Brian K. Thomas's Location
Utica, Michigan, United States, United States
Brian K. Thomas's Contact Details
Brian K. Thomas work email
- Valid
Brian K. Thomas personal email
- Valid
About Brian K. Thomas
Licensed Residential Builder & Business Owner | VP | Sr. Director | Marketing & Sales | Brand Strategy | Digital Marketing | Happy WarriorI am a passionate, determined and committed Business Owner & Marketing Executive with over 25 years of experience and a track record of igniting sales, accelerating web traffic and boosting brand awareness.I have a unique depth of strategic and tactical marketing knowledge, honed over many years of leadership roles at Harley-Davidson, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Chrysler.I manage all aspects of globally-integrated marketing operations and campaigns including advertising, digital marketing, retail incentives, dealer relations, product marketing, and media strategy. As a brand and advertising strategist, I spearhead award-winning campaigns. I’ve harmonized Tier 1 and Tier 2 advertising activity across all channels, and directed efforts for multi-million dollar branded events and auto shows. I’ve directed the strategy for five (5) multi-channel Super Bowl campaigns. I’m also a creative Product Development Director who continuously seeks innovation. I pinpoint key findings in consumer research data to generate actionable insights. I possess the rare ability to intuitively ”know” which attributes and features will delight customers and understand the role of the dealer and other stakeholders in the broader value chain.Personally, I am a collaborative Team Leader who inspires staff members and agency teams to perform at high levels. I build highly effective relationships with colleagues, and create safe team environments, engendering loyalty and trust.★ Key Competencies: Budgets | Agency & Vendor Management | Brand Portfolio | Rebranding | Content Marketing | Advertising Strategy | Media Buying | Product Development | Data Analysis | Dealer Incentives | Consumer Insights | Market Research | Unified Brand Campaigns | Retail Marketing | TV | Radio | Print | Digital | Social | Strategic Planning | Innovation | PR | Communications | Customer Experience
Brian K. Thomas's Current Company Details
The Restoring Valor Foundation
Founder, CEO and Chief Marketing Officer at Paul Davis Restoration of East Michigan
Brian K. Thomas Work Experience Details
-
FounderThe Restoring Valor Foundation Dec 2023 - PresentThe Restoring Valor Foundation is a philanthropic entity focused upon helping military veterans, first responders and their families.
-
Founder, Ceo And Chief Marketing OfficerPaul Davis Restoration Of East Michigan May 2020 - Feb 2024Shelby Township, Michigan, UsPaul Davis Restoration of East Michigan provides home and business owners with the very best of service, care and empathy at a time of their greatest need. The people of Paul Davis are anchored by doing the right thing: serving all customers by delivering an experience founded on compassion, expertise and professionalism. Since 1966, Paul Davis has built its business on the promise to restore property damage - and their inevitable, very human effects - due to storm, wind, fire or water on residential and commercial properties. Paul Davis Restoration has a proven reputation for industry-leading customer service, technological innovation, dedication to continuous improvement and the highest-quality outcomes. We help homeowners restore a sense of normalcy to their lives, property managers make buildings function again and insurance clients please their own customers. If your home or business is damaged due to fire, water, storm, mold or other disaster, call the property damage experts – Paul Davis Restoration of East Michigan. -
General Manager Of Global Brand MarketingHarley-Davidson Motor Company Sep 2018 - Jul 2019Milwaukee, Wi, UsRecruited to lead overall global brand strategy for the H-D brand in a Director-level role. Promoted after four months to lead all of Global Marketing Operations as a GM reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Currently leading eight direct reports in the areas of Brand Strategy, Content (motorcycle, apparel, merchandise and parts/accessories), Social, Paid Media, PR, Dot Com, Agile Marketing, Analytics, Brand Community, CRM, Experiential and our internal creative partner in Agency1. Currently serve as lead client to Droga5 and have responsibility for an organization totaling over 80 people.> Increased overall media spend by over 200% YOY by installing a new “zero-base” budgeting process without losing any strategically critical programs and while enabling H-D’s first broadcast presence in over five years. > Developed and gained both C-Suite and Board of Directors’ support for an all-new brand architecture and strategy enabling me to lead an internal culture change management initiative and development of an all new consumer-facing brand platform.> Modernized our overall Marketing program by standing up a new Agile Marketing capability, a proactive Community Management program, a new Analytics Suite and a Marketing Attribution model. All were firsts in H-D history.> Dramatically reimagined brand potential by leading an agency search, briefing process and the eventual onboarding of an all-new creative partner in Droga5. This is H-D’s first true agency-of-record relationship in over fifteen years.> Created new revenue streams totaling over $2M per year through a new approach to strategic brand licensing. Working with brands such as Ford, LEGO and Bulleitt Bourbon, developed a new framework for evaluating licensing opportunities based on both revenue and the potential to increase relevance of the H-D brand. -
Global Brand Director - Community And Consumer StrategyHarley-Davidson Motor Company May 2018 - Sep 2018Milwaukee, Wi, UsDeveloping customer-led global marketing strategies that increase relevance of the H-D brand and deliver on goals for business growth. The position is responsible for leading the development of Global Marketing frameworks for the brand and ensuring the framework is relevant, current and actionable. This includes articulating barriers and emotional drivers, and crafting strategies. The position shares the consumer strategies across US and International markets and is accountable for ensuring all global marketing executions deliver on the strategy and Global Marketing frameworks.> Working closely with the Consumer Insights & Analytics team to ensure that brand relevance drivers and customer insights are aligned and are driving the work. The position is also responsible for developing relationships with influencers and supporting / sponsoring activities that guide and sharpen cultural context and deepen consumer insights.> Accountability for developing a deep understanding of the global customer to uncover insights that are fact based. Working closely with Product Planning (Motorcycle, P&A and GM) to infuse the consumer insights into the planning process. > A key member of the Global Marketing leadership team and reporting directly to the VP Global Marketing & Brand, this position partners with marketing leadership to develop a Global Integrated Marketing Strategy and ensures that there is organizational alignment toward critical business objectives and strategies. This position is forward thinking and stays connected within the external marketing industry to identify future trends in the Marketing arena.> Leadership of the 115th Anniversary global strategy and project management team.> Long-range strategy and marketing plan development.> CRM strategy roadmap.> Gas & Oil relationship development and maintenance.> Leading the development of consumer personas.
-
Director Of Global Brand Marketing - ChevroletChevrolet 2014 - 2017Detroit, Mi, UsRecruited to spearhead and launch GM’s first Global Marketing Organization for the Chevrolet Brand. Created industry first Cheverolet Global Content Studio. Established brand uniformity across countries. Reported to Executive General Manager of Global Chevrolet Marketing with eight direct reports and 25+ member agency team. ► Reduced costs and increased quality of consumer experience by leading development and global rollout of annual advertising asset packages (vehicle images, running footage, social content, etc.) for Cruze, Sonic, Trax and Equinox. During 2017 CY alone, 1,000+ individual use cases documented by Chevrolet Marketing teams globally. ► Achieved $2M - $10M in ad production savings for General Motors by launching globally-coordinated advertising campaign for Chevrolet Equinox brand.► Modernized consumer experience through global rollout and management of responsive design web platform.► Increased brand opinion by developing five globally-coordinated Chevrolet master brand campaigns. Acted as global evangelist in sharing the brand’s “Find New Roads” story, meaning, and proper method of expression. ► Developed global brand standards including content guidelines, graphic standards, and governance processes for global content creation; all were firsts for the Chevrolet brand. -
Director Of Brand MarketingNissan Motor Corporation Mar 2013 - May 2014Yokohama-Shi, Kanagawa, JpDirected all aspects of marketing including brand strategy, advertising (all channels and tiers), media, experiential, CRM, digital, auto shows, and social media. Reported directly to President of NCI with eight direct reports and overall department headcount of over 30. Managed $500M overall marketing budget including $400M for retail incentive programs and $100M for advertising and media. Provided overall leadership for financial analysis functions, monthly car flow, attainment of volume/market share/profitability targets, pricing and overall model line strategy.► Grew market share by over 40% by optimizing incentive spend. Planned overall strategy and then crafted monthly retail incentive programs across 18-model lineup in five unique sales regions across Canada.► Increased profitability by guiding both product planning and Chief Marketing Manager functions for Nissan and Infiniti products; understood consumer preferences and which options to put into standard and premium models.► Raised brand opinion of Nissan Brand 15%+ in six weeks and Nissan Rogue 30%+ in eight weeks by developing all-new strategic advertising campaign that has since been expanded to all SUV’s for Nissan in USA and Canada. -
Executive General Manager Of Brand Experience And Dealer IntegrationVolkswagen Of America, Inc Feb 2012 - Mar 2013Reston, Virginia, UsMaintained strong relationships between Volkswagen Marketing and leaders within dealer community. Worked with Dealer Directors and Dealer Marketing Council to gain buy-in for Tier 1 and 2 advertising and media programs. Reported directly to Chief Marketing Officer with eight direct reports.► Increased brand perception 30%+ by developing and executing strategy for multimillion-dollar annual auto show program, events, sponsorships, and partnerships. -
General Manager Of Brand MarketingVolkswagen Of America, Inc Feb 2007 - Feb 2012Reston, Virginia, UsLed all national and diversity advertising and message expression for Volkswagen brand in the USA, reporting directly to EVP of Brand and Product Marketing, and overseeing two direct reports as well as agency account team of 16. Developed annual agency staffing plan and negotiated agency contract and compensation model.► Led the advertising agency search process in Q4, 2009 culminating in the transition from Crispin, Porter & Bogusky to Deutsch LA (other finalists included Goodby Silverstein, Wieden Kennedy and DDB New York). ► Directed strategy and execution for five Super Bowl campaigns throughout career:o Became first brand to release content before Super Bowl, now an industry standard practice.o Earned $100M of earned media for ”Little Darth Vader” ad.o Launched new products with campaigns for Jetta (2011), Beetle (2012)and Passat (2012).o Other TV commercials included “Black Beetle”, “The Bark Side” and “The Dog Strikes Back.” ► Coordinated and streamlined Tier 1 and 2 advertising activity across all channels (TV, print, online, vw.com, radio, experiential, social/digital, mobile, lifestyle PR, etc.)► Achieved cost savings of 10%-20% annually by onboarding Volkswagen’s first advertising cost consultant partner in over a decade.
-
Dodge National Event & Advertising ManagerChrysler 2005 - 2007London, England, GbDirected national advertising and media strategy associated with all Dodge Caravan, Durango, Nitro and future product communication efforts including research, broadcast, print, interactive and partnership promotions. Oversaw $25M budget targeted at programs within various consumer, commercial, enthusiast, motorsports, and grassroots contexts. ► Drove sales by creating several NASCAR activation programs, including on-track and on-site. -
Regional Marketing & Service Marketing ManagerChrysler 2004 - 2005London, England, GbActed as primary liaison between Denver Business Center and Chrysler/Jeep Dealers and Advertising Associations. ► Consistently met monthly sales targets by developing Chrysler and Jeep branded advertising and service marketing programs in 18 states, inclusive of Denver, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha and Salt Lake Markets.
-
Dodge National Advertising ManagerChrysler 2002 - 2004London, England, GbDrove national advertising and media strategy including broadcast, print, interactive, and partnership promotions for all Dodge Car and Minivan vehicles. Led efforts for ten agency employees and reported to Senior Manager of Advertising.► Selected by SVP of Marketing to lead ”Project Rebound” effort providing analysis and optimization of retail incentive spending resulting in greater profitability and revenue growth.
-
Dodge Neon, Dodge Intrepid & Jeep Grand Cherokee Brand ManagerChrysler 1996 - 2002London, England, Gb► Acted as "Internal champion" for each brand and directed cross-functional launches and overall market performance including market share, profitability, model mix, and nominal/wholesale sales.► Developed overall strategy and launched solutions by conducting detailed market analysis.
Brian K. Thomas Skills
Product Planning
Automotive
Competitive Analysis
Brand Strategy
Media Planning And Execution
Agency Management
Consumer Research
Brand Identity Development
Sales Planning
Experiential And Event Marketing
Dealer Relations
Team Leadership
Diversity Marketing
Sales Plan
Advertising
Brand Management
Marketing Research
Cross Functional Team Leadership
Integrated Marketing
Brand Architecture
Public Relations
Marketing
Strategy
Relationship Marketing
Product Marketing
Product Development
B2b
Management
Crm
Interactive Marketing
Social Media
Marketing Strategy
Market Analysis
Sponsorship
Direct Marketing
Lead Generation
Brand Development
Market Planning
Digital Strategy
Leadership
Digital Marketing
Online Marketing
Online Advertising
Marketing Communications
Marketing Management
Customer Retention
Media Planning
Market Research
Segmentation
Brian K. Thomas Education Details
-
Michigan State University - Eli Broad College Of BusinessGeneral Business And Marketing -
University Of Michigan-DearbornGeneral Business And Finance
Frequently Asked Questions about Brian K. Thomas
What company does Brian K. Thomas work for?
Brian K. Thomas works for The Restoring Valor Foundation
What is Brian K. Thomas's role at the current company?
Brian K. Thomas's current role is Founder, CEO and Chief Marketing Officer at Paul Davis Restoration of East Michigan.
What is Brian K. Thomas's email address?
Brian K. Thomas's email address is brian.thomas@vw.com
What schools did Brian K. Thomas attend?
Brian K. Thomas attended Michigan State University - Eli Broad College Of Business, University Of Michigan-Dearborn.
What skills is Brian K. Thomas known for?
Brian K. Thomas has skills like Product Planning, Automotive, Competitive Analysis, Brand Strategy, Media Planning And Execution, Agency Management, Consumer Research, Brand Identity Development, Sales Planning, Experiential And Event Marketing, Dealer Relations, Team Leadership.
Free Chrome Extension
Find emails, phones & company data instantly
Find verified emails from LinkedIn profiles
Get direct phone numbers & mobile contacts
Access company data & employee information
Works directly on LinkedIn - no copy/paste needed
Aero Online
Your AI prospecting assistant
Select data to include:
Total price:
$0.00
0 records × $0.02 per record
Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers
Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.
Start your free trial