Featured Speakers from the Inaugural Summit
These best-in-class cause-minded marketers have been chosen carefully based on campaigns with real communications and fundraising results. Unlike other conferences, not one of our speakers has paid to have you as an audience. They are volunteering their time and talent to the Cause Marketing Summit.
These best-in-class cause-minded marketers have been chosen carefully based on campaigns with real communications and fundraising results. Unlike other conferences, not one of our speakers has paid to have you as an audience. They are volunteering their time and talent to the Cause Marketing Summit.
Karen I. Wu, Partner, Perlman & Perlman, LLP
Karen I. Wu is a partner at Perlman & Perlman, LLP, a nationally recognized law firm based in New York City serving the philanthropic and social enterprise sector. Karen advises nonprofit organizations on corporate governance, federal tax law compliance, fundraising regulation, contract negotiations, and intellectual property matters. She also counsels a broad range of for-profit businesses, including Fortune 500 and start-up companies, on emerging issues involving corporate philanthropy and cause marketing, including corporate sponsorships, commercial co-ventures, crowd-sourced fundraising, and social media campaigns. Ms. Wu is a frequent author, blogger, and speaker on legal issues affecting the philanthropic sector. In 2013, she received the American Bar Association's Nonprofit Outstanding Young Lawyer Award.
Karen I. Wu is a partner at Perlman & Perlman, LLP, a nationally recognized law firm based in New York City serving the philanthropic and social enterprise sector. Karen advises nonprofit organizations on corporate governance, federal tax law compliance, fundraising regulation, contract negotiations, and intellectual property matters. She also counsels a broad range of for-profit businesses, including Fortune 500 and start-up companies, on emerging issues involving corporate philanthropy and cause marketing, including corporate sponsorships, commercial co-ventures, crowd-sourced fundraising, and social media campaigns. Ms. Wu is a frequent author, blogger, and speaker on legal issues affecting the philanthropic sector. In 2013, she received the American Bar Association's Nonprofit Outstanding Young Lawyer Award.
Erik Wolsky, Global Brand Manager, Levi Strauss & Co.
Erik is an expert in creating global marketing strategies. In his most recent position he is responsible for Levis' Innovation product categories. Over the last three years he has rolled out global marketing strategies for both the Levi’s(r) Commuter and Levi’s(r) Skateboarding programs, that are based on community involvement. From building skate parks in cities around the world, to pop-up workspaces for cyclists to utilize free products and services, the goal of the programming has always been to support the local communities, organizations, and individuals.
Erik is an expert in creating global marketing strategies. In his most recent position he is responsible for Levis' Innovation product categories. Over the last three years he has rolled out global marketing strategies for both the Levi’s(r) Commuter and Levi’s(r) Skateboarding programs, that are based on community involvement. From building skate parks in cities around the world, to pop-up workspaces for cyclists to utilize free products and services, the goal of the programming has always been to support the local communities, organizations, and individuals.
Keesha White, Partnership Manager, The Partnership for a Healthier New York City
Keesha is skilled in the art of collective impact. She knows how to tackle the world's toughest problems through engaging and empowering organizations, corporations and employees. Keesha White leads through service. She believes that everyone has the right to work with enthusiasm in environments that propel their careers and supports their overall health and happiness. She takes great joy in seeing people live in their highest possibility and coaches leaders into a realm of massive action and extraordinary results. With a Masters in International Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelors in Sociology and Economics from Columbia University in New York City, Keesha has taken her passion for health and happiness from counseling expats in China to equity research in Zimbabwe. Her laughter, leadership and dedication to the human resilient spirit has re-engaged communities in resource poor nations and created new programming in developing cities globally. She recently created Open Symposia to support leaders in developing healthier teams for a happier workplace through targeted leadership development, team building and wellness coaching. Symposia is her contribution to hard working people looking to create lives they can enjoy.
Keesha is skilled in the art of collective impact. She knows how to tackle the world's toughest problems through engaging and empowering organizations, corporations and employees. Keesha White leads through service. She believes that everyone has the right to work with enthusiasm in environments that propel their careers and supports their overall health and happiness. She takes great joy in seeing people live in their highest possibility and coaches leaders into a realm of massive action and extraordinary results. With a Masters in International Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelors in Sociology and Economics from Columbia University in New York City, Keesha has taken her passion for health and happiness from counseling expats in China to equity research in Zimbabwe. Her laughter, leadership and dedication to the human resilient spirit has re-engaged communities in resource poor nations and created new programming in developing cities globally. She recently created Open Symposia to support leaders in developing healthier teams for a happier workplace through targeted leadership development, team building and wellness coaching. Symposia is her contribution to hard working people looking to create lives they can enjoy.
Clint White, President and Co-Creative Director, WiT Media
Clint is the President and co-creative director of WiT Media, a NYC-based ad agency focused on providing lifestyle marketing strategy and execution. Clint is passionate about connecting life-changing content with the right audiences through entrepreneurial solutions. He is a thought-leader, guest speaker, and lecturer with garnered expertise on organizations across the arts, education, healthcare, hospitality, financial, tech, and nonprofit sectors. Recipient of a 2014 Leadership Award by the Social Impact Summit at United Nations, a Communication Arts Award of Excellence in 2013, and named a 2012 Crain’s NY Business Top Entrepreneur, among others. Specialties: Over 20 years experience in lifestyle marketing, strategic media planning and analysis, audience maximization, content management, and brand strategy, especially for nonprofits as well as those with an entrepreneurial orientation.
Jaclyn M. Tacoronte, NYC Publicist
Jaclyn is an award-winning marketing and public relations professional with over 15 years of experience in both agency and client-side settings, serving Fortune 500 companies, including Canon, Puma, Harley-Davidson and Proctor & Gamble. She is frequently a public relations guest speaker and panelist for New York State Council for the Arts, Staten Island Not For Profit Association, Center for Non Profit Success and Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness. She is the former Director of External Affairs & Business Development for Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a major New York City cultural destination located on an 83-acre campus on Staten Island where she spearheaded all marketing and public relations efforts leading to over 200 plus online and print editorials and features including the coveted Fall 2014 Harpaar’s Bazaar cover featuring the iconic New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden. Prior to that role, she served as the Marketing Director at The Young People's Chorus of New York City, where she helped position the organization to receive the 2011 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award administered by the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities.
Jaclyn is an award-winning marketing and public relations professional with over 15 years of experience in both agency and client-side settings, serving Fortune 500 companies, including Canon, Puma, Harley-Davidson and Proctor & Gamble. She is frequently a public relations guest speaker and panelist for New York State Council for the Arts, Staten Island Not For Profit Association, Center for Non Profit Success and Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness. She is the former Director of External Affairs & Business Development for Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a major New York City cultural destination located on an 83-acre campus on Staten Island where she spearheaded all marketing and public relations efforts leading to over 200 plus online and print editorials and features including the coveted Fall 2014 Harpaar’s Bazaar cover featuring the iconic New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden. Prior to that role, she served as the Marketing Director at The Young People's Chorus of New York City, where she helped position the organization to receive the 2011 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award administered by the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities.
Billy Starr, Founder and Executive Director, Pan-Mass Challenge
As Founder and Executive Director of the Pan-Mass Challenge, Billy Starr has dedicated 35 years to funding live-saving breakthroughs in cancer research. Combining his passion for cycling with his activist spirit, Starr has led the organization in contributing $455 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Founded in 1980, the PMC, a 190-mile bike-a-thon, raises two to three times more money for charity than any other athletic event in the world. In 2014, the organization raised and contributed $41 million, representing more than 53 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue and 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar. The PMC is Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor. Starr has built a unique organization that performs at a level of proficiency rarely found in either the corporate or nonprofit worlds. The PMC infrastructure consists of eight full-time and four part-time employees; a 10-person volunteer coordinating staff; a 14-person Board of Trustees; 5,500 cyclists; 3,300 volunteers; 46 communities; 200 companies, which donate more than $4 million worth of merchandise and services; and more than 240,000 individuals who sponsor PMC cyclists.
As Founder and Executive Director of the Pan-Mass Challenge, Billy Starr has dedicated 35 years to funding live-saving breakthroughs in cancer research. Combining his passion for cycling with his activist spirit, Starr has led the organization in contributing $455 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Founded in 1980, the PMC, a 190-mile bike-a-thon, raises two to three times more money for charity than any other athletic event in the world. In 2014, the organization raised and contributed $41 million, representing more than 53 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue and 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar. The PMC is Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor. Starr has built a unique organization that performs at a level of proficiency rarely found in either the corporate or nonprofit worlds. The PMC infrastructure consists of eight full-time and four part-time employees; a 10-person volunteer coordinating staff; a 14-person Board of Trustees; 5,500 cyclists; 3,300 volunteers; 46 communities; 200 companies, which donate more than $4 million worth of merchandise and services; and more than 240,000 individuals who sponsor PMC cyclists.
Britt Power, Partner, Global Strategy Group
With GSG since 1995, Britt has two decades of quantitative and qualitative market research experience at the firm. She specializes in devising customized positioning and research strategies for clients looking to extend or manage their reputation, launch services or products, expand their client base or gain a competitive edge. From projects that incorporate website usability testing or focus groups to intricate segmentation studies or elite interviewing, Britt’s clients count on her to develop tailored methodologies that lead to savvy strategic insights. She currently oversees GSG’s Corporate and Advocacy research practice as well as heads the firm’s Qualitative Research Department. Britt’s client list includes distinguished brands such as A&E Networks, Conde Nast, Ernst & Young, ESPN, Microsoft and Scholastic, Inc. She also focuses on topics of public health and advocacy for organizations such as the New York City and LA County Health Departments. Before joining GSG, Britt attended New York University where she graduated with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Politics.
With GSG since 1995, Britt has two decades of quantitative and qualitative market research experience at the firm. She specializes in devising customized positioning and research strategies for clients looking to extend or manage their reputation, launch services or products, expand their client base or gain a competitive edge. From projects that incorporate website usability testing or focus groups to intricate segmentation studies or elite interviewing, Britt’s clients count on her to develop tailored methodologies that lead to savvy strategic insights. She currently oversees GSG’s Corporate and Advocacy research practice as well as heads the firm’s Qualitative Research Department. Britt’s client list includes distinguished brands such as A&E Networks, Conde Nast, Ernst & Young, ESPN, Microsoft and Scholastic, Inc. She also focuses on topics of public health and advocacy for organizations such as the New York City and LA County Health Departments. Before joining GSG, Britt attended New York University where she graduated with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Politics.
Quincy Olatunde, CEO, Digikea
Quincy is motivated by the pursuit of innovation and connection. He believes in the power of knowledge and big ideas. Crafting and delivering against great strategy to help discover the point of activation energizes him. He has a passion for helping companies reimagine how they create and deliver value, relate, engage and interact with their customers in a digitally evolving world - using language, design and technology to foster relationships. Quincy believes in the “for good” mantra, be it social or profit.
As the CEO of Digikea, a digital development and marketing agency, Quincy leads the strategic client engagements, business activation and execution. He brings a wealth of experience across creative design, product development, brand strategy and positioning, search, social marketing, content development and product management. Prior to starting Digikea, he was a partner at Simplify.Repeat where he was responsible for the business development, strategy and product team, managing initiatives with clients like JetBlue, IPG Media Brands, Camelot UK and activating brands like Home Depot, CondeNast, Kia, Sony, Unilever, loyalty partnerships with airlines like Hawaiian and Emirates. Quincy holds a Computer Science degree from Brunel University (UK) and a Digital Media Marketing certification from New York University.
Quincy is motivated by the pursuit of innovation and connection. He believes in the power of knowledge and big ideas. Crafting and delivering against great strategy to help discover the point of activation energizes him. He has a passion for helping companies reimagine how they create and deliver value, relate, engage and interact with their customers in a digitally evolving world - using language, design and technology to foster relationships. Quincy believes in the “for good” mantra, be it social or profit.
As the CEO of Digikea, a digital development and marketing agency, Quincy leads the strategic client engagements, business activation and execution. He brings a wealth of experience across creative design, product development, brand strategy and positioning, search, social marketing, content development and product management. Prior to starting Digikea, he was a partner at Simplify.Repeat where he was responsible for the business development, strategy and product team, managing initiatives with clients like JetBlue, IPG Media Brands, Camelot UK and activating brands like Home Depot, CondeNast, Kia, Sony, Unilever, loyalty partnerships with airlines like Hawaiian and Emirates. Quincy holds a Computer Science degree from Brunel University (UK) and a Digital Media Marketing certification from New York University.
Drew Train, Managing Partner, OBERLAND
Drew is the Managing Partner of OBERLAND, responsible for clients' business, marketing and development strategies. As a potent combination of Madison Avenue executives and social advocates, OBERLAND uses the best tools, techniques and talent from both worlds to help causes, nonprofits and purpose-driven brands to capitalize on the new landscape of conscious marketing. Drew was formerly the Business Director of JWT Ethos, where he provided corporate, nonprofit and public sector brands with management consulting, CSR strategy, communications planning, branding and advertising - creating some of the most recognizable nonprofit campaigns in the country. Drew has worked with corporate brands HSBC, Verizon, UPS, Puma, Lufthansa and Tiffany & Co in the US and China.
Drew is the Managing Partner of OBERLAND, responsible for clients' business, marketing and development strategies. As a potent combination of Madison Avenue executives and social advocates, OBERLAND uses the best tools, techniques and talent from both worlds to help causes, nonprofits and purpose-driven brands to capitalize on the new landscape of conscious marketing. Drew was formerly the Business Director of JWT Ethos, where he provided corporate, nonprofit and public sector brands with management consulting, CSR strategy, communications planning, branding and advertising - creating some of the most recognizable nonprofit campaigns in the country. Drew has worked with corporate brands HSBC, Verizon, UPS, Puma, Lufthansa and Tiffany & Co in the US and China.
Marshall Lauck, Chief Operating Officer, JWT Atlanta, Dallas and Houston
Marshall currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the JWT Atlanta, Dallas and Houston offices, leading the team alongside President and Chief Creative Officer Perry Fair. Prior to becoming COO, Marshall acted as the account lead for the United States Marine Corps where he led the direction and strategic development for the account for over six years. Before joining JWT, Marshall began his marketing and communications career as a Brand Manager at Kraft Foods; in his five years at Kraft, Marshall managed brands across multiple categories, including P&L responsibility for a product portfolio with close to $100 million in annual sales. Prior to his tenure at Kraft, Marshall served in the Marine Corps, first in an operational assignment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, followed by several years assigned to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command in Quantico, Virginia. He remains keenly focused on a host of cause marketing initiatives, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Travis Manion Foundation and Hire Heroes USA.
Marshall currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the JWT Atlanta, Dallas and Houston offices, leading the team alongside President and Chief Creative Officer Perry Fair. Prior to becoming COO, Marshall acted as the account lead for the United States Marine Corps where he led the direction and strategic development for the account for over six years. Before joining JWT, Marshall began his marketing and communications career as a Brand Manager at Kraft Foods; in his five years at Kraft, Marshall managed brands across multiple categories, including P&L responsibility for a product portfolio with close to $100 million in annual sales. Prior to his tenure at Kraft, Marshall served in the Marine Corps, first in an operational assignment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, followed by several years assigned to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command in Quantico, Virginia. He remains keenly focused on a host of cause marketing initiatives, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Travis Manion Foundation and Hire Heroes USA.
Gerard LaFond, Vice President, Digital Engagement, Cone Communications
He has a passion for connecting brands with customers through technology. As vice president of Digital Engagement, Gerard brings a wealth of experience in game design and gamification, social and content marketing, search, mobile and interactive development, as well as recent global branding roles. Prior to joining Cone, Gerard was VP of Marketing for the world’s largest education publisher, Pearson, and led its direct-to-consumer and digital marketing efforts. Prior to Pearson, Gerard was the co-founder of the award-winning video game company Persuasive Games, the founder of the interactive agency red TANGENT and held executive roles at Media Revolution and Citysearch.com, now IAC.
He has a passion for connecting brands with customers through technology. As vice president of Digital Engagement, Gerard brings a wealth of experience in game design and gamification, social and content marketing, search, mobile and interactive development, as well as recent global branding roles. Prior to joining Cone, Gerard was VP of Marketing for the world’s largest education publisher, Pearson, and led its direct-to-consumer and digital marketing efforts. Prior to Pearson, Gerard was the co-founder of the award-winning video game company Persuasive Games, the founder of the interactive agency red TANGENT and held executive roles at Media Revolution and Citysearch.com, now IAC.
Erik Kimel, Director of Brand Activations, Harry's
Erik is the Director of Brand Activations for Harry's. Erik specializes in offline marketing and grassroots initiatives, from retail to wholesale to Harry's give back program, "Give a Shave." Prior to Harry's, Erik founded and sold his first company, Peer2Peer Tutors. Erik holds a BA from New York University's Stern School of Business and has been featured on the "Top 25 under 25 Entrepreneurs" list in Business Week.
Erik is the Director of Brand Activations for Harry's. Erik specializes in offline marketing and grassroots initiatives, from retail to wholesale to Harry's give back program, "Give a Shave." Prior to Harry's, Erik founded and sold his first company, Peer2Peer Tutors. Erik holds a BA from New York University's Stern School of Business and has been featured on the "Top 25 under 25 Entrepreneurs" list in Business Week.
Susanne Halling, Impact Partnership Specialist
Susanne is dedicated to creating sustainable business and social impact partnerships. Her work is grounded in hands-on strategy, development and communications experience and successful fundraising, program and events management record as a skilled coach and consultative sales lead. As Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Tri-State, she created impactful initiatives for the NY, NJ, CT region and, at United Way Worldwide’s Global Corporate Leadership program, led a network of over 1,200 local United Ways in targeted strategic corporate fundraising -- resulting in $30 million in direct funding annually. A former Captain at The Russian Tea Room, Susanne has produced conferences and seminars featuring global leaders for Foreign Policy Association, developed promotional materials as Marketing Manager at Barnes & Noble and completed recognition projects for The September 11th Fund. She is a native of Sweden who has studied Spanish, German and French and attended CUNY-Hunter College Honors Program, United Way’s Center for Community Leadership and received a Certificate in Consultative Sales from Wilson Learning. Susanne is the co-owner of KRONA o STJÄRNA -- a lifestyle platform for solid souls and curious minds.
Susanne is dedicated to creating sustainable business and social impact partnerships. Her work is grounded in hands-on strategy, development and communications experience and successful fundraising, program and events management record as a skilled coach and consultative sales lead. As Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Tri-State, she created impactful initiatives for the NY, NJ, CT region and, at United Way Worldwide’s Global Corporate Leadership program, led a network of over 1,200 local United Ways in targeted strategic corporate fundraising -- resulting in $30 million in direct funding annually. A former Captain at The Russian Tea Room, Susanne has produced conferences and seminars featuring global leaders for Foreign Policy Association, developed promotional materials as Marketing Manager at Barnes & Noble and completed recognition projects for The September 11th Fund. She is a native of Sweden who has studied Spanish, German and French and attended CUNY-Hunter College Honors Program, United Way’s Center for Community Leadership and received a Certificate in Consultative Sales from Wilson Learning. Susanne is the co-owner of KRONA o STJÄRNA -- a lifestyle platform for solid souls and curious minds.
Laura Goodman, Senior Director, Corporate Sponsorships, Share Our Strength
As Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for Share Our Strength, Laura leads the team to engage national corporate partners in the No Kid Hungry campaign, raising the critical funds necessary to end childhood hunger in America. Corporate revenue has grown more than 20% each year since the launch of the No Kid Hungry campaign in 2010 and engages top-tier partners such as Walmart, Arby’s, Sysco, Sodexo, Food Network, Williams-Sonoma, Denny’s and more. Laura brings over 13 years of experience in the field of cause marketing to the table. Previously, Laura was a strategist at Social Capital Partnerships and joined Social Capital from Reading Is Fundamental, where she led the corporate relations team to raise 70 percent of all charitable support and secured new corporate relationships such as with US Airways, Holiday Inn Express and Capital One. Laura also previously worked at KaBOOM!. Laura holds a MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.A. and B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University.
As Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for Share Our Strength, Laura leads the team to engage national corporate partners in the No Kid Hungry campaign, raising the critical funds necessary to end childhood hunger in America. Corporate revenue has grown more than 20% each year since the launch of the No Kid Hungry campaign in 2010 and engages top-tier partners such as Walmart, Arby’s, Sysco, Sodexo, Food Network, Williams-Sonoma, Denny’s and more. Laura brings over 13 years of experience in the field of cause marketing to the table. Previously, Laura was a strategist at Social Capital Partnerships and joined Social Capital from Reading Is Fundamental, where she led the corporate relations team to raise 70 percent of all charitable support and secured new corporate relationships such as with US Airways, Holiday Inn Express and Capital One. Laura also previously worked at KaBOOM!. Laura holds a MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.A. and B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University.
Aria Finger, Chief Operating Officer, DoSomething.org & President of TMI
As Chief Operating Officer, Aria Finger oversees the business development, finance and campaigns departments at DoSomething.org, the national not-for-profit that empowers millions of young people to take action around causes they are passionate about. With her cause-related marketing experience, Finger has managed initiatives with Johnson & Johnson, Aéropostale, Sprint, American Express and other top brands. She has spoken at numerous conferences including a panel on youth unemployment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During her tenure at DoSomething.org, Aria launched their Teens for Jeans campaign which now clothes half of all homeless children in America each year. Finger is the Founder and President of TMI, a subsidiary agency of DoSomething.org that advises brands and organizations on young people, technology & social change. Aria earned a BA in economics and political science from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She reads economic theory for fun, loves vanilla cupcakes, and thinks that The New Jim Crow should be required reading for anyone interested in social justice. Aria currently serves on the board of the NYC-based not-for-profit Care for the Homeless, was one of the first ten World Economic Forum Global Shapers and is an adjunct professor at New York University. Aria has been highlighted in the New York Times, Fast Company and was named to the 2012 Crain’s New York Business list of “40 Under Forty” and featured on the cover.
As Chief Operating Officer, Aria Finger oversees the business development, finance and campaigns departments at DoSomething.org, the national not-for-profit that empowers millions of young people to take action around causes they are passionate about. With her cause-related marketing experience, Finger has managed initiatives with Johnson & Johnson, Aéropostale, Sprint, American Express and other top brands. She has spoken at numerous conferences including a panel on youth unemployment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During her tenure at DoSomething.org, Aria launched their Teens for Jeans campaign which now clothes half of all homeless children in America each year. Finger is the Founder and President of TMI, a subsidiary agency of DoSomething.org that advises brands and organizations on young people, technology & social change. Aria earned a BA in economics and political science from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She reads economic theory for fun, loves vanilla cupcakes, and thinks that The New Jim Crow should be required reading for anyone interested in social justice. Aria currently serves on the board of the NYC-based not-for-profit Care for the Homeless, was one of the first ten World Economic Forum Global Shapers and is an adjunct professor at New York University. Aria has been highlighted in the New York Times, Fast Company and was named to the 2012 Crain’s New York Business list of “40 Under Forty” and featured on the cover.
Rob DeMartini, President and CEO, New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc.
Rob DeMartini, President and CEO, joined the New Balance team in May 2007, bringing with him extensive knowledge and experience from a diverse background in consumer products business. Drawn to New Balance for its commitment to brand authenticity and responsible leadership, DeMartini achieved his first order of business in 2007 by guiding the company’s leadership team in the development of a responsible growth strategic plan. The plan nurtured and cultivated the unique culture of New Balance while also driving aggressive global growth. Over the past 5 years New Balance has doubled global sales to more than $3.3 B and achieved one of the highest growth rates in the athletic footwear and apparel industry. Growth has been delivered by increasing investment in product quality & design, improving digital branding and direct consumer experiences, and by building associate capability while maintaining the powerful culture at New Balance. In addition, DeMartini has promoted the importance of owned manufacturing. He played a key role in working with government and industry officials, on behalf of the industry, to secure implementation of Berry Amendment legislation in athletic footwear. DeMartini is a passionate athlete and cyclist and under his tenure New Balance has committed to using its innovative products and coaching expertise to inspire and engage company associates and global consumers to achieve their own greatness.
Rob DeMartini, President and CEO, joined the New Balance team in May 2007, bringing with him extensive knowledge and experience from a diverse background in consumer products business. Drawn to New Balance for its commitment to brand authenticity and responsible leadership, DeMartini achieved his first order of business in 2007 by guiding the company’s leadership team in the development of a responsible growth strategic plan. The plan nurtured and cultivated the unique culture of New Balance while also driving aggressive global growth. Over the past 5 years New Balance has doubled global sales to more than $3.3 B and achieved one of the highest growth rates in the athletic footwear and apparel industry. Growth has been delivered by increasing investment in product quality & design, improving digital branding and direct consumer experiences, and by building associate capability while maintaining the powerful culture at New Balance. In addition, DeMartini has promoted the importance of owned manufacturing. He played a key role in working with government and industry officials, on behalf of the industry, to secure implementation of Berry Amendment legislation in athletic footwear. DeMartini is a passionate athlete and cyclist and under his tenure New Balance has committed to using its innovative products and coaching expertise to inspire and engage company associates and global consumers to achieve their own greatness.
