Skills: Leadership · Analytical Skills · Business Strategy · Management

Skills: Leadership · Product Strategy · Marketing · Analytical Skills · Apparel · Merchandising · Fashion · Product Management · Product Innovation

Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer @ NILIT LTD | Executive MBA

Entrepreneurial and accomplished leader with a robust blend of B2B and B2C experience, driving global business success through innovative strategies, operational excellence, and visionary leadership. Passionate about shaping brands, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable results in diverse markets.

Proven track record of enhancing profitability and fostering sustainable growth through strategic planning, market expansion, and cross-functional collaboration. Adept at cultivating strong relationships across all organizational levels and with key industry stakeholders to unlock new opportunities and propel business performance.

With extensive experience overseeing four distinct brands, I have led dynamic teams across sales, marketing, merchandising and product functions, championing innovation and sustainability at every turn. My collaborative approach and commitment to excellence ensure the delivery of impactful, long-term results.

Relevant key expertise include:
Brand Development & Growth | Key Account & Sales Management | Merchandise Management | Team Leadership & Direction | Ownership | Global Business Leadership | Customer Relationship Management | P&L Ownership | Portfolio Management | Strategic Planning & Execution | Commercial Acumen

Play a key role in shaping and executing Nilit's Marketing and Sustainability strategies, driving impactful partnerships with leading global brands to transition their assortments to more sustainable offerings. Spearhead efforts to expand the brand’s reach through a strategic focus on digital communications and collaboration with new agencies dedicated to amplifying the brand’s mission and visibility.

- Delivered a tenfold increase in customer engagement and significantly grew follower count by prioritizing and optimizing digital communication channels.

- Successfully onboarded leading global brands, enabling them to incorporate more sustainable solutions into their assortments, contributing to overall business growth.

- Championed the success of products by managing comprehensive product communications and leading go-to-market strategies for new product launches.

Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer

As Global Business Leader, crafted and executed a compelling vision for Gore's fabrics business, aligning organizational design, processes, and strategies to achieve long-term objectives. Drove market-responsive initiatives that leveraged Gore's unique capabilities across diverse categories and regions, delivering exceptional business results. Managed profit and loss with precision, demonstrating exceptional business acumen and a relentless focus on growth and efficiency.

Key Accomplishments:

- Secured the sustained success of the fabrics division by introducing and scaling innovative business models tailored to evolving market needs.

- Optimized portfolio management by strategically deploying resources into high-potential solutions, driving profitability and exceeding customer expectations.

- Led cross-functional teams across product, sales, marketing, merchandising, and operations to enhance the performance of Gore-Tex Apparel, Gorewear, and VIEV lifestyle brands, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Business Leader - Gore-Tex Apparel, Gorewear

Provided strategic leadership to product, merchandising, and marketing teams for the Reebok brand, serving as an integral member of the senior leadership team. Pioneered the development of new revenue streams by orchestrating cross-category go-to-market plans for fitness and lifestyle soft goods. Leveraged extensive field knowledge to contribute as the vice-chair of a not-for-profit foundation, supported by government funding, aimed at providing resources for children to lead healthy lifestyles.

Key Accomplishments:

- Orchestrated a 76% increase in sales through the creation of a premium retail presence in strategically targeted wholesale accounts.

- Fueled brand growth by 31% through the adept formulation of effective business plans and oversight of P&L activities.

- Secured a remarkable 40% increase in sell-through by spearheading an integrated product and marketing campaign across both wholesale and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels.

- Expanded organizational operations by cultivating strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including licensees and distributors.

Vice President - Product Merchandising and Marketing

Played a pivotal role in maximizing sales by providing guidance and coaching to the merchandising team across apparel, accessories, and license divisions. Streamlined the go-to-market approach and SKU efficiency by offering strategic direction for the license business, contributing to improved overall category operations through the optimization of day-to-day procedures.

Key Accomplishment:

- Spearheaded the execution of robust strategies, resulting in 25% growth in apparel categories within the first year.

Director of Merchandising

Promoted brand growth by organizing direct sales to all mall channel accounts for Reebok and adidas brands. Created successful pre-lines and delivered marketing initiatives by preparing and delivering sales presentations in close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Key Accomplishments:
·	Added $8M in sales by recruiting and onboarding new distribution channels.

·	Achieved 100% sell-thru in four days by launching key retro-lifestyle products into the marketplace.

·	Exceeded growth targets by 10% in retail environment by formulating sales strategy for major footwear accounts.

Key Account Sales Manager 

Additional Merchandising Experience includes:

Director of Product Merchandising & Operations
- Led strategic initiatives and streamlined operations to optimize product merchandising.

Lifestyle Business Unit Manager
- Oversaw the management and growth of the lifestyle business unit, driving strategic development.

Product Line Manager & Merchandiser for adidas
- Managed product lines and merchandising activities for adidas, contributing to brand success and market presence.

Find out detailed information about Michelle Lea, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer @ NILIT LTD | Executive MBA in Leola, Pennsylvania

Michelle Lea: Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer @ NILIT LTD | Executive MBA in Leola, Pennsylvania

Michelle Lea

Faulkner University

Ryerson University