Michael (Mike) Klein Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, MN, US

I work closely with owners, CEO’s and Sr. Managers of consumer product companies to identify problems, provide solutions and optimize implementation of strategies to deliver results. I have consulted with established brands, as well as start-ups, on various sales, marketing, product development and sourcing issues.

• Directed a workforce of 50 in 3 locations (including subsidiary in London, England) with full profit and loss responsibilities while aligning organization structure with strategic direction of the organization..
• Created a multi-channel go-to-market strategy and vision for the company due to the changing nature of retailing which resulted in expanded distribution and increased sales.
• Led the effort expanding distribution of the Company’s brands and products into broader distribution channels, including: Target; Barnes & Noble; JC Penney; Meijer’s; Kohls; John Lewis Department Stores; Boots, Ltd.
• Directed sales, product design and development teams, developing unique product appropriate for broader channels that resulted in distribution gains for our brands and products.
• Profitably grew the e-commerce channel with aggressive sales and marketing promotions.
• Re-launched the Company’s soft toy line in 2014, resulting in sales growth of over 100% for the category and expanded distribution into targeted chain stores.

• Directly responsible for top-line revenue results for North America through our US headquarters, the UK and Europe though our London office, and the rest of the world through independent distributors. Define and.
• Developed sales plan and restructured sales management group to achieve over 100% sales growth from FY2000 to FY2002.
• Direct the creation and design of all advertising and marketing campaigns, including: trade advertising, trade shows, POP merchandising displays, web-site development, promotions, licensing program and product packaging.
• Developed and implemented sales plan to expand distribution to mass retailers (Target, TRU, Shopko…) resulting in significant revenue increases in 2005-2009.

• Benetton Sportsystem USA (BSS) was owned by the Benetton Group, S.p.A., a $2.5 billion apparel, footwear and sporting goods company located in Ponzano, Italy. BSS’s brands included Rollerblade, Prince, Nordica, Ektelon.
• Responsibility for the marketing of all BSS hard-goods lines. Directed the launch of over 500 new products for the 2000 season including entries into new clothing and footwear categories.
• Worked with research and development groups to transfer all product development responsibilities to central R&D facility in Italy.

• Responsible for directing the Brand Management group in setting and implementing long term strategic and annual marketing plans. Plans included strategies for: market research, new product development, distribution.
• Managed a team responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Blade Runner business unit: Sales - Key account management and sales administration; Marketing - Strategic planning and Brand management; Operations.
• Directed International Sales and Marketing efforts for all countries outside of Europe and Japan.

El Segundo, California, US

Worked on the largest car brand in the world; Hot Wheels!

Various positions at Tonka - Starting in Finance. Made a career change and moved into Product Management, with responsibility for the basic vehicle line, with annual revenues of $50 million.