Michael Distaso: Senior Director, Brand & Product Management in Las Vegas, NV

• Negotiated and executed agreements with current and new partners. • Identified potential business partners who strategically aligned with the long-term goals of the UFC brand. • Worked in a creative capacity to direct licensees on innovative product development, product graphics, marketing materials and packaging execution. • Managed cross-functional relationships with Marketing, Sponsorships, Public Relations and other internal departments to provide assets to maximize communication and reach of Consumer Products initiatives. • Built retail contacts (domestic and internationally), while providing leadership and strategic direction regarding channel strategies. • Drove the sale of UFC licensed merchandise through various distribution channels and ensured product differentiation within each classification. • Developed budgets and updated forecasts, variance analyses, risk/opportunity assessments, long-term planning, sales tracking and financial models. • Managed Latin American licen