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Joanne Calabrese

Joanne Calabrese


Founder & CEO
San Francisco, California, United States

Professional Overview


Joanne Calabrese is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in the retail and consumer goods industries. As the Founder and CEO of KWAK, she leverages her strategic acumen and innovative mindset to drive growth and transformation within the company.

Experience Summary



Current Role


Joanne currently serves as the Founder and CEO of KWAK, a rapidly growing startup in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this role, she is responsible for setting the strategic vision, leading the executive team, and overseeing all aspects of the company's operations. Under her leadership, KWAK has emerged as a industry disruptor, delivering innovative products and solutions that have garnered significant market traction.

Career Progression


Prior to founding KWAK, Joanne held several prominent leadership positions. She served as the CEO of Soko, a sustainable fashion brand, where she spearheaded the company's expansion and drove its transformation into a recognized industry leader. Joanne also served as a Strategic Advisor to Soko and V-dog, Inc., providing valuable guidance and expertise to support their strategic initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Joanne held the role of Senior Vice President, Americas Region at Fossil, where she was instrumental in driving the company's growth and brand recognition across the Americas. Additionally, she served as a Board Member at Joe's Jeans Inc., contributing her insights and oversight to the company's governance and strategic direction.

Academic Background


Joanne holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with honors. Her academic achievements and specialized knowledge in business strategy and consumer insights have been instrumental in shaping her professional success.

Areas of Expertise


  • Retail and consumer goods industry

  • Strategic planning and execution

  • Brand building and marketing

  • Operational excellence and process optimization

  • Talent management and team leadership


Professional Impact


Throughout her career, Joanne has demonstrated a proven track record of driving sustainable growth and innovation. She is recognized for her ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, as well as her commitment to fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven work culture.

Conclusion


Joanne Calabrese's diverse experience, proven leadership skills, and vision for the future position her as a respected and influential figure in the retail and consumer goods industry. As the Founder and CEO of KWAK, she is poised to continue her trajectory of success, delivering innovative solutions and creating lasting value for the company, its stakeholders, and the communities it serves.