Matt Sexton
Director of Merchandising - Men's & Boy's Western Apparel
Professional Overview
Matt Sexton is an experienced merchandising professional with a strong focus on the men's and boys' western apparel industry. As the Director of Merchandising at Ariat International, he oversees the development and execution of successful merchandising strategies to drive revenue growth and brand recognition.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Merchandising - Men's & Boy's Western Apparel at Ariat International, Matt is responsible for leading a team of merchandisers in the design, development, and delivery of market-relevant product lines. He collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the alignment of merchandising initiatives with broader business goals, resulting in improved sell-through rates and customer satisfaction.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Matt held several merchandising positions at Old Navy, where he progressed from Merchandiser to Senior Merchandiser. In these roles, he demonstrated his ability to analyze market trends, optimize inventory management, and implement effective go-to-market strategies. Earlier in his career, Matt gained valuable experience as an Assistant Merchandiser at Eddie Bauer and as an Igniter Intern in their Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) team.
Academic Background
Matt Sexton holds a Bachelor's degree from Washington State University, where he also served as the Head Manager and Video Coordinator for the Men's Basketball team. During his time as a student, he also gained experience as a fundraiser at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, further developing his problem-solving and communication skills.
Areas of Expertise
- Merchandising strategy development and execution
- Product assortment planning and inventory optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Data analysis and performance reporting
- Team leadership and talent development
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Matt has demonstrated his ability to drive significant business impact. At Old Navy, he spearheaded the implementation of a new forecasting model that resulted in a 12% reduction in markdown costs. Additionally, he led the development of a successful men's western-inspired capsule collection, which generated a 25% increase in sales within the targeted product segment.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the merchandising field, particularly in the men's and boys' western apparel industry, Matt Sexton is well-positioned to continue driving growth and innovation at Ariat International. His strategic mindset, data-driven approach, and strong leadership skills make him a valuable asset to the organization.
