Kelly Witte

Kelly Witte Email and Phone Number

VP of Product Development | Product Design | Fashion Industry | Negotiations | Cost Optimization | People Leadership @ Twelve South
Kelly Witte's Location
Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Area, United States, United States
About Kelly Witte

I am a methodical and intuitive senior leader with a true passion for product development and design in the fashion industry. I’ve achieved success in my career by cultivating, nurturing, and sustaining trusting relationships globally with a shared goal of executing on product vision at the most superlative level. I offer a uniquely holistic leadership approach, balancing my highly creative side with a business savvy lens. In my experience-rich career, I’ve had the pleasure of travelling to numerous countries world-wide to grow businesses and drive brands forward. Known for my artistic design perspective paired with a keen business sense, I always ensure product excellence while maintaining an uncompromised commitment to quality and design. I enjoy tapping into my more innovative side with each challenge I approach, allowing me to uncover cutting-edge solutions. Frequently complimented on my ability to remain firm, assertive, and unwavering without offense, I deliver on business goals often within strict deadlines and tight parameters. My negotiations skills in particular have been the catalyst to my success, as I have achieved substantial cost optimization and efficiency in nearly every role I’ve taken. As an empath with a high level of emotional intelligence, I foster an environment in which my peers and direct reports feel safe to seek my input, comfortable taking risks, and self-assured that I will advocate steadfastly for their well-being. I love empowering and igniting teams to perform at the highest levels through thoughtful mentorship, constant support, positive influence, and leading by example. Key Areas of Expertise: → Product Development & Design → People Leadership → Cost Optimization → Price Analysis→ Negotiations → Vendor Relations → Global Relationship Management → eCommerce → Data Insights → Fashion Trends → Apparel and Accessories

Kelly Witte's Current Company Details
Twelve South

Twelve South

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VP of Product Development | Product Design | Fashion Industry | Negotiations | Cost Optimization | People Leadership
Kelly Witte Work Experience Details
  • Twelve South
    Vice President Of Product Development
    Twelve South Aug 2018 - Present
    Charleston, South Carolina, Us
    As VP, I drive B2B and B2C product development for Apple-compatible accessories. I source, select, and negotiate contracts with material vendors with a focus on cost engineering and margin goal attainment without sacrificing quality or design. Additionally, I conduct cost/price and budget analysis to determine appropriate product pricing. As a people leader, I provide mentorship and support to 19 people across various teams. A few of my most noteworthy achievements while in this role include: • Built the product development department from the ground-up. • Leveraged AI-driven insights to rebrand 3 key products into 'newer and improved' versions with upgraded product features. Produced a substantial increase in volume in less than 1 year of the most recent launch. • Grew, developed, and continuously promoted team members through effective goal setting plans and consistent feedback and coaching. Retained nearly all cross-functional team members over tenure.
  • Joanna Buchanan Llc
    Vice President Of Product Development
    Joanna Buchanan Llc Jan 2016 - Jun 2018
    As a product development expert and senior leader, I served as a consultant supporting clients in all areas of supply chain management, including materials sampling, manufacturer communications, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
  • Baublebar Inc.
    Vice President Of Product Development
    Baublebar Inc. Mar 2015 - Sep 2015
    New York, Ny, Us
    In this role, I headed the development of a start-up e-commerce jewelry and accessories company. I managed wholesale accounts with large department stores, as well as onboarded new vendors with a focus on quality and design. I embraced a major undertaking in this position by building the sourcing department from the ground up, while reporting directly to the co-founder and Chief Sourcing Officer. I focused on executing the launch of Bauble Bar products across major retail chains. Some key achievements include: • Streamlined purchasing processes by launching a company-wide production lifecycle calendar, changing production from a weekly to a seasonal basis. • Established a packaging strategy to deliver the greatest efficiency and cost optimization possible. • Created and implemented various tools to save measurable cost, improve processes, and expand the category base substantially.
  • Ann Inc.
    Director Of Product Development & Production
    Ann Inc. Nov 2014 - Sep 2015
    New York, Ny, Us
    Tapped for promotion to direct accessory production from product design to launch for five brands. I cross-functionally managed teams specializing in distinct brand and product categories. One of my primary focuses was to negotiate and review costing with vendors globally to ensure cost efficiency. I also served as a people leader, managing 10 direct reports while overseeing $332M+ retail dollars, and 10M SKUs per year. Some of my noteworthy accomplishments include: • Ranked in the top 3 company-wide for Gallup manager and employee engagement results. • Introduced eco-friendly initiatives and process improvements to drive productivity and quality.• Enhanced production processes by streamlining vendor base and implementing a vendor scorecard evaluation system.• Exceeded all IMU goals by brand across all managed categories in 2013.
  • Ann Inc.
    Senior Manager: Product Development & Production For Accessories & Footwear
    Ann Inc. Jan 2011 - Nov 2014
    New York, Ny, Us
    As Senior Manager, I led a team specializing in fashion accessories and leg wear categories across all brands at Ann Inc. I oversaw all stages of sourcing, including vendor screening, selection, development, cost negotiation, and vendor quality compliance. I also managed import logistics and tariffs. Some of my key accomplishments include: • Spearheaded the launch of Lou & Grey lifestyle brand in five stores in 2014.• Regulated production performance and partnered with overseas counterparts in China and India to consistently meet and/or exceed performance goals.
  • Polo Ralph Lauren
    Women'S Collection Accessories Product Development Manager
    Polo Ralph Lauren Sep 2009 - Feb 2011
    New York, Us
    I headed product development for Women's Collection Accessories with a focus on design, quality, and cost. I evaluated costing to ensure margin goals were achieved while adhering to budget constraints. Additionally, I directed all aspects of material production operations with a focus on efficiency and quality.
  • Polo Ralph Lauren
    Women'S Collection Accessories Production Associate
    Polo Ralph Lauren May 2007 - Sep 2009
    New York, Us
    I maintained and oversaw efficient production of accessories. I also managed an office in Florence via on-site visits and remotely, monitoring costing and delivery details.
  • Nicole Miller
    Production Trim Buyer
    Nicole Miller Dec 2006 - May 2007
    New York , Ny, Us
    I managed trim and lining purchasing, development, and production, as well as communicated with international vendors for beading or embroidery purposes and with factories to confirm trim used on final production garments. I maintained stock inventory of linings and fusible fabrics.
  • Nicole Miller
    Women'S Production Coordinator
    Nicole Miller Jan 2006 - Dec 2006
    New York , Ny, Us
    As Coordinator, I facilitated and oversaw all aspects of production including finalizing details of garment construction, issuing new purchase orders, monitoring production progress, and working closely with merchandising and sales.

Kelly Witte Education Details

  • Fashion Institute Of Technology
    Fashion Institute Of Technology
    Design
  • Purdue University
    Purdue University
    Apparel Design And Technology

Frequently Asked Questions about Kelly Witte

What company does Kelly Witte work for?

Kelly Witte works for Twelve South

What is Kelly Witte's role at the current company?

Kelly Witte's current role is VP of Product Development | Product Design | Fashion Industry | Negotiations | Cost Optimization | People Leadership.

What schools did Kelly Witte attend?

Kelly Witte attended Fashion Institute Of Technology, Purdue University.

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