People on the Move: January 22, 2013

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 1/22/2013 3:08:34 PM

Kevin Strawbridge, Dallas Market CenterDallas Market Center

Dallas Market Center (DMC) named Kevin Strawbridge executive vice president of marketing and technology. In his new position, Strawbridge will be responsible for integrating marketing and technology efforts to best serve both buyers and sellers, while working to help enhance the Market Center as the leading digital marketplace in the country.

A successful strategist, marketer and multi-channel entrepreneur with more than 18 years of experience, Strawbridge has experience assembling and leading cross-functional teams in settings from corporate environments to startups. He is skilled in discerning business models specifically related to online, e-commerce, retail and service-oriented environments, and is experienced as a finance and accounting professional with a deep understanding of data, analytics and reporting.

Throughout his career, he worked in a variety of consulting and managing positions including: Square L Group, advising senior managers in the day-to-day implementation of programs that support acquisition and retention of visitors to websites and managing mobile website functionality; DealTaker.com as a divisional president setting strategy and managing a team handling marketing, IT, merchandising and content; and JCPenney Direct, as a senior manager of marketing and business development. He also served in senior leadership roles with CardsDirect.com and CollectiblesToday.com (a division of the Bradford Group).

Q Squared

Q Squared has appointed Stephen J. Bresnahan, vice president of sales. He joins Q Squared with more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing in the consumer product industry, including roles as national sales manager at a gifts and accessories company, and at a cutlery and tabletop company.

Bresnahan has experience developing retail distribution relationships with specialty retailers, department stores, and big box and national mass retailers, in addition to building strong relationships with independent retailers across the United States, Q Squared noted.

Avanti Press

Kari Knowlton has joined greeting card publisher, Avanti Press, as director of business development. She comes to Avanti following an eight-year career in the greeting card industry starting at Marcel Schurman, later called Papyrus and renamed Papyrus-Recycled Greetings (PRG) after its acquisition in 2009 by American Greetings. Kari's most recent role was as a director of business development at PRG.

Anna's Linens

Anna's Linens is working on expanding its hardlines business with the addition of Jeannie Wolf as its senior buyer for tabletop and housewares.

In her new position, Wolf will be responsible for the retailer's hardlines category, an area that is becoming increasingly important to the 300+-store chain.

Prior to joining Anna's Linens, Wolf spent 22 years as a buyer for Macy's in the company's Home area. Before that, she was at Gibson Overseas Inc. and PTS in key account management positions.

"I am honored to be joining the Anna's team," said Wolf. "I have been challenged to grow the assortment quickly and can't wait to begin."