SVP, Brand and Business Development - GCC

Who We Are

Authentic is a unified platform that integrates M&A, brand strategy, creativity and digital innovation to unlock the power of its global Lifestyle and Entertainment portfolio. As the world’s largest sports and entertainment licensing company, Authentic connects strong brands with best-in-class partners to optimize long-term value in the marketplace. Its brands generate more than $32 billion in global annual retail sales and have an expansive retail footprint in more than 150 countries, including 13,000-plus freestanding stores and shop-in-shops and 400,000 points of sale. Authentic transforms brands by delivering powerful storytelling, compelling content, innovative business models and immersive experiences. It creates original marketing strategies to drive the success of its brands across all consumer touchpoints, platforms and emerging media

 Why Authentic

 You’ll be able to access the resources and scale, while leveraging innovative technology and nimble environment. What we’re saying is, this isn’t your average day job. If you’re hungry to drive ideas into action and own your career, let’s chat. Our team is rapidly innovating to evolve and define the future of our brands. With the help of some of the brightest minds in retail, marketing, licensing, legal and more, we are building the intersection of digital and experiential marketing to help achieve that mission. We reimagine, evolve and transform brands! At Authentic, we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought and expertise drive competitive advantage. Our global teams are built by go-getters who contribute unique perspectives and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Headquartered in New York City, Authentic has offices in major metropolitan cities including Los Angeles and Miami, as well as Toronto, Mexico City, London, and Shanghai.

What You’ll Do

As SVP, Brand and Business Development, GCC you’ll lead Authentic Brands Group’s business across the MEA territory and specifically Dubai.  In this critical role, you’ll report directly to the EVP for Lifestyle Brands EMEAI.  You’ll work with corporate leadership to execute a strategy focused on increasing Authentic's brand presence across the MEA territory.  We’re seeking a driven leader with extensive knowledge of brand licensing who has a strong network of licensing and retail contacts in the MEA territory.

The SVP, Brand and Business Development, GCC will have overall responsibility for Authentic’s Lifestyle and Entertainment businesses in the MEA territory and specifically Dubai, including business development goals, current licensee royalty streams, licensee management, execution of marketing initiatives, and managing administrative costs.

What you’ll be working on

Lead Authentic’s MEA territory strategy

• Work in partnership with the London-based EVP for Lifestyle Brands EMEAI, to develop and execute a multi-million-dollar business, including planning, revenue forecasting, business analysis, territory analysis including geopolitical and economic analysis, while conducting due diligence on evolution of the respective retail landscapes. Lead planning to extend and expand Authentic brand presence and distribution in the MEA territory including retail and Ecommerce
• Lead relationship with key retailers/commercial real estate companies in the region to leverage strategic growth with existing and new brand presence.
• Work collaboratively with licensees to develop and execute critical action plans, including product initiatives, wholesale, retail, and digital marketplace distribution efforts
• Maximize supply chain connectivity within the region to ensure price and product propositions are consistent and competitive in the respective markets. 

Co-Lead business development

• Build, lead and direct business development in the MEA territory to formulate a development strategy that generates new business pipeline; incorporate regional and categorical nuances into the sales strategy
• Take a hands-on approach to business development; work closely with the business development team to drive sales activity, develop a high-volume of leads, and close deals
• Leverage your network of contacts to schedule discussions and meetings with target licensing and retail prospects; assist Business Development in establishing contact with target prospects in the market
• Drive royalty overages through proactive and bespoke brand and marketing tactics to achieve and exceed revenue targets

Future Goal of Building and Leading a high-performing team to:

• Lead and manage the Brand Management and Retail/Licensee Business Development employees at varying levels, each responsible for a portfolio of Authentic-owned brands
• Lead direct reports in optimizing business performance, including budgeting and forecasting, brand planning, licensee performance
• Mentor the MEA team; plan and execute talent development and retention strategies
• Instil ownership and accountability to performance deliverables and metrics, including partner management and performance data and business growth
• Continuously support the delivery of training, career and talent development that retains talent
• Implement and refine best practices for running the business to maximize productivity and achieve business goals
• Build a high-performing team; work with talent acquisition and the people team to build, coach, and mentor a team that gets results

Oversee brand and marketing management

• Ensure protocols and practices are in place to prepare licensees to perform per the terms and standards of their agreements
• Work in tandem with Marketing to align brand marketing between Authentic licensees; ensure the most up-to-date brand information is conveyed to and adopted by the licensee
• Monitor licensee performance and proactively troubleshoot and correct challenges relating to key contractual and operational issues
• Lead accounts receivable and collections activity, develop collections center-of-excellence across your area of responsibility
• Manage and monitor the MEA territory operating budget; proactively adjust the budget to achieve P&L goals

Must Haves

• Have 15 or more years’ experience in fashion, retail or celebrity and entertainment
• Established knowledge of the retail landscape in the MEA territory
• Be a driven self-starter with executive-level leadership qualities
• Have extensive hands-on experience leading all aspects of a business operation, including business development and sales, retailer relationships, brand management and marketing, and P&L management
• Anticipate market challenges and develop mitigation strategies
• Be a decisive problem solver with the ability to assess situations quickly, consider options, and choose a path forward
• Have experience working independently and exhibit excellent communication skills
• Have extensive hands-on experience with the mechanics of the licensing business model
• Possess an extensive network of contacts in the licensing and retail sectors
• Have earned a bachelor’s degree, MBA preferred

Target Deliverables and Metrics

• Gross Minimum Royalty (GMR) for territory
• Royalty Overages
• Profit & Loss Performance
• Royalty Payment/Collections
• New Business Development (in-year and total deal value)

Authentic is an equal-opportunity employer and we value and embrace the diversity and inclusion of all Team Members. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national origin, disability, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.

For individuals with disabilities or religious obligations who would like to request an accommodation, please contact talent@authentic.com

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