumer products in US and Internationally, covering over 70 countries and annual sales over $16 million. • Increased sales by over 40% in three years through international distributor partnerships. • Maintained long-term leadership in the market segment, identifying and developing comprehensive business alliances. • Account management of licensed program for Carter’s retail stores. • Managed over sixty (60) independent sales representatives. SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER Russ Berrie– Sassy, Inc. Division/January 2008 – December 2008 Maintained price competitive position in marketplace while meeting profit margins and revenue budgets. Responsible for maintaining relationships with over one hundred (100) accounts. • Managed accounts in Department, Ecommerce, Specialty, Drug, Grocery and Discount segments of business. • Oversaw network of Sassy Independent Representatives in juvenile, infant, food and drug market segments. • Worked with Chinese suppliers to improve quality and reduce defects. MARKETING CATEGORY MANAGER Russ Berrie– Sassy, Inc. Division/June 2004 – January 2008 Responsible for marketing Peg Toys, Bath Toys and Feeding products to key accounts. Analyzed IRI market data on monthly basis to review competitive landscape and presented findings to upper management. • Completed conversion of over fifty products to new package graphics. • Prepared Marketing Plans, product catalog, trade shows and marketing materials. • Factory liaison to assist in moving products through production.