Thought Leadership

Allison O’Connor is the CEO of the revered and mission-driven Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams home business. Previously, she has held executive design, merchandising, marketing, and general management roles at global brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, Williams-Sonoma, and Sheridan Australia.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel reflected with Allison on her career spanning compelling distribution channels, many industry sectors, and multiple product categories, as well as launching new business concepts. She shared with us insight on her winning approach to growing brands, teams, and individuals.

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Amy von Walter began her career in government agencies before shifting into retail, healthcare and now consumer products. As Chief Administrative Officer at The Nature’s Bounty Co., she is leveraging her collective experiences leading corporate communications and other select functional areas in a wide variety of workplaces including the US Department of Homeland Security, Target, a healthcare system, Best Buy and Toys R Us.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel spoke with Amy about her notable interest in taking on challenges, and her track record of succeeding in new companies and roles.

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J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global Licensing, began his career as a finance professional before finding himself immersed in the world of fashion/retail. As a continuous learner and team player, he has consistently expanded the scope and scale of his responsibilities by embracing his mentors, collaborating cross-functionally, and saying “yes” to new opportunities.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel spoke with Michael who shared insights into how he has successfully pivoted throughout his career, leading him to CFO and COO roles at Converse, Nike affiliate brands, Guess? and Cole Haan, and to his current position as President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing overseeing the global multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

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Robert Hanson, EVP-President of the Wine & Spirits Division at Constellation Brands, has led businesses in a variety of industries, attributing his success to innate curiosity, a diversity of experiences and mentors, and a commitment to making an impact. As a consumer and brand enthusiast, he previously served for many years in an array of roles at Levi Strauss & Co. before taking on CEO roles at American Eagle Outfitters and John Hardy, as well as Board positions at Urban Outfitters, John Hardy, Canopy Growth Corporation, and Constellation Brands.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel sat down (via Zoom, of course) with Robert to discuss how he has been able to traverse industries, learn new categories, and leverage his obsessions for brands, products and people. 

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Digital retail expert Charlie Cole shares his view on the future of DTC retail, and a variety of leadership lessons learned at diverse brands. 

Charlie Cole is known for driving and growing digital businesses.  In this edition of our thought leadership Q&A series, the Global Chief of eCommerce at Samsonite (a collection of 10 brands, including Tumi) discusses formative leadership experience from throughout his career, and what he believes brands and leaders need to do to succeed in today’s retail landscape. 

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Fashion leader Peter Arnold discusses his diverse career, and how he is driving change and transformation at YMA FSF. 

Peter Arnold started his career as a lawyer and went on to lead the CFDA in addition to several fashion brands.  Now, he has taken on the challenge of modernizing the 82-year old YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund, an organization that develops young future talent by connecting students, universities, and a large portion of the fashion and retail industries. 

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