Experience

NagraID Security, Culver City, CA,        2012 – Current
Leading manufacturer of complex cards with a focus on One-Time-Password and Dynamic Code display card technology (2 factor authentication) for the payments industry. Acquired by Oberthur Technologies in August 2014.

VP Sales & Global Partnerships
Responsible for sales, channel partners (indirect sales through leading card manufacturers - Gemalto, Morpho,... and authentication companies – Entrust, HID, Symantec, Vasco…) and relationships with payment brands globally – Amex, MasterCard, Visa…

• Built a global sales team (Europe, Noram) and supported partners directly in territories with no direct sales team (Latam, APAC) leading to: increased number of partners, improvement of partner product knowledge, increase in sales opportunities with financial institutions and launch of new projects.
• Created necessary tools to track sales, manage pipeline and help supply chain forecasting.

HYPERCOM (Acquired by VeriFone in Aug 2011), Scottsdale, AZ        2009-Sep 2011
Global payment technology leader with a full suite of high-security, end-to-end electronic payment products, software solutions & services. $468.4M in revenues (2010)

VP Marketing, Global Solutions   2011
Director, Marketing, Global Solutions  2009-2011
Responsible for the globalization of our integrated payment solutions in select regions and vertical market segments, working in close collaboration with country managers, local marketing teams and engineering. In July 2010, took on management role for the US payment software solution division (former acquisition) with the objective of aligning roadmap with global company initiatives and eventually increasing revenue.

Major accomplishments

• Rebranded all payment software globally under "SmartPayments" umbrella brand to strengthen global positions
• Developed an expansion plan for our French payment software solutions following a comprehensive European market research on retail technology & providers.
• Transformed US payment software solution division from a "stand-alone business" into an integrated division of company at IT, development, sales & marketing levels.

IDCENTRIX, El Segundo, CA       2007-2009
Start-up venture in ID card industry providing unique card issuance system & consumables for secure government-issued credentials.

President & CEO
Sought out by Canadian Financiers to head up independent company based on Swiss patented technology with the objective of going public in less than one year through a reverse merger. Built B2B business from the ground up including solidifying the business model, securing talent and funding, selecting vendors, creating a brand identity and building a pipeline of proposals through systems integrators. Due to insuficient funding as a result of the 2008 financial crisis, sold assets (public vehicle) in October 2009.

Strategy

• Developed commercialization model and business plan for high-end proprietary technology based on understanding of the competitive ID card industry - succeeded in shifting the financier's mindset from enterprise security to high security government to merit premium price, focusing specifically on Latin American due to market potential and strong relationships.
• Directed a marketing agency in the development of the company's brand identity, resulting in the formation of the company's differentiating logo, website and marketing materials.
• Created a 3-year innovation product roadmap based on an analysis of customer needs and available technologies.

Execution

• Took company public on the OTC bulletin board in January 2008 with a reverse merger, raising $2M in soft capital markets within a tight timeframe - delivered investor presentations to brokerage firms during the process.
• Launched aggressive international marketing and sales campaign focused on key trade show events and targeted press releases. Successful multi-tiered campaign resulted in a multi-million dollar pipeline in sales in less than 12-months
• Continously worked to improve gross margins and operational efficiencies by shifting non-core competencies to direct suppliers and negotiating favorable pricing terms.

Management

• Agressively negotiated technology license agreements (price, registriation rights, territories) with Swiss patent holder.
• Personally recruited five employees to fill critical roles in the organization by reaching out to personal and professional networks and working through recruiting and temp agencies.
• Sought out and recruited three independnet board members from a diverse functional background.
• Balanced a high volume of communication, interaction and crisis management with a variety of stakeholders including board of directors, original financiers, shareholders, lawyers, Swiss partner, vendors, customers and employees.

OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES, Rancho Dominguez, CA      1998-2007
World leader in microprocessor-based smart chip products for banking, government ID and wireless telecom, $606M in revenues.

VP of Marketing - Financial Cards & Services, 2005-2007
Head of strategic marketing for the financial market in the American region (US, Canada, Central America) with a focus on new products such as contactless, prepaid and smart cards. Managed company's global partnership with Visa and MasterCard and provided direction to the Product Marketing and R&D teams in Europe for the development of new smart chip products. Worked in collaboration with global cross-functional teams within a matrixed environment.

Major Accomplishments

• Led the response to the first RFP issued by one of the largest US financial institutions for the procurement of contactless payment cards, resulting in a multi-million dollar contract which helped solidify the company's position as leader in new payment technology. Product launched in select US cities in June 2005 to worldwide acclaim.
• Positioned firm as FOB expert by selling-in concept to MasterCard forming a strategic partnership in support of new technology.

VP of Strategic Partner Relations & Event Marketing, 2003-2005
VP of Corporate Marketing Communications & Partner Relations, 2001-2003
Held key role focused on improving relations with strategic partners (Visa & MasterCard) through better market intelligence, intensive networking and creating marquee industry events. Created relationships with competitors in the spirit of collaboration and industry advancement. Communicated knowledge to relevant internal groups including R&D, sales and marketing. Managed one direct report and continued PR and Marketing.

Major Accomplishments

• First vendor to shift company participation away from high-cost booths to more impactful networking events at trade shows.
• Voted into leadership position in the Smart Card Alliance (2004-2007 Board Member, 2005-2007 Co-Chair of Contactless Payment Council).
• Developed a close relationship with the card associations (Visa & MasterCard) leading to increased participation in new strategic product development projects and new technology pilots throughout the world.
• Established relationships with key technology partners (Sun, Microsoft) resulting in successful co-marketing activities.

Director of Marketing Communications & Business Developement -GSM, 1998-2001
Director of Business Development - GSM, 1998
2nd hire of new COO, responsible for developing the market for SIM cards. Transitioned into a marketing role less than two months into the job to fill a gap in staffing structure. Responsible for developing US MarComm strategy in collaboration with European headquarters to maximise awareness. Executed integrated marketing plan (+$1M) with a heavy emphasis on B2B PR and trade shows.

Major Accomplishments

• Led creation and execution of US rebranding compaign after company acquired largest competitor (De La Rue Card Systems) in 1999. Responsible for providing a valuation of all branded materials, and creating a plan to harmonize brand communications.
• Organized large-scale opening day event for a new state-of-the-art 20,000 sq. ft. facility with only 3-weeks of planning.

ASD Software, Montclair, CA,      1991-1998

Re-publisher of award-winning European desktop security utilities for Apple computers.

 

General Manager

Relocated to the US from France to run business focused on B2B and B2C sales & marketing activities. Managed a team of 10 direct reports. Reported to France-based President & CEO. Positioned FileGuard® as leader in Macintosh desktop security market.

 

Major Accomplishments

• Increased sales by 115% and profit by 1,147% in first year by focusing on A&P ROI and effectively reducing cost of goods. 
• Reorganized distribution channel to include fewer, larger leading distributors (Ingram Micro, Merisel, and NacsCorp), which increased market opportunity while decreasing business complexity.
• Negotiated and managed worldwide site licenses with Motorola & Nortel, generating additional sales of 20% & 40% in 1996/1997.

 

Career Note: previous experience includes International Affairs Manager at IDESSYS  (Apple VAR specialized in CAD-CAM), Sales & Marketing Manager and Technical Translator & Interpreter at TRADOC – both companies located in Paris, France. Also current owner of independent distribution business of health products (www.healthyfrenchgirl.com).

Education & Credentials

MS, Translation & Interpretation: ISIT, Paris, France
- Languages: Fluent- French, American English, Spanish; Conversant- Italian; Basic- German & Portuguese

- Advanced Courses in: Internet Marketing, Event Marketing, Integrated Marketing, Strategic Influence, Interviewing People, How to - - Supervise People, Coaching Skills, Internal Communication & Team Building, and Effective Management Skills