1. CATHERINE WOJCIECHOWICZ
93 APPLE RIDGE ROAD, WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ 07677 201-391-1913, CATHERINEWOJO3116@GMAIL.COM
CAREER SUMMARY
Dynamic Product Development and Brand Management leader with proven track record of delivering
superior profitability to world class retail and wholesale companies in the consumer products industry.
Broad based experience in leading creative strategy, new product commercialization, business
development, marketing, and global manufacturing. Adept at optimizing global market o pportunities to
drive incremental revenue and EBITDA. Outstanding leadership, communication, presentation and
problem solving skills with specific expertise in:
Product Lifecycle Management Global Brand Strategies Licensing Evaluation & Optimization
Long Range Strategic Planning Proprietary & National Brands Soft and Hard Lines Manufacturing
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
VP PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – KIDS A CTIVITIES 10/2010 TO 9/2013
EK SUCCESS BRANDS CLIFTON, NJ
Drove strategy and business development for $35m Kids Activities division; American Girl Crafts,
Perler, and Licensed Brands.
Improved innovation, differentiation, and profit margins through transition of US manufacturing
business to China. Instrumental in qualifying new supplier base.
Developed short & long term strategic plans that drove sales, profit and brand penetration goals.
Delivered 500 basis point profit margin improvement through optimization/rationalization of
licensed brand portfolio.
Implemented product development process improvements resulting in speed to market efficiencies,
quality standard improvements, and greater cross functional team collaboration.
Mentored and managed a team of 14 direct reports inclusive of product, packaging, marketing and
design managers.
GLOBA L BRA ND DIRECTOR – GIRLS PROPRIETA RY BRA NDS 2/2004 TO 4/2010
TOYS R US WAYNE, NJ
Responsible for all business management, creative, and product development for the girls
proprietary brand division generating $230m in global sales revenue.
Developed/managed division and brand budgets, responsible for achieving sales and profit targets.
Identified global market and consumer trends that drove more than $25 million in incremental
revenue at enhanced margins.
Maintained double digit growth YOY (2007-2010) through implementation of new branding strategy
for Totally Me Craft brand.
Instrumental in driving vendor score card process and sourcing strategy that resulted in 5-8% FOB
cost reductions across key items and driver programs.
Extensive knowledge of manufacturing process across a diverse portfolio of product classifications.
Improved overall operating efficiencies through creation and implementation of project
management tools.
2. DIRECTOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – KIDS R US 11/1/1999 TO 2/2004
DIVISION OF TOYS R US WAYNE, NJ
Guided the business management, product development, and creative direction for the $150m
Boy’s private brand apparel division.
Developed and implemented profitable and effective product line plans and sourcing strategies.
Improved category profitability and speed to market by implementing innovative cost solutions,
enhanced operational efficiencies, and a relentless approach to annual contract negotiations.
Forged strong alliances with merchants, sourcing, planning, and logistics ensuring buy-in and
execution of seasonal assortments and strategies.
DIRECTOR OF GLOBA L MERCHA NDISING 11/1/1997 TO 11/1/1999
RALPH LAUREN CHILDRENSWEAR, S.SCHWAB & Co. NEW YORK, NY
Developed and launched a global $100 million dollar brand extension targeted at girls 7-16.
Led and successfully implemented transition of $125m Ralph Lauren Boys 4-20 business from prior
licensee.
Established and executed seasonal business plans that met revenue, profit, and brand vision goals.
Instrumental in directing seasonal assortment planning process and recommending retailer specific
collections.
Optimized outlet store profitability through effective use of raw material overruns and excess
inventory.
Forged and maintained strong alliances with Ralph Lauren corporate teams.
Conducted all presentations in collaboration with sales during market weeks, trade shows, and
sales meetings.
VP OF MERCHA NDISING – CHILDRENS A PPA REL GROUP 7/1996 TO 11/1/1997
SALANT CORPORATION NEW YORK, NY
Led the business management, product development, and sourcing strategy for the $200m
children’s branded and licensed apparel division. (Osh Kosh Sleepwear/Underwear, Dr. Denton,
Joe Boxer)
Developed and executed business plans, creative direction, and sourcing strategies.
Developed and launched a sportswear brand extension for Joe Boxer Kids resulting in an
incremental $60m in revenue globally.
Demonstrated strong communication and influential skills in maintaining collaborative and
effective licensor relationships.
Led production planning process, raw material procurement, and regulatory compliance efforts.
PROGRESSIVE RESPONSIBLE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT LEA DERSHIP ROLES
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL MERCHANDISING CALVIN KLEIN INC. 7/1994-7/1996
DIRECTOR OF MERCHANDISING WRIGHT’S KNITWEAR 2/1991-7/1994
SENIOR MERCHANDISE MANAGER ANDOVER TOGS 2/1985-2/1991
MERCHANDISE MANAGER D.GLASGOW & SONS 3/1983-2/1985
APPAREL DESIGNER GARAN INC. 1/1980-3/1983
EDUCATION
ASSOCIATES DEGREE, BUYING & MERCHANDISING 1980
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY