Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Brian Watkins is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the retail, e-commerce, and technology industries. As the Chief Operating Officer at GEM, he is responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations, implementing business strategies, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve exceptional results.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Chief Operating Officer at GEM, Brian is responsible for driving operational efficiencies, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing process workflows to support the company's ambitious growth goals. He collaborates closely with the executive team to develop and execute strategic initiatives, while also fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Brian held several senior leadership positions, including Senior Vice President of eCommerce and Business Strategy at Callisto Media, Vice President of eCommerce at Bulletproof 360, and Co-Founder and CEO at Rep the Squad. He also served as the President and Founder of Ritani, a successful online jewelry retailer, where he led the company's expansion and successfully navigated it through a strategic acquisition.

Earlier in his career, Brian held roles as the Director of Strategy at Nordstrom, CFO and CRO at Wetpaint, and Vice President of Merchandising at Blue Nile. He started his professional journey as a Consultant at Bain & Company and an Audit Intern at Arthur Andersen.

Academic Background

Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, where he graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise

Brian's expertise spans across several key areas, including e-commerce strategy, omnichannel retail operations, supply chain optimization, financial management, and strategic business development. He is adept at leveraging data-driven insights to drive decision-making, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and leading high-performing teams to achieve ambitious goals.

Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Brian has demonstrated a track record of delivering exceptional results. At Ritani, he successfully led the company's expansion and guided it through a strategic acquisition, showcasing his ability to navigate complex business transformations. At Callisto Media, he spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive e-commerce strategy that resulted in significant revenue growth and improved operational efficiency.

Conclusion

With his extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven leadership skills, Brian Watkins is poised to make a significant impact as the Chief Operating Officer at GEM. His strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to driving innovation and continuous improvement make him a valuable asset to the organization.