David Watts

Working as an independent consultant with the President and CreativeDirector of a Couture fashion brand to develop international retail, sales and brand strategy, for the U.S. and Japanese markets.  Reviewing the product development cycle for overseas markets and outlining a new sales initiative for those overseas markets.  Produced a fashion show event for New York fashion week (April 2008) for Press and Buyers.

The primary challenge was to lead the global business development strategy for this multi-million dollar designer fashion company.  Directing all domestic and international sales (Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macy’s) and drive all brand development initiatives.  Revitalize all marketing and PR policies and acting as art director oversee all print and media campaigns to communicate the vision.  To guide long term plans for pricing and product strategy by territory and forge strategic partnerships for international growth.  Guide all new business account development and increased bottom line profitability, analyzing sales trends and planning inventory flow to meet them.  Spearhead a new product development effort, which includes ready to wear, footwear, accessories and home-wear categories.  Manage all new licensing and brand extension both nationally and internationally.  Reporting to the President/CEO the role commanded major cross-functional management experience.

An independent consultant working across fashion, eyewear, accessories and lifestyle, bringing a wealth of knowledge from a career spanning 20yrs senior experience.Developed sales, marketing and brand strategies, in addition to overseeing product and retail development initiatives.Working with retailers such as; Bergdorf Goodman, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and brands such as Peter Langner Couture, Browns, Dauphitex, Jenny Packham, Gloverall, Simon Carter Menswear, Familiar and high street retail in the UK such as ;H&M, Topshop, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams.Sourced new suppliers and manufacturers in both home markets and off-shore - Hong Kong, China, Sri Lanka and India. Established third party strategic partnerships for new business and licensing opportunities.Travelled extensively with design teams for both trend and product research.Considered a first class talent in design development, as a creative director has been responsible for overseeing design teams in womenswear, children, accessories and lifestyle product. Enthusiastic and challenged by identifying new market segments, with the creative ability to develop new ideas for these segments.Has the distinction of being an executive who possesses the experience, capabilities and judgement for taking a business to the next level or resolving difficulties that impede growth. Possesses a unique mix of business acumen married with the creative ability to manage with a hands-on entrepreneurial approach and within a team structure.

Representing the intellectual property rights of the works by musical impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, the remit was to develop and launch a new consumer products division.Identifying and defining core business potential for all brands, to maximize new revenue opportunities for fashion apparel, giftware and lifestyle product.Negotiating contracts and overseeing all creative development for products and brands.Responsibility for all in-theater and concession retailing, to increase sales and service worldwide.This included the founding of overseas offices, agency representation and strategic partnerships.Based in offices in London and New York with a team of 20 this position reported directly to the CEO and owner Lord Lloyd Webber.

Overseeing the creative development of all Brands (Private Label) womenswear and childrenswear for retail group Marks & Spencer.Sales turnover of 100 million annually.

·Managing the garment and graphic design studios (75 Designers)

·Presenting design concepts to Buying Directors and Merchandise Directors

·Costings and critical path analysis with tech teams.

·Review suppliers - fabrics and trims.

·International travel for quality control and design development.

·Negotiate licensing contracts with licensors.

A global licensing agency with 6 offices worldwide.Acting Creative Director for all product development worldwide.Relationship building with brands and retailers in Europe, USA and Austral-Asia.

·Negotiate product contracts and promotions

·Develop new product lines for retail and wholesale

·International retail development

·Drafting licenses and distribution deals

·Product planning and sourcing

·International travel to all overseas offices

Responsible for the executive management of all fashion ranges through the supply chain for a profile mid-tier retailer (600 stores) for Ladies- Sportswear, Leisurewear and Sleepwear/Lingerie and Childrens’.Manage all Licensing and brand extension development.

·Manage all day to day sales and marketing

·Oversee three in-house design teams (30 Designers)

·Product presentations to Buying Directors and Merchandise Directors

·Compilation of seasonal design strategy.