Hajime Birnbaum: Director of International Sales in Los Angeles

Led the development and execution of a comprehensive market entry strategy, spanning 35 countries across the APAC, EMEA, LATAM, and North America regions. Oversaw and managed direct relationships with esteemed fashion, luxury, and lifestyle retailers, including Lane Crawford, Selfridges, Journal Standard, El Palacios de Hierro, OFFICE, Schuh, and other industry leaders.

Independently conceptualized, gained executive approval for, and executed the comprehensive APAC market entry strategy for Lovevery, leading to exponential regional growth. Successfully spearheaded the launch of Lovevery's subscription and standalone business in the APAC region through Lovevery.com.au, surpassing new subscriber launch targets by an outstanding 2.5 times. Achieved exceptional growth by implementing a comprehensive Go-To-Market strategy while maintaining rigorous control over Customer Acquisition Costs. Crafted and executed precision-focused consumer insight studies in collaboration with local Japanese, South Korean, and Australian prospects. Utilized these insights to develop and deploy highly e?ective market launch strategies tailored to each unique market, ensuring optimal engagement and success. Pioneered the establishment of a robust APAC entity through the creation of a Godo Kaisha (GK Entity) based in Tokyo, Japan.

5th of employees at TOMS, playing a pivotal role in the company's inception and early growth. Operated the business out of founder Blake Mycoskie's Venice Beach apartment during the formative stages. Led and executed a groundbreaking marketing initiative involving a nationwide tour of Nordstrom stores across the United States. Traveled in a specially outfitted Airstream trailer to conduct immersive and engaging in-person trunk shows. Actively contributed to the order fulfillment process, hand-packing and ensuring the timely delivery of shoes to customers who placed orders online in 2006, directly engaging with the brand's earliest supporters.

Led and managed a dynamic network of distributors, subsidiaries, and agents spanning the entire APAC region, orchestrating operations across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels to drive market expansion and achieve strategic objectives. Served as the driving force behind APAC merchandising initiatives, adeptly articulating the region's specific requirements and skillfully curating a product assortment that precisely addressed the demands of both consumers and valued partners. Orchestrated and delivered over $275M in GMV across a vast and diversified portfolio of sales channels during 11-year tenure at TOMS.

Led a cross functional committee spanning Legal, Accounting, and Operations to establish the China Foreign Entity, paving the way for a successful market entry. Spearheaded the identification, negotiation, and successful acquisition of a pivotal partnership with a prominent Chinese wholesale and retail distributor. Strategically identified and recruited top-tier professionals with expertise in marketing and e-commerce. Orchestrated and executed comprehensive marketing and e-commerce strategies to drive TMALL sales and elevate TOMS' brand awareness in the highly competitive Chinese market. Spearheaded a high-impact licensing partnership with Disney to develop and launch a commemorative shoe collection in celebration of the inauguration of Disneyland Shanghai Park.