CHRISTOPHER SMITH

1954 W. Foster Avenue, #3

Chicago, IL 60640
773-469-9633 cs733dd8@westpost.net

EXPERIENCED SALES AND MARKETING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Highly motivated, results-driven professional dedicated to delivering success th
rough the development, and execution of effective sales and marketing strategies
. Recognized as an exceptional account executive that can motivate teams to acc
omplish ambitious goals and drive successful business results. Proven record of
achievement in building and managing accounts across multi-state regions. A key
contributor, who adds value, thrives in a challenging work environment and uses
knowledge, experience and skills to contribute to the overall success of the or
ganization.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
* Sales and Marketing Strategy * New Business Development
* Distribution * Co-op Promotional Planning
* Buyer * Retail Store Operations
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
* Steady career growth resulting in challenging engagement and increasing levels
of responsibility working in a variety of roles to form a broad base of knowled
ge in sales, marketing and distribution of consumer products.
* Widely recognized for building relationships with customers and distributors t
o drive business through the successful execution of program strategies, follow
through, and doing "whatever it takes" to get the job done.
* Proven success with analyzing market trends, developing new business opportuni
ties, and providing excellent client service with a record of meeting and exceed
ing sales goals in a declining sales environment.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
RED DISTRIBUTION (SONY MUSIC) - Chicago, Illinois 2001 - 2009
A Sony Music Entertainment-owned sales and marketing division that handles relea
ses for 50+ independent record labels.
Regional Sales and Marketing Representative
Sold 50 independent record labels to set account base for five states within the
Midwest Region.
* Managed relationships with buyers and marketing staff at over 40 retail and wh
olesale accounts including Best Buy and Virgin throughout the Midwest territory
for independent and major label CD and DVD distributors.
* Analyzed sales and marketing research to identify sales trends and opportuniti
es throughout region resulting in consistently surpassing monthly sales goals by
10 to15%.
* Initiated and coordinated multiple co-op advertising campaigns with label part
ners and retail accounts.
* Identified and capitalized on new business opportunities by increasing the acc
ount base by 15 - 20 new retail and wholesale partners, contributing an addition
al 25% in gross annual revenue.
* Established both online and traditional business-to-business marketing to incr
ease exposure of company brand beyond normal regional channels resulting in an a
dditional 7% market growth.
* Responsible for the creation of all new traditional and non-traditional accoun
ts for the company, including online retailers, mail order and book stores.
* Developed and implemented marketing plans, promotions and advertising in conju
nction with over 50 independent and major record labels to ensure maximum visibi
lity and sales.
CHRISTOPHER SMITH PAGE TWO
DISTRIBUTION NORTH AMERICA - Chicago, Illinois 2000 - 2001
Distributor of CD's and DVD's.
Regional Sales and Marketing Representative
Handled sales and marketing for 70 independent record labels for the Midwest Reg
ion.
* Solicited CDs and DVDs to over 25 retail accounts in the Chicago and Wisconsin
markets, resulting in a 20% market growth from previous year.
* Coordinated and delivered multiple product presentations at industry trade sho
w events, including the Walmart national convention, and other retailer conventi
ons
.* Recognized as a Top 10 producer in the North American Sales Organization for
growing the catalog business by 30% over the previous year.
BAKER & TAYLOR - Morton Grove, Illinois 1997 - 2000
A leading distributor of books, videos, and music products to libraries, instit
utions, and retailers.
Buyer
Controlled all purchasing for certain record labels including Warner Atlantic El
ectra.
* Served as one of six buyers for multiple record labels of CDs and DVDs involvi
ng purchasing, sales tracking, computerized inventory control, documenting new b
usiness trends, adjusting for seasonality and special events planning.
* Grew market share by 30% and analyzed sales reports with executive team to max
imize profits by determining optimum product mix, pricing and inventory level.
* Maintained inventory levels for six company warehouses strategically located a
cross the United States to ensure availability of best-sellers to retail custome
rs and libraries.
* Negotiated terms and advertising budgets with vendors.
THE COMPACT DISC STORE - Buffalo Grove, Illinois 1994 - 1997
A retail music store chain selling CD's, DVD's, electronics and apparel.
General Manager
Managed a chain of 7 retail stores in Chicagoland area generating approximately
$3 million in annual sales.
* Oversaw the entire operation of a retail chain, with an annual operating budge
t of $1 million including purchasing, accounting, office management, and marketi
ng.
* Provided leadership and direction to a team of 50+ employees, including recrui
ting, hiring, training, developing and coaching, as well as managing human resou
rce issues.
* Managed all purchasing of both music and video for entire chain, meeting with
sales representatives, determining inventory needs, placing orders, and building
in-store merchandising displays.
* Designed, wrote, and placed all newspaper and radio advertising campaigns to g
enerate awareness and drive sales. Negotiated co-op advertising budgets and med
ia placements with vendors
.* Opened and managed a warehouse outlet store which resulted in selling off exc
ess inventory and increasing company revenue by 20%.
EDUCATION
* Bachelor of Arts in Marketing / Business Administration
Columbia College - Chicago, Illinois
References Available Upon Request