Hello, I'm Derek Peoples. With 30 years of experience in storytelling and creative leadership, I've navigated the evolving fields of brand development, trend forecasting, and consumer goods design. My passion lies in shaping narratives and building impactful connections between products and people.
I specialize in combining creativity with strategy to craft compelling stories for brands. My expertise includes consumer goods product design, innovative brand development, and overseeing overseas production, giving me a global perspective on design. I'm exceptionally skilled in trend forecasting, allowing me to identify and anticipate market shifts, which helps brands stay ahead.
As a creative leader, I’ve managed teams and mentored emerging designers, fostering environments built on trust and collaboration. I believe in the importance of mentorship and sharing the wisdom I’ve gained throughout my journey.
The Adobe Suite and a constant hunger for newness are my tools for creating polished designs that communicate a brand's essence. Public speaking is also a significant part of my career, where I connect with audiences and inspire through stories and insights.
At the core of my work is a belief in the power of connection—linking consumers to brands and fostering creativity. After three decades in this dynamic industry, I am proud of my achievements and excited for what lies ahead. Each project is a new story waiting to be told, and I look forward to starting the next chapter.
EXPERIENCE
09/16 – 08/24 DIRECTOR, CREATIVE GLOBALSERVICES, Insights & Innovations
BAMKO - SGC Superior Group of Companies. Los Angeles /Clearwater, Florida
● ExecutiveCreative Lead and Presenter for all large-scale (1 Mil+) Creative RFPS
● (Director of Creative Services, Merchandising, and Marketing creative teams responsible for creative analytics/forecasting, product ideation, packaging, display, graphics, production art & marketing solutions servicing global sales
● Managed team of 17 in 4 global offices (LA, NYC, Guangzhou, China, Dehradun, India
● SeniorCreative on the Executive team and Sponsor of GLAMCO global DE&I InternalResource Group
● EnterpriseCustomers: Dunkin’ Donuts, Amazon, Taco Bell, John Deere, Nestle Group.
● bamko.net Additional Customer/ Projects, https://bamko.net/customer-story - Case Studies
02/14– 05/16 DIRECTOR, CREATIVE / MERCHANDISING & DESIGN LICENSED SOFTLINES
RANDA ACCESSORIES / Chicago- Rosemont / Shanghai
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories (Headwear / Cold Weather / Gloves) for Levi’s,Dockers, Kenneth Cole
● PrivateLabel Director Headwear /. Soft Accessories / Gloves
● Manageddomestic and Shanghai-based Product Development and Sourcing teams
● In-Factory(China, Taiwan, Korea) Material / Product Development of Substrate YarnDevelopment to Finished Engineered Knits
04/11–01/14. SENIOR DESIGN / MERCHANDISER SOFT LINES / FOOTWEAR
CLAIRES/ ICING STORES / Chicago-Hoffman Estates / Hong Kong
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories (Headwear, Cold-Weather, Scarves, Belts, Footwear,Loungewear) Icing Stores
● Manageddomestic and Hong Kong-based Product Development and Sourcing teams
● In-Factory(China, Taiwan, Korea) Material / Product Development of Substrate YarnDevelopment to Finished Engineered Knits
● Graphicsand Print Design
08/07 – 10/10. DIRECTOR, CREATIVE LICENSING ACCESSORIES / FOOTWEAR NORTHAMERICA/ AUS.
DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS / Glendale
● ExecutiveCreative Lead developing and implementing a cohesive Omni Channel creativevision for various product categories, consumer segments, and price pointsseasonally by collaborating with all licensees to execute compellingstorytelling through innovative product development.
● Manageda team of 8 Designers, approving all product submissions and maintaining thehighest brand standards, character consistency, and character execution,averaging 30,000 SKUs per year from Top-Tier Specialty to Off-price.
● Collaboratingwith the DCP Merchanting team to identify and execute Cobrand campaigns (Launched Global Disney – Adidas Branded Footwear / Apparel)
08/06 – 08/07. DIRECTOR CREATIVE, HEADWEAR / HANDBAGS LICENSING
FORTUNE FASHION IND / Los Angeles
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories (Wal-Mart and Direct to Parks) License Disney, GM,Hasbro, Simpsons, Alpine Stars
05/04 – 07/06. DIRECTOR CREATIVE, HEADWEAR / HANDBAGS LICENSING
GOORIN BROTHERS / San Francisco
● CreativeDept Head / Designer / Graphic Artist / Marketing for all Goorin Headwear andbags
● Launchedvertical retail Goorin Brothers brick-and-mortar stores
● Elevatedthe brand and product to expand into Top-Tier & Specialty Retailors (Nordstrom,Urban Outfitters, Beams Tokyo, Colette Paris, 10 Corsocomo Milan)
● In-Factory(China) Material / Product Development of Substrate Yarn Development toFinished Engineered Knits and Skin Purchasing
12/98 – 05/03. DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES, SENIOR DESIGNER LICENSING
FANTASIA INC / New York
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories License Disney, Wal-Mart, GM, Hasbro, Simpsons,Alpine Stars
● SeniorProduct and Graphic Designer Sanrio SLGs / Helly Kitty Cosmetic Bags
12/96– 11/98 SENIOR DESIGNER, CREATIVE SERVICE LICENSING
IDEA NUOVA / New York
● SeniorProduct and Graphic Designer Pokémon Stationary / Home- Lighting
10/92 – 10/85. SENIOR DESIGNER.
PAPI SPORTSEAR, LOUNGEWEAR, UNDERWEAR / New York
● SeniorFashion Loungewear /. Underwear. Marketing /Packaging Graphic Designer
ADDTIONAL HISTORY PROVIDED UPON REQUEST