Derek Blake Email & Phone Number

Dallas, Texas, US

I am thrilled to join the TaxAct team. A quick intro to TaxAct: it’s a simple and affordable online tax filing system that makes it easy for people to accurately file their own taxes and discover opportunities for tax savings.As the Head of Partnerships for TaxAct, I’m focused on delivering the next-generation of tax-smart financial wellness experiences.

Southlake, Texas, US

• Managed global strategic partnerships to grow non-organic revenue and/or improve cost structures for the Product organization.
• Directed the strategic partner program by implementing best practices and overseeing the ecosystem of 115 partners to ensure the business maintains a strategic asset and competitive advantage leading to strong revenue.
• Led high-profile strategic partnering opportunities in coordination with solution leadership, from opportunity identification and relationship design to agreement negotiation and organizational readiness /.
• Provided ongoing management of existing partnerships ensuring maximum value for both partners.

Parsippany, NJ, US

• [Note: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts acquired La Quinta in June, 2018.]Vice President, Loyalty Marketing and Partnerships, La Quinta ReturnsLoyalty Marketing (La Quinta Returns):
• Led the La Quinta Returns program integration efforts into the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program.
• Increased La Quinta Returns revenue by 10.9% YOY from 2017 to 2018 by driving growth in qualified repeat nights and engagement by new members.
• Achieved highest annual enrollments in Returns program history - with an increase of 34.4% YOY from 2017 through 2018 – through unique on-property incentive program.
• Grew active Returns membership to program high of 3.4MM members and total membership base of 14.3MM.Partnership With a Military Focus:
• Created “Wyndham Salutes” military strategy; obtained board approval to launch company-wide plan to support the military community through 4 pillars: hiring veterans and military spouses; military community outreach.

• Partnership Marketing
• Leveraged extensive network to identify, create and develop dozens of strategic partnerships with companies such as American Express, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, AARP, Marathon Petroleum, Amtrak.
• Designed, created and launched, in partnership with Visa, an industry-first reward redemption offering – Redeem Away! – providing La Quinta Returns loyalty program members a simple way to redeem their La Quinta Returns.
• Partnered with Points.com to launch an innovative redemption solution – Global Hotel Access - enabling loyalty members to redeem La Quinta Returns loyalty points at over 20,000 luxury hotels across the world furthering.
• Managed day-to-day relationships with all travel-related (airline, car rental and rail), financial services and retail partners by developing campaigns and value propositions to drive customer acquisition, point-earn.
• Selected co-brand credit card partners through a RFP process including contract negotiation, technology integration, program launch and marketing plan execution.Military Programs

• Managed P&L for La Quinta’s loyalty program with responsibilities that included e-mail and direct mail communications, promotional offers, collateral and property level programs.
• Led efforts to drive member retention and new member acquisition resulting in increases in key metrics.
• Oversaw global partnership between Blackstone's LXR Luxury Resorts and American Express by creating and executing marketing programs including Fine Hotels & Resorts, Centurion, Platinum, Spa, Golf and Membership Rewards.

• Director of Business Development for Costa Rica’s number one Spanish language school for business executives and professionals.
• Led development efforts ensuring short/long-term revenue goals were met while also strengthening relationships with existing partners.
• Created three long-term partnerships, while spending no marketing dollars, that will drive revenue throughout the year, stabilizing the cyclical volume.
• Developed and implemented a strategic plan including competitive research, needs assessment and target segment identification, leading to an increase in profitability.
• Enabled an efficient sales process by training the staff to be responsive to customer needs, identifying opportunities and communicating key differentiators to potential customers.

Neu-Isenburg, DE

• Led global LSG e-business unit’s sales efforts selling integrated solutions such as equipment/supply chain management and inventory control.
• Closed cutting-edge deals with three airlines (Continental, Alaska, and SN Brussels).
• Executed entire sales process including the development and delivery of sales presentations and proposals to both small and large airlines in over 20 different countries.
• Led cross-functional teams by building consensus and internally communicating sales strategy, ensuring presentations were customer-focused.

• Start-up company providing wireless and voice solutions to travel and retail companies.
• Developed customer strategy and managed sales development efforts for all potential customers.
• Planned and managed all aspects of sales cycle including targeting, presentation creation and delivery.
• Created strategic plans with business partners to market the wireless solutions to potential airline customers.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, US

• Created, developed and managed AAdvantage, American’s frequent flier program, retail alliances and marketing programs. Managed and led a team of ten people.
• Entered into the retail marketplace by successfully closing long-term agreements with companies such as Kellogg’s, TD Waterhouse, Blockbuster Video and Healthy Choice.
• Developed new AAdvantage business opportunities with strategic partners and negotiated contracts, including 12 relationships for the launch of the AOL/AAdvantage partnership.
• Led efforts to acquire and retain customers in the AAdvantage Incentive Program (1,000+ companies using AAdvantage miles as an incentive) through direct mail and print media.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, US

• Managed revenue generation of the domestic Citibank AAdvantage affinity card, the world’s largest airline affinity card. Generated over $100M of incremental revenue during my tenure.
• Led launches of three new credit cards (Platinum, Business and Visa Signature) to drive additional revenue from different market segments.
• Increased revenue through the creation of promotions driving customer spend such as bonus point offers and restaurant and retail promotions.
• Directed the creative development and rollout of card enhancements, ensuring continued market leadership.
• Anchored and provided financial direction to the AAdvantage team during contract negotiation.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, US

• Ensured financial health of profit center by successfully managing operating and capital expenses.
• Managed revenue-generating projects and contract negotiations with outside business service providers.
• Prepared pricing strategies and determined outsourcing opportunities.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, US

• Coordinated the Marketing Department monthly short-term forecasts, spending and headcount analysis, and executive performance reports.
• Prepared the annual operating and capital budgets and Five Year Plans for two organizations, Sabre Computer Services and AA Direct Marketing Corporation.

Mba, Business Administration And Management

Bba, Finance/Information Systems