Joanne Calabrese
Experienced Entrepreneur and Business Leader
Professional Overview
Joanne Calabrese is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over 15 years of experience driving growth and innovation across the retail and consumer goods industries. As the Founder and CEO of KWAK, she leverages her deep expertise in strategic advisory, operations, and general management to guide her company's success.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and CEO of KWAK, Joanne is responsible for setting the strategic vision, leading the executive team, and overseeing all aspects of the business. Under her leadership, KWAK has quickly emerged as a disruptive force in its industry, delivering innovative products and services that have garnered widespread acclaim from customers and industry peers alike.
Career Progression
Prior to founding KWAK, Joanne served as the CEO of Soko, a leading fashion and lifestyle brand, where she spearheaded a major turnaround that resulted in significant revenue growth and market share expansion. She has also held several other high-profile roles, including Strategic Advisor at V-dog, Inc. and Board Member at Joe's Jeans Inc. Additionally, Joanne spent several years as the Senior Vice President of the Americas Region at Fossil, where she played a pivotal role in driving the company's international expansion and strengthening its brand presence.
Academic Background
Joanne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in Business Administration and minored in Economics.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic planning and execution
- Operations and supply chain optimization
- Brand building and marketing
- Digital transformation and e-commerce
- Talent development and team leadership
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Joanne has demonstrated a track record of driving measurable business impact. At Soko, she led the company to achieve double-digit year-over-year revenue growth and secured several high-profile partnerships that expanded the brand's global reach. As a Board Member at Joe's Jeans Inc., Joanne played a pivotal role in guiding the company's successful turnaround and positioning it for long-term success.
Conclusion
Joanne Calabrese is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned business leader with a proven ability to transform organizations and deliver sustainable growth. With her deep industry expertise, strategic acumen, and dynamic leadership style, she is poised to continue driving KWAK's success and cementing her reputation as a transformative force in the retail and consumer goods sectors.
