Kathie De Chirico
Kathie De Chirico is the President and CEO of Visionary Strategies, Inc. located in Skillman, NJ. She founded this strategic brand consultancy with the foresight to link the intangible assets of a brand to the tangible assets of the corresponding company - namely product, people, and performance.
Visionary Strategies is a strategic business development and vision-centered firm that concentrates on aligning the vision, values, and mission of a company to its overall market performance.
De Chirico stays ahead of the global dynamics of modern business, and she has led Visionary to acquire international clients in Canada, El Salvador and Mexico. She has also worked abroad in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, and China.
Tapping into more than 25 years of both retail and wholesale experience in the fashion industry, De Chirico contributes a unique combination of retail merchandising and brand management. Through De Chirico's leadership, Visionary customizes the platform for its clients based upon previous experiences and individualized core competencies.
Kathie De Chirico's entrance into the business world began as one of Federated Department Stores’ (now Macy's) key buyers for children's apparel under the company’s "Management Training" program. As President of Basic Elements, she was directly responsible for all supporting functions of the company including domestic and Asian production, international finance, domestic and global sales, and marketing.
Today, she continues to play a role in International Business Development. Her most recent activities include speaking at the 2008 Cotton Forum in Mexico City, the "Brand Fitness" event sponsored by the Sustainable Economic Ministry for the State Government of Guanajuato, Mexico, and the “What happens when you become a brand focused organization” event for the National Congress of the Mexican Apparel Industry Chamber in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Kathie De Chirico remains committed to her field and leadership development and consequently serves on a number of distinguished advisory boards. In May 2008, she was appointed to the Dean's Advisory Council for the Villanova School of Business. Kathie De Chirico remains active in supporting the next generation of business leaders through her tireless commitment to her academic roots at Villanova University. And as the catalyst for the Executive Women in Fashion Program at FIT in New York, De Chirico serves as a key member on the Board of Advisors for the program, overseeing all of their supporting committees.
In addition, Kathie was named a Finalist in November 2008 for Mentor of the Year, and Women Helping Women in the 5th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, and the companies they run – worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards.
Kathie De Chirico’s speaking engagements are designed with her client in mind and each presentation is uniquely tailored for every individual client. Her presentations have been described as “empowering” and “thought provoking” and have always received extremely positive feedback.
Kathie’s most requested keynote speaking topics are:
- Transforming your Company into a Brand Focused Culture
- How to Succeed at Building Enduring Brands!
- Women and Leadership - What We Bring to the Game!
- Branding Yourself for Success!
Kathie De Chirico is the President and CEO of Visionary Strategies, Inc. located in Skillman, NJ. She founded this strategic brand consultancy with the foresight to link the intangible assets of a brand to the tangible assets of the corresponding company - namely product, people, and performance.
Visionary Strategies is a strategic business development and vision-centered firm that concentrates on aligning the vision, values, and mission of a company to its overall market performance.
De Chirico stays ahead of the global dynamics of modern business, and she has led Visionary to acquire international clients in Canada, El Salvador and Mexico. She has also worked abroad in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, and China.
Tapping into more than 25 years of both retail and wholesale experience in the fashion industry, De Chirico contributes a unique combination of retail merchandising and brand management. Through De Chirico's leadership, Visionary customizes the platform for its clients based upon previous experiences and individualized core competencies.
Kathie De Chirico's entrance into the business world began as one of Federated Department Stores’ (now Macy's) key buyers for children's apparel under the company’s "Management Training" program. As President of Basic Elements, she was directly responsible for all supporting functions of the company including domestic and Asian production, international finance, domestic and global sales, and marketing.
Today, she continues to play a role in International Business Development. Her most recent activities include speaking at the 2008 Cotton Forum in Mexico City, the "Brand Fitness" event sponsored by the Sustainable Economic Ministry for the State Government of Guanajuato, Mexico, and the “What happens when you become a brand focused organization” event for the National Congress of the Mexican Apparel Industry Chamber in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Kathie De Chirico remains committed to her field and leadership development and consequently serves on a number of distinguished advisory boards. In May 2008, she was appointed to the Dean's Advisory Council for the Villanova School of Business. Kathie De Chirico remains active in supporting the next generation of business leaders through her tireless commitment to her academic roots at Villanova University. And as the catalyst for the Executive Women in Fashion Program at FIT in New York, De Chirico serves as a key member on the Board of Advisors for the program, overseeing all of their supporting committees.
In addition, Kathie was named a Finalist in November 2008 for Mentor of the Year, and Women Helping Women in the 5th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, and the companies they run – worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards.
Kathie De Chirico’s speaking engagements are designed with her client in mind and each presentation is uniquely tailored for every individual client. Her presentations have been described as “empowering” and “thought provoking” and have always received extremely positive feedback.
Kathie’s most requested keynote speaking topics are:
- Transforming your Company into a Brand Focused Culture
- How to Succeed at Building Enduring Brands!
- Women and Leadership - What We Bring to the Game!
- Branding Yourself for Success!
