Heather Kersten Email & Phone Number

San Francisco, California, Us

London, Gb

-Partner with organizations in helping them grow their businesses across multiple channels and platforms. Contract roles include Fashion Editor and Retail Consultant for a leading online parenting brand, and Advisor to a kids fashion start-up.-Contract lead of LinkedIn Member Success program with Corporate Communications team.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

-Oversaw $500 million in business across Global Accessories, International, Franchise, Licensing and shoes.-Responsible for all online channels and over 500 stand-alone stores; online business contributed 25% of total sales. Focused on on line growth through strategy, long-range plans, product ranking, and marketing roadmaps. -Participated and lead cross-functional collaboration between all partners. Worked closely with CMO to drive aligned strategies for the brand. One of three Vice Presidents reporting directly into the EVP of Merchandising.-Extensive international travel including China, Korea, Japan, France, Italy, UAE and UK; well versed and skilled in garment costing, vendor relationships, raw materials, and sourcing strategy, visual merchandising. -Led all teams to positive comps including Global Accessories, Licensing, Shoes, Japan, Europe and Franchise.-Directed a team of 22 merchants across four Banana Republic businesses and pipelines. -Authored and implemented 2018-2019 long range plans for all businesses.-Relaunched women's and men's handbags resulting in a significant comp. -Owned and executed global inspirational shopping, ideation, and seasonal omni product strategies across all accessories and international. -Led relationships with vendors for licensed areas including jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, and fragrance. Built seasonal strategies, oversaw and drove re-launches, and managed all pipelines and vendors. -Launched Banana Republic goods on Zozotown - Japan’s largest e-commerce platform- and exceeded projected earnings in the first year by double digits. -Developed and assorted a 40th anniversary collection for Japan that was featured in Women’s Wear Daily. -Responsible for building and implementing a ‘co-creation’ model for the Japan exclusives product. -Successfully launched Japan exclusive product in the US online market.-Ran the merchandising side of Franchise market week, working closely with all cross functional teams.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

-Led the Japan, Europe, and franchise merchandising teams, driving country-specific product strategies and ensuring sales and profitability targets were met. -Spearheaded pricing strategy/analysis, IMU guidelines, SKU productivity, and online testing to drive balanced assortments season over season. -Directed a team of 15 merchants. Built and executed localized assortments and exclusive international/franchise product, and streamlined product offerings across all channels.-Built and transitioned the International team from an in-country buying model to a US-based merchandising organization. Led the team through the evolution, addressing areas such as training and new processes, partnering closely with a new cross-functional team.-Responsible for moving franchise toward a ‘push model’ organization. Led the merchandising strategies and localized assortments for 23 countries over 120 stores. Managed all product needs and development. Owned ‘hot store’ assortment for the US and International markets.-Managed the transition of ‘global fit’ to ‘Japan fit’, working closely with technical design, production, and fit models to move the entire assortment to a profitable, relevant fit for the Japanese customer. -Closely examined store assortments and distribution levels. Implemented a ‘shop and shop’ model, streamlining assortment offering and lifting comps.-Capitalized on business opportunities and risks in-season, implementing chase, fast flexible, testing, and RSC levers for both International and franchise markets.-Led cross-functional relationships across the globe. Partnered with in-country leadership to share learnings, drive business results, and understand product needs and customer feedback.-Traveled to various countries multiple times a year to understand cultures, trends, and customer needs.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

-Managed a team of 10 merchants, motivating, coaching, and inspiring them to achieve business results. -Led division success by driving a merchandising strategy that met or exceeded financial goats. Delivered 6 quarters of consecutive positive comps.-Prioritized cross-functional partnerships to meet customer expectations and achieve efficiencies.-Developed annual divisional strategies and initiatives that supported brand vision, increased earnings, and provided an exciting customer experience. Protected dominant categories while introducing new businesses.-Provided clear direction for seasonal investments in the men’s business that ensured smart risks were being taken and financial targets met.-Set the division's price position within the competitive landscape, following a good/better/best pricing structure.-Managed divisional strategies in real-time, pivoting and implementing change where needed in order to react quickly to customer and market trends.-Partnered closely with the design team to align on esthetic strategy and growth.-Worked closely with the visual team to ensure flawless store execution and protection of big ideas and vision.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

San Francisco, Ca, Us

San Francisco, Ca, Us

San Francisco, Ca, Us

San Francisco, Ca, Us