Ileana Velasquez

Advised SMB retail/service clients on operational transformation and commercial strategy, including a multi-location redesign that reduced process errors 25% within 90 days. Built KPI frameworks, SOPs, and workflow optimization systems to improve consistency and scalability.

Led operations and commercial functions for a multi-location DTC retail business with full P&L ownership, operating model design, and vendor management. Delivered 35% operational efficiency improvement, 40% revenue growth, 30% lower staff turnover, and 15% procurement cost reduction.

Directed strategy execution and operational delivery for multi-workstream event production programs with budgets exceeding $500K. Built operational playbooks and commercial systems that improved delivery consistency by 30% and achieved 90% client retention across 10+ concurrent accounts.

Founded and managed a fashion retail boutique with full P&L responsibility, owning the commercial cycle from vendor sourcing and buying through merchandising, pricing, and customer experience. Achieved profitability within the first year through disciplined inventory management and vendor negotiation.

Provided operational and commercial consulting to retail SMBs by assessing businesses, redesigning operating models, and implementing performance frameworks. Delivered average 35% efficiency gains and developed KPI dashboards, SOPs, and inventory management systems to support measurable improvements.

Led a retail division across multiple shopping center locations, owning commercial strategy, operating model, merchandising, vendor management, and P&L performance. Delivered 3 end-to-end retail concept launches in 18 months and improved commercial results by 35% within the first year.

Led international operations for a US-based event production company, producing 20+ large-scale Fashion Week events annually across New York, Paris, Milan, and London. Built operational and commercial frameworks that expanded from 2 to 4 cities, maintained 95%+ client retention, and managed vendor ecosystems of 50+ suppliers.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INCAE Business School, completed in 2012.

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising & Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY), completed in 2005.