Berglass Associates

In the early 1980’s, Les recognized that distribution channels were changing. He saw the walls between wholesale and retail dissolving. Wholesalers had to redefine themselves because vertical retailers such as Victoria’s Secret and Williams-Sonoma were revolutionizing the way consumers buy product. Recognizing this change, he left the world of consumer goods marketing and opened berglass+associates. He directed the firm’s energy towards finding executives who can work in an environment that is constantly changing – executives sensitive to verticalization, the power of brand, multi-channel distribution and globalization. Then in the 90’s, he saw yet another change – the seeds of the digital world being planted. Les knew that contemporary talent would be in short supply and has dedicated his company to filling that void. Les has built a recruiting team that is committed to understanding their client’s needs before making hiring recommendations. Under Les’ leadership, berglass+associates has become one of the most effective and well-respected search firms in the consumer goods space today.

Matt’s career began in consumer goods. He joined berglass+associates in 1994 and was promoted to President in 2008. Not only has Matt added to the company’s strength in retail and fashion, but he has also expanded the firm’s reach into home, hard goods, restaurant and fitness. He has also participated in broadening our practice to include the investment community. Matt leads an experienced team of recruiters in placing “C” Suite and mid-management executives across a broad range of assignments, from product development through finance. Most recently, he placed the President of a $40 billion retailer. His high level placements have consistently led teams that have significantly increased shareholder value.

Prior to joining berglass+associates in 1999, Cynthia worked in wholesale, retail and international for an impressive group of branded businesses that included Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Estee Lauder and Bloomingdale’s. As berglass+associates has expanded into the digital world, Cynthia has been at the core of strengthening our company’s expertise – from both a knowledge and network standpoint. She works on “C” Suite and mid-management assignments. In addition to general management placements, Cynthia’s recruiting platform includes marketing, merchandising, merchandise planning, finance and operations. She was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2008. She is also an active member of Shop.org and Cosmetic Executive Women.

Diane joined berglass+associates in 2007. She brings us marketing and media expertise from The Walt Disney Company, American Express, Conde Nast and The New York Times Company as well as beauty experience from Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and Georgette Klinger. She also served as SVP of Marketing for the Magazine Publishers of America. Diane has strengthened the company’s skills and reach in the digital and technology world in both pure-play and e-commerce extensions of our brick-and-mortar clients. Having an incredible inquisitiveness in the technological world of retail, Diane has become one of the most informed recruiting executives in the constantly changing world of digital retail. Her recruiting platform focuses upon marketing, emarketing, analytics/insights, merchandising and IT. Diane is currently a Vice President at berglass+associates and participating member of Shop.org.

Rebecca joined berglass+associates in 2010 and has more than 20 years of recruiting, marketing and merchandising experience. Prior to joining the firm, Rebecca served as Coach Inc.’s Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition. In that role, she managed the recruiting activities for multiple business units including Coach’s North American Retail, US Wholesale and International Wholesale divisions. Rebecca has also held senior level positions at leading retailers including Avon and Bloomingdale’s. Her recruiting assignments have focused upon both pure-play and brick-and-mortar retailers. Functionally, she has added talent to our client’s management teams in: marketing, supply chain, merchandise planning and sales.

Laura rejoined berglass+associates in 2010 with more than 20 years of recruiting expertise, 14 of which were spent with the company. She specializes in building management teams for retail, technology and consumer goods companies. Laura has a strong track record working closely with wholesale manufacturers and retailers, placing senior-level executives at privately and publicly held companies across all functional areas including management, product development, design, global sourcing/manufacturing, marketing, merchandising, operations, finance and human resources.

Jackson David joined berglass+associates in 2011, bringing more than 15 years of experience building global retail organizations. With extensive expertise in Organizational Design and Effectiveness, Executive Development and Leadership Succession Planning, Jackson has successfully led Global Recruitment and Human Resources activities for Corporate Operations, Store Operations, IT, Planning/Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, and Marketing/Creative Services. Most recently, Jackson served as Director of Recruitment, North America & E.U. at BCBG Max Azria Group. His previous work includes executive recruiting and human resource positions at Macy’s, Aspirepersonnel UK, and Philosophy Cosmetics.