Product Design, Creative Strategy, Project Management, and Innovation

3/2023 – offen

Lead the ideation, design-thinking, responsible manufacturing, and launch of a bespoke leather goods brand in 10+ markets, supporting a family owned tannery-factory in India:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business plan including market research, competitive analysis, and strategic growth initiatives to establish Chalo from the ground-up

• Establish a robust supply chain with responsible making methods: utilize solar energy, air/sun dry leathers, reduce waste through up-cycling, and properly treat exposed materials

• Drive organic awareness and market presence through impactful storytelling, resulting in 20+ features in newsletters, change-maker networks, and sustainable fashion platforms

• Partner with emerging designers and women-led businesses from India, Nepal, Kenya, Europe, and North America to support local communities and drive continued learning

• Empower a talented team of 8+ creatives and makers in India by sharing artisan stories, and supporting their education and development

Markendesign, Shopify Marketing, Product Owner, Design Thinking

2/2021 – 10/2023

Managed ideation, concept development, and stakeholder engagement on critical process optimization tools to support expansion across business sites in North America and EMEA:

• Owned governance of Gorillas and Global Partner Agency to redefine strategic brand efforts and optimal growth strategies across North America, EMEA, and upcoming launch markets

• Led end-to-end CapEx and operations for first ever US launch–defined project scope and critical path, evaluated vendors and suppliers, and articulated project impact to stakeholders

• Collaborated with senior stakeholders to evaluate critical business procedures, identified inefficiencies, and developed process optimization tools for larger impact and scale

• Managed large scale cross-functional projects from discovery to completion, ensuring project charters, risk assessments, and financial forecasts are accurately documented

• Led through influence across all layers of the organization to redefine the retail experience, reduce waste, promote mindful consumption, and support corporate sustainability

Creative direction, Design Thinking, Markendesign, Product Owner

8/2018 – 11/2020

Developed and owned roadmap for 4+ product launches through rapid design, customer validation, and prototyping, informing the on-going development and expansion of business:

• Led end-to-end launch of the first US Thanksgiving Box and Christmas Box
Collaborated with Culinary, Operations, Technology, and Creative teams to define product parameters, support digital go-to-market strategy, and oversee P&L and success metrics

• Ran pilot to test market viability of US vending venture and replicate success from Germany HQ–led 30+ sales meetings and managed coordination with NYC/NJ Health Departments

• Owned product roadmap for US Retailers nationwide–evaluated on-boarding of new suppliers, led quality assurance efforts, and drove product campaigns and marketing

• Launched modular meal kit with revamped branding across 130+ stores for top US Retailer

• Utilized user insights, market segmentation, and AB testing to forecast new opportunities, build business case models, and present to US CEO and senior stakeholders for alignment

Design Thinking, Markendesign, Product Owner, Produktdesign