New TRAUB Division Develops Brand, Product and Retail Opportunities For Celebrities, Athletes and Global Entertainment Icons
New York, NY – February 9, 2015 – Marvin Traub Associates (TRAUB), together with fashion and retail industry leaders Bruce H. Ross and John D. Goodman, today announced the formation of TRAUB Celebrity Group, a business development and advisory firm dedicated to working with celebrities, athletes,
and icons to incubate, guide, and develop global branded business opportunities. TRAUB Celebrity Group (TCG) will be led by Ross and Goodman.
TCG combines the knowledge and experience of retail and apparel industry experts who have successfully created numerous celebrity brand extensions with the deep resources of TRAUB’s global business development practice.
Mortimer Singer, CEO of TRAUB, stated, “In the age of social media, the power and relevance of celebrity in the marketing and development of consumer products and brands, has never been more meaningful. TCG is a natural extension of our dedication to growing and optimizing global brands. We are delighted to welcome Bruce and John, who are a natural complement to our culture of partnership and commitment to excellence.”
Ross and Goodman both have highly successful track records. Ross spearheaded the development of new businesses for Tony Bennett, Lauren Conrad, Jordin Sparks, and Dara Torres, among others, while Goodman is credited with creating the Kardashian Kollection at Sears, Sofia Vergara for Kmart, Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, and Sandra by Sandra Lee.
Prior to joining forces with TRAUB, in 2009 Ross founded Celebrity Fashion Group, serving as a trusted resource for maximizing the value of personal brand equity for celebrities. Ross spent his entire career in retail, apparel and consumer branding, beginning with a 15-‐year tenure at JH Collectibles where he rose to President. Ross also established Imagemark, a promotional products and marketing solutions business, which worked with global companies such as Citibank, Fox Sports and Manpower to develop branded apparel and merchandise. Ross also served as a consultant for the Lauren Conrad Collection, where he conceptualized and successfully developed Ms. Conrad’s licensing agreement with Kohl’s Department Stores. John Goodman’s career spans more than 25 years. He has served as Chief Executive Officer at The Wet Seal, Inc., Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. and Mervyn’s LLC Department Stores.
Goodman was also President of the Dockers Brand and Executive Vice President of Apparel and Home at Sears Holding, Inc., which encompassed both Sears and Kmart brands. Earlier in his career, Goodman held various executive positions over a 10 year period at Gap, Inc., where he led the roll-‐out and growth of Old Navy and Banana Republic outlet stores.
“We are thrilled to join forces with TRAUB as we continue to develop innovative and lucrative strategies to bring brands to retail around the globe,” said Bruce H. Ross, Managing Director of TRAUB Celebrity Group. “Our collective resources and access to best-‐in-‐class talent in design, licensing, manufacturing, branding and marketing, creates a unique and powerful platform. John and I are excited to tap into TRAUB’s incredible global retail expertise and access, and to now offer our celebrity clients lucrative and sustainable opportunities, not only here in the United States, but also in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and throughout Latin America.”
John D. Goodman, Managing Director of TRAUB Celebrity Group, added, “In working on brand development with celebrities and other personalities over the years, Bruce and I saw a big void in the market for this type of hands-‐on boutique consultancy – a single resource that serves as a trusted custodian for brands. We are excited about the opportunity to take this to the next level working hand-‐ in-‐hand with TRAUB, the most highly regarded business development firm in the consumer arena.”
About TRAUB
TRAUB works with brands and companies to facilitate global growth and commerce. TRAUB clients operate in the businesses of fashion, retail, technology, real estate, beauty, food & beverage, and hospitality. Enterprises from start-‐ups to multi-‐million dollar enterprises around the world have benefitted from the firm’s deep expertise, exceptional industry perspective, and unmatched relationships. Through a unique approach that blends financial excellence with the sensibilities of seasoned operators, TRAUB optimizes businesses and brands, delivering enhanced revenue and unlocking shareholder value.
Contacts:
Bruce Ross
TRAUB Celebrity Group
+1 414 467 4700
bross@traub.io
John Goodman
TRAUB Celebrity Group
+1 415 515 9469
jgoodman@traub.io
Christopher S. West
TRAUB
+1 646 723 2973
cwest@traub.io