Open to opportunities

Jeffrey Zaffron

@jeffreyzaffron

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Brand-obsessed marketing executive driving growth through creative, data-driven omni-channel strategies.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m seeking senior marketing leadership where I can lead brand strategy, drive measurable growth, mentor teams, and align marketing with business outcomes in a collaborative culture.

I am a marketing executive with over thirty years of experience building and growing brands across hospitality, retail, CPG, entertainment, and lifestyle sectors. I combine creative leadership with analytical rigor to develop insight-driven campaigns that connect emotionally and perform commercially.

In senior roles I have led national rebrands and integrated marketing programs that delivered measurable outcomes, including a 3x revenue increase and multiple Inc. 5000 placements. I have driven growth for organizations such as MGM Resorts, Serta, Ashley Furniture, and Ultimate Toys through persona-based messaging, channel strategy, and performance optimization.

My leadership style is transparent, collaborative, and hands-on: I mentor teams, align marketing with sales and operations, and prioritize reporting and optimization to continuously improve engagement, conversion, and time-to-market.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Principal / Chief Amplifier

Current

Independent Consultant

Jan 2005 - Present (21 years 5 months)

Provided marketing and brand advisory services across retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, delivering client results such as 33% revenue growth in 18 months and double-digit gains in REVPAR/occupancy for hotel clients.

Brand Consulting Integrated Campaigns Creative Direction Customer Segmentation Revenue Growth Client Management ROI Optimization

Chief Marketing Officer

Ultimate Toys, Inc.

Jan 2020 - Jan 2025 (5 years)

Led brand and marketing strategy that scaled Ultimate Toys from $42M to $126M (3x growth) and delivered 100% YoY growth in SQLs and MQLs, driving four consecutive Inc. 5000 placements.

Brand Strategy Performance Marketing Digital Advertising CRM Data Analytics Team Leadership

VP Marketing

MGM Resorts International

Jan 2010 - Dec 2015 (5 years 11 months)

Led marketing and communications for multiple MGM properties, repositioning regional resorts to achieve market share gains (32% and 28%) and helped pilot the Mlife loyalty program.

P&L management Loyalty Programs Media Strategy PR Partnership Marketing Campaign Development

Managing Director, Marketing

Ashley HomeStore

Jan 2005 - Dec 2010 (5 years 11 months)

Directed marketing and operations for a top-performing Ashley HomeStore chain and previously led corporate marketing initiatives that contributed to growing Ashley from $900M to over $3B in revenue.

Retail Marketing Media Buying Vendor Management Operations

Creative Director, North America

Albertsons, Inc.

Jan 2003 - Dec 2005 (2 years 11 months)

Oversaw brand and advertising for Albertsons with a $150M+ media budget and led the 'Helping Make Your Life Easier' campaign, delivering on-time and under-budget production savings.

Creative Leadership Media Planning Campaign Development Budget Management Production Team Management

Global Director of Creative

Serta, Inc.

Jan 1998 - Dec 2002 (4 years 11 months)

Led creative teams behind the 'Counting Sheep' campaign, contributing to a 50% revenue increase and supporting 5,000+ retail locations with national collateral and product launches.

Campaigns Product Launches Creative Management Brand Equity Cross Channel Marketing

Group Creative Director

Walmart Stores, Inc.

Jan 1994 - Dec 1998 (4 years 11 months)

Managed Walmart's internal creative department producing circulars, catalogs, and national campaigns, and negotiated print/distribution contracts to ensure cost efficiency at scale.

In House Creative Print Production Contract Negotiation Direct Marketing Brand Consistency

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Western Illinois University

Bachelor of Arts, English and Philosophy

Completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy with significant coursework in marketing, advertising, communications, journalism, and art & design.