The VELGOT group is a consultant advisory firm helping companies achieve excellence in strategic brand development, content marketing and creative services. Areas of expertise include but are not limited to financial services, non-profit and foundations. Both B2B and B2C expertise in helping to increase awareness and revenue.

Transforming and refreshing the already successful brand of Pzena Investment Management. Strategic audits, interviews and the creation of branding guidelines including a new logo as well and the implementation of the new brand into all of their marketing materials to institutions and HNW clientele. Messaging & positioning, signage, fact sheets, powerpoint presentations, newsletters, corporate papers and all digital media including a new website.

Developed a strategic brand and marketing road map and team while overseeing all marketing programs and expenditures. Re-branded the firm while increasing company awareness and dialogue with various B2B and B2C channels. Audience segments included: Private Equity, Institutional/HNW, Retail/RIA, and Individual Investor/Core Consumer for two publicly traded Business Development Companies (BDC’s) and other special purpose vehicles. Originated internal creative/marketing team and managed coordination with all external resources in the way of public relations, design and media. Management of all creative and strategic content marketing efforts including but not limited to: budgets, analytics, events, press releases, print/digital/video, social media,sponsorships and government relations. Formed a strategic partnership with sales/origination and executive committee to help drive the growth of firm from one to three publicly traded entities increasing assets under management from $500MM to over $6B.

Aligned the organization internally and externally by fostering awareness and integration of business units positioning, messaging and brand unification in the U.S. and worldwide. Managed complex brainstorming scenarios throughout the organization to help build new marketing insights and capabilities. • Created campaigns including, but not limited to Retirement and Estate Planning, Defined Contributions, Climate Change, Hybrid Engine Technology, Alternative Investments and Asset Allocation to increase the company’s public profile.• Focused efforts on brand building through PR and advertising, while ensuring communications effectiveness and the importance of market research.• Increased awareness by designing and implementing marketing programs, and media plans to shift brand positioning in targeted markets from a product provider to a solutions provider.• Developed marketing and sales strategy programs and processes to convert sales pitches into client contracts, by way of case studies and interactive technologies.

The creative and driving force behind the worldwide re-brand of the two Wall Street titans, Alliance Capital and Sanford Bernstein to create the newly formed AllianceBernstein. • Routinely provided vision, leadership, and ongoing mentoring to communications team members and support staff both domestically and worldwide.• Built brand management capabilities, while identifying skill gaps and the hiring of new talent.• Created Cross Channel Communication teams and facilitated agendas for various programs and initiatives. • Designed and implemented the new logo, and overall company style and roadmap for the brand guidelines in over 26 countries.• Worked with business units and geographies on all aspects of brand development and execution. Assets under management increased from $450 Billion to over $800 Billion.• Created and supported all ongoing marketing communications including print, web, presentations, video and interactive media, while managing the Communications team and budget of 48 members.• Led concept building of positioning and messaging for a highly matrixed organization. Created and redefined the internal and external identity in Corporate, Private Wealth, Institutional, Mutual Funds, Defined Contributions and Retirement spaces.• As the company’s brand activist, developed and managed ongoing conversations with the Executive Committee members pertaining to strategy, communication and brand development. Close working relationships with the CEO, Co-Chairman, President.• Educated and developed programs to inspire and inform the entire organization on the importance of the AB brand and ensured the consistent usage at all touchpoints.

Created new efficiencies and cost savings by developing an all inclusive completely integrated multi channel agency that partnered with outside sources, as well as all internal strategic business units; Private Client, Institutional, Retail, Research and Corporate. Produced internal and external communications strategy, development and delivery.• Transitioned two decentralized teams into one. Improved efficiency, production and delivery time, which increased client receipt and satisfaction.• Created and supported all ongoing marketing communications from concept to delivery.• Created and managed team of 48 skilled specialists in creative design, print production, power-point, digital media, video and events, all in a fast paced, deadline driven environment. • Saved over $12 Million of $60 Million procured print budget, with integrated print and paper programs, while working with third party suppliers.• Led negotiations with major international video and satellite broadcasting companies.• Pioneered new online interactive video, a first on Wall Street. Created and produced video segmented communications with quantifiable metrics.

Developed and managed team of 12 professionals in a fast paced deadline oriented environment. • Formulated a disciplined process of client servicing and project management in order to develop new approaches to complex product offerings and marketing communications. • Recruited and mentored a variety of skilled professionals to support the continued needs of a highly complex organization. • Managed all creative services and marketing related expenditures.