Deidre Hackman
Chair | Edmonton, AB
Deidre Hackman began her entrepreneurial journey early on in her career when she launched her own manufacturing/retail/wholesale business in the fashion industry, with stores operating in Edmonton and Calgary for 15 years. In 2001, Hackman was offered a Global position at Nike, where she drove the women’s active business with a consistent growth averaging 30% compounded over three years. Following that, she became VP Design and Innovation for Speedo, where she developed the Fast Skyn franchise, including the LZR suit, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the most important innovations for 2008 Olympics. Deidre then took on roles with Victoria’s Secret of VP Design, Innovation and Product Development; moved to Amsterdam as the Global Director Product & Marketing for MEXX, where she was also instrumental in taking the brand through bankruptcy proceedings and then re-launching both the brand and organization for new owners. As Senior VP Product Merchandising Design, Innovation and Product Development for Spyder Active Sports, she led cutting edge innovation and technology for Olympic athletes, created a distinctive iconic look for premium skiwear, re-positioned the brand, and developed business strategy/process within functional silos.
In her current capacity as Innovation, Brand Strategy, Sourcing/Development & Design: Consultant for DLH28Inc., she works with FBA AMAZON sellers to launch new brands on AMAZON as well as takes on a number of other projects both nationally and internationally. Deidre’s wealth of experience, connections, and expertise are great assets to GroYourBiz, and a fantastic opportunity for women entrepreneurs in the Edmonton region. She knows that in order to grow a business you have to access trusted Advisors to help take you to the next level.