Jason Balmes
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Results-oriented executive with a collaborative approach, leveraging extensive experience in business growth, strategic partnerships, and operational leadership. Demonstrated success in leading high-performing sales teams and effectively managing multimillion-dollar operations. Proven track record in executing strategic brand collaborations that drive growth, enhance market presence, and foster innovation. Experience spans across global retail, brand agencies, and fine art museums, bringing a unique perspective to driving success both internally and externally.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Business Development
Soles4Souls
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Social enterprise focused on humanitarian relief and sustainability
- Developed and nurtured relationships with C-Suite and key decision makers at Fortune 500 retailers, DTC brands, 3PLs, and resale marketplaces resulting in 20% YoY revenue growth
- Cultivated and executed B2B partnerships through in-store activations (technology integration, circularity initiatives) and creative marketing campaigns focusing on sustainability, and consumer engagement
- Served as organizational expert in the areas of ESG, sustainability and circularity representing company at events including Sustainable Fashion Forum, Sustainable Brands, ComplexCon, and MAGIC
- Implemented CRM-based automation (HubSpot,NetSuite), improving lead conversion rates by 15% and reducing sales cycle times by 10%; managing 250+ direct accounts, sales pipeline, and team performance
- Developed strategic growth initiatives and presented long-term business plans to Board of Advisors - successfully aligning key objectives and critical priorities with revenue generating opportunities
Advisor
Storee.AI
09.2024 - Current
- Data driven AI solution simplifying task execution via communication and insights
Mentor
Ember Company
08.2014 - Current
- Advisory network providing guidance and capital resources
Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives
ARTiSTORY
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Partnered with CEO in the development of global commercial activations, consumer products, and marketing initiatives- focusing on strategic partnerships with retailers, marketplaces (Amazon, eBay), D2C brands, and creative campaigns for clients such as MFA Boston, Brooklyn Museum, and The Smithsonian
- Presented, developed, and executed complex multi-category IP licensing deals in the areas of merchandise and technology-based immersive experiences across global markets
- Authored and implemented global SOPs, aligning OKRs/KPIs with company objectives to drive sustainable growth across LATAM, APAC, and EMEA markets resulting in 20% YoY revenue growth
Business Strategy and Operations Consultant
Various Clients
05.2017 - 01.2022
- Designed, deployed, and directed full GTM and 10-year retail strategy for Maison Kitsuné in the U.S
- Developed brand architecture and merchandising plans for contemporary fashion brand, Misha Vaidya
- Consulted for Newell Brands on the development and successful execution of Yankee Candle retail activation in NYC exceeding 300 million social and media impressions, exceeding its target by 400%
Director of User Growth and Customer Success
NEXAR
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Company Overview: B2B / B2C SaaS and AI technology platform
- Created and directed ecosystem led growth strategies maximize customer acquisition and channel development for SaaS platform
- Hired, trained, and coached user growth specialists and customer success representatives leveraging Zendesk, NPS, and Churn Rate data to enhance product offering, customer journey, and processes
- Developed and executed concentrated growth strategies, scaling B2B partnerships with companies such as Uber and Lyft, contributing to a 30% increase in enterprise adoption
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
Director of U.S Retail and Operations
Ardene
11.2015 - 04.2017
- Company Overview: International fast-fashion retailer
- Developed and executed comprehensive GTM retail strategy for a $550MM apparel retailer within the U.S
- Oversaw all U.S operations and product merchandising with full P&L oversight; analyzing monthly reporting and managing a team of 250+ employees
- Authored, scaled, and revised operational frameworks, SOPs and KPIs, resulting in 22% YoY growth and an 18% reduction in operational costs
- Performed due diligence and competitive analysis for M&A in collaboration with the CEO and legal counsel
- Collaborated with CEO and cross-functional team leaders to identify areas of need; defined go-forward actions for merchandising, marketing campaigns, finance, legal, logistics, 3PL, and licensing partnerships
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Director of Retail Operations
The New Museum
03.2015 - 11.2015
- Company Overview: Contemporary art museum
- Managed all retail, E-commerce, and commercial operations for the museum with full P&L management
- Developed and executed strategic partnerships, brand collaborations, IP licensing agreements, and marketing activations with artists and brands such as KAWS, Daniel Arsham, and PHAIDON Books
- Mentored members of the New Inc. incubator program, providing guidance on commercial opportunities in the areas of art and innovation
- Streamlined supply chain processes for faster merchandise delivery times, reducing out-of-stock instances and improving customer satisfaction levels.
Vice President of Retail Development and Partnerships
Creative Arts Agency (CAA-GBG)
06.2013 - 07.2014
- Company Overview: Global brand management and licensing agency
- Developed, negotiated, and executed complex licensing agreements and strategic partnerships for legacy brands including Budweiser, Hershey, Coca-Cola, Mercedes, and Chrysler
- Produced creative product collaborations including Lucky Brand x JEEP and ALIFE x Budweiser
- Designed and project-managed global product launch at the Made In America Festival resulting in the development and execution of the ALIFE Sessions concert series featuring world famous recording artists
- Led a high-performing sales team, implementing productivity KPIs and coaching strategies that resulted in consistent quota attainment and a 18% YoY increase in sales revenue
- Collaborated with international teams in the successful execution of global deals achieving $4B in sales
- Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
Director of Operations
G-Star Raw
11.2012 - 06.2013
- Company Overview: Global contemporary fashion brand
- Oversaw U.S operations with full P&L responsibility ($70M), managing a sales team of 150+ employees
- Revised employee training, leveraging sales techniques and coaching, resulting in 28% sales growth YoY
- Identified growth opportunities in inventory management and promotional strategies- reducing costs by 9%
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
Director of Retail
Derek Lam
08.2010 - 08.2012
- Company Overview: Luxury fashion brand
- Directed retail and e-commerce strategy with full P&L oversight- managing national sales teams, product optimization, vendors relationships, and offering
- Increased sales revenue by 34% YoY through strategic initiatives, marketing, and technology integration
- Created exclusive products, brand collaborations, and strategic partnerships with creative director & CEO
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating favorable terms for product sourcing and delivery schedules.
Sales Manager
Jil Sander
08.2008 - 08.2010
- Company Overview: Global luxury fashion brand
- Global luxury fashion brand
Assistant Director of Retail - Outlet Division
FENDI (LVMH)
05.2002 - 08.2007
- Company Overview: Global luxury fashion brand
- Global luxury fashion brand
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics - Minor, Business Administration
University At Albany
Albany, NYSkills
Complex Sales Leadership
- Retail & eCommerce
- Team Development
- Strategic Leadership
- Client relationship management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Business Development
- Revenue Growth
- KPI Management
- Performance Metrics Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Customer Engagement
- Operational Excellence
Websites
Timeline
Advisor
Storee.AI
09.2024 - Current
Director of Business Development
Soles4Souls
01.2024 - Current
Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives
ARTiSTORY
02.2022 - 08.2023
Director of User Growth and Customer Success
NEXAR
01.2018 - 03.2020
Business Strategy and Operations Consultant
Various Clients
05.2017 - 01.2022
Director of U.S Retail and Operations
Ardene
11.2015 - 04.2017
Director of Retail Operations
The New Museum
03.2015 - 11.2015
Mentor
Ember Company
08.2014 - Current
Vice President of Retail Development and Partnerships
Creative Arts Agency (CAA-GBG)
06.2013 - 07.2014
Director of Operations
G-Star Raw
11.2012 - 06.2013
Director of Retail
Derek Lam
08.2010 - 08.2012
Sales Manager
Jil Sander
08.2008 - 08.2010
Assistant Director of Retail - Outlet Division
FENDI (LVMH)
05.2002 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Economics - Minor, Business Administration
University At Albany
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