Whitney Smith

Whitney Smith Email and Phone Number

Executive Strategic Business Development Leader Specialized in Sales & Merchandising @ World Knits
Whitney Smith's Location
New York, New York, United States, United States
About Whitney Smith

As an Executive Strategic Business Development Leader, I have over 20 years of experience in sales and merchandising. I am adept at driving growth in sectors like apparel, home, and direct-to-consumer brands, balancing a passion for product development and team mentorship. I am highly skilled in innovative marketing and social media advertising while leveraging expertise in strategic planning and cross-functional partnerships. Key Achievements Include: ✅ Recently completed digital marketing bootcamp at Columbia University to amplify value proposition for future opportunities and increase value proposition✅ Managed an $80M+ sales division with 4-5 direct reports and 11 indirect reports, leading the transition from Jones Group to Kasper, achieving $50M in first-year sales, and serving as a model for other companies (off-price stores)✅ Successfully launched the Special Markets Division, contributing over $80M in annual sales by 2019 at The Kasper Group and expanding the division to $130M annually with The Jones Group✅ Within The Jones Group's Product and Sales Department, initiated the launch of the Special Markets division, achieving annual revenue growth exceeding $100M, and built, trained, and managed a 14-person team dedicated to the division's business✅ Successfully launched QVC businesses, Jones Elements, and Anne Klein Studio, achieving substantial growth during tenure.Contact me through this profile if you wish to connect.Core Competencies:Strategic Business DevelopmentEntrepreneurial MindsetMulti-industry ExpertiseDigital, Email and Social Media MarketingPPC, GA4, SEOBrand DevelopmentResearch and Data AnalysisRevenue Generation and AccelerationPerformance LeadershipOperational ExcellenceTeam Oversight/LeadershipSales Expertise & EnablementMerchandising & Product DevelopmentP&L Oversight/ManagementContract NegotiationClient Partnership DevelopmentProduct Launch ExpertiseBusiness & Financial AcumenInventory Planning & OversightMarket Development & ExpansionMerchandisingCompetitive AnalysisStakeholder & C-level EngagementData AnalysisPrice PlanningTeam LeadershipCultivating and Mentoring TalentCustomer InsightsTrend IdentificationBrand ManagementSKU RationalizationChannel ManagementProduct DevelopmentCompetitive Analysis3rd Party Relationships

Whitney Smith's Current Company Details
World Knits

World Knits

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Executive Strategic Business Development Leader Specialized in Sales & Merchandising
Employees:
93
Whitney Smith Work Experience Details
  • World Knits
    Business Development Agent, North America
    World Knits Oct 2024 - Present
    New York City Metropolitan Area
    As the North American Agent for World Knits, I leverage over 20 years of experience in merchandising and sourcing to drive growth and foster collaboration within the apparel industry. World Knits is a fully vertical cotton and cotton blends factory, dedicated to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service.At World Knits, we pride ourselves on:Vertical Operations: Managing all aspects of production in-house, ensuring efficiency, quality control, and swift turnaround times.Duty-Free Advantages: Offering significant cost benefits through AGOA trade agreements on both vertical and imported fabrics, allowing our partners to achieve competitive pricing and compelling margins.Innovative Design Capabilities: Our talented team includes in-house 3D designers for rapid digital sampling, graphic designers for custom artwork, and fashion designers dedicated to creating unique designs that meet market demands.Sustainability Commitment: We are committed to sustainable practices, aligning with industry standards and goals to support a greener future.I am passionate about building strong relationships and helping brands achieve their product goals while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Let's connect and explore potential collaboration opportunities!
  • Self-Employed
    Entrepreneurial Leadership & Professional Development - Business Owner
    Self-Employed Apr 2021 - Nov 2023
    Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
    • Relocated to Brazil in 2021, launching and managing multiple businesses, and subsequently returning to the United States in 2023.• Recently completed digital marketing bootcamp at Columbia University to amplify value proposition for future opportunities and increase value proposition.
  • The Kasper Group
    Senior Vice President, Sales & Merchandising
    The Kasper Group Oct 2017 - Aug 2020
    New York, New York, United States
    • While at The Jones Group, initiated and managed the Special Markets division dedicated to servicing the off-price channel, achieving over $100M in sales with 4-5 direct and 11 indirect reports; the division served as a successful model for other companies. At Kasper, replicated this success by leading a similar transition, generating $50M in first-year sales and growing the division to an annual revenue of $80M+.• Demonstrated an acute understanding of retail microeconomics and proactively addressed industry dynamics.• Oversaw design, merchandising, sales, and operations for the $80M+ division, driving revenue-focused sales plans by account, strategic growth through new category launches, and strong relationships with executives.• Led exclusive product development, implemented merchandising strategies, and identified market trends while nurturing customer relationships.• Supervised and mentored a team of 16 employees, achieving consistent year-over-year top-line growth of at least 15%, identifying global market opportunities, enhancing efficiency, and providing valuable insights during fittings.• At The Jones Group, prior to joining Kasper, led the successful launch and expansion of the Special Markets Division, growing it to $130M in annual sales, laying a strong foundation for continued success in subsequent roles.• Appointed to Senior Vice President of Sales for the newly acquired Jones New York sportswear license, collaborating with the Sr VP of Design and CEO to enhance product quality and spearheading its launch in over 300 department stores. Continued to lead the Special Markets division as Sr VP of Sales and Merchandising.
  • The Kasper Group
    Vice President-Special Markets
    The Kasper Group Jan 2015 - Oct 2017
    New York, United States
  • Jones Apparel Group
    Vice President Of Sales
    Jones Apparel Group Jan 1996 - Dec 2014
    New York, New York, United States
    • Experienced acquisition by private equity firm Sycamore Group, leading the segmentation of the business into Kasper, jeans, and jewelry groups over the last 18 months.• Within The Jones Group's Product and Sales Department, initiated the launch of the Special Markets division, achieving annual revenue growth exceeding $100M, and built, trained, and managed a 14-person team dedicated to the division's business.• Successfully introduced new product classifications, such as the non-iron shirt, with $14M in annual sales, and launched the jeans division, including Jones New York Jeans and Anne Klein Jeans, expanding annual jeans classification sales to $23M.• Expanded business in warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's) to generate over $40M in annual revenue.• Improved the division's gross margin from 25.0% to 38.0% through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.• Spearheaded semi-annual overseas sourcing trips with key accounts, resulting in doubled order placements over three years, with gross margins increasing by 15% and a more than 30% improvement in turns.• Successfully launched QVC businesses, Jones Elements, and Anne Klein Studio, achieving substantial growth during tenure.• Resigned as VP of Special Markets at The Jones Group in 2014 for a competitor's VP role, was later recruited back by The Kasper Group's President/CEO to join a different division with retained seniority and benefits.

Whitney Smith Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Whitney Smith

What company does Whitney Smith work for?

Whitney Smith works for World Knits

What is Whitney Smith's role at the current company?

Whitney Smith's current role is Executive Strategic Business Development Leader Specialized in Sales & Merchandising.

What schools did Whitney Smith attend?

Whitney Smith attended Columbia Engineering Boot Camps, University Of Washington.

Who are Whitney Smith's colleagues?

Whitney Smith's colleagues are Andy Chu Sun Wah, Yudheesha Napaul Crouche, Coralie Besson, Lalaina Clara Randrianarivony, Nafeesha Emambacus, Veera ., Nishtee Napaul.

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