Latest news with #MattMaddox
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Matt Maddox Joins DirectDefense as Vice President of Professional Services
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DirectDefense, a leading information security services company, today announced that Matt Maddox has joined the company as Vice President of Professional Services. In this role, Maddox will lead DirectDefense's growing portfolio of industry-leading security services, including web application, network, cloud, API, thick client, mobile, OT, and embedded systems penetration testing. Maddox brings more than 20 years of technical and leadership experience building high-performance global consulting organizations. Most recently, he served as Managing Principal at Black Duck Software (formerly Synopsys), where he oversaw a $30 million annual security consulting practice focused on DevSecOps, AI/ML security, vulnerability management, and cybersecurity governance for clients. A former Army officer and Airborne Ranger, Maddox has led professional services teams at Dell Technologies, Rackspace, Cisco Systems, and Accenture. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics from the University of Virginia. 'Matt's track record of building world-class consulting teams and driving exceptional client results makes him a perfect fit for DirectDefense,' said Jim Broome, President and CTO of DirectDefense. 'His strategic mindset and deep technical background will be invaluable as we expand our services and continue delivering trusted, high-impact security solutions to our clients.' At DirectDefense, Maddox will focus on scaling service delivery, optimizing operational efficiency, and partnering closely with clients to reduce risk, ensure compliance, and support long-term growth. His experience includes leading greenfield sales and growing existing client relationships. 'DirectDefense has built a strong reputation for delivering customized programs based on proven methodologies that build resiliency,' said Matt Maddox, Vice President of Professional Services. 'I'm joining the team to help scale that impact by strengthening our service delivery, deepening client partnerships, and ensuring that our clients raise their security posture.' Learn more about DirectDefense's professional services: About DirectDefense, Inc. DirectDefense provides enterprise risk assessments, penetration testing, ICS/SCADA security services, and 24/7 managed security services for companies of all sizes. Focused on building security resiliency, the firm offers comprehensive security testing services with specialization in application security, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and compliance assurance testing. Its team of highly talented consultants has worked with the majority of the Fortune 100 companies, in industries such as power and utility, gaming, retail, financial, media, travel, aerospace, healthcare, and technology. More information can be found at
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic reinforces global strategy with APAC headquarters in Shanghai
Fashion Network: Over the past few years, the performance of many brands in China's market has not been that competitive. Why has Authentic still chosen to set up its APAC center in Shanghai instead of other cities? Jamie Salter: We believe in the long-term potential of the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific market, and Shanghai is at the heart of that vision. Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great growth opportunities. The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localized partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands. This city also provides a complete ecosystem that supports the acceleration and localization of our portfolio brands. It is our long-term commitment to this market. FN: What key brands will Authentic focus on developing in the Greater China/APAC area? Matt Maddox: Our strategic partnerships are driving significant success across our brand portfolio. Nautica is thriving through our collaboration with Tristate, whose deep expertise in China's apparel market and understanding of the brand have proven invaluable. For Hunter, our partnership with Baozun leverages their robust digital, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, perfectly suiting a brand focused on quality, performance and storytelling. Brooks Brothers is gaining renewed momentum thanks to ImagineX, a leading partner in building premium local brands. Finally, Champion 's explosive growth is a direct result of our collaboration with Belle Fashion, which has expertly positioned the brand in key retail channels and effectively connected with the right consumers. FN: What are the criteria for choosing these local partners? Matt Maddox: With nearly 1,800 global partners, our primary focus consistently centers on the product. We prioritize collaborations that effectively represent the brands and yield products genuinely valued by regional customers. This emphasis on product and quality naturally leads to considerations of operational synergy and collaborative methodologies. We are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable relationships built over many years. Our aspiration is for our global brands to also achieve local relevance, both here and in other markets, thereby significantly broadening our partnership footprint worldwide. FN: How do you manage brands with different cultural backgrounds across regional markets? Jamie Salter: Our core business model remains consistent globally; however, cultural adaptation is paramount. While product is key, we recognize the importance of localization: approximately 50% of our product line is global, with the remaining 50% tailored to local preferences. The world is shrinking due to social media and influencers, leading to increasingly similar styles worldwide. The time lag for trends to travel, once six months from Europe to America, has significantly shortened in the digital age. Therefore, our strategy is firmly 'Think Global, Act Local,' a practice we will continue to refine. We're observing a significant shift with products from Japan, Korea, and China, like the highly sought-after Champion Japan collection, now influencing the American market. Our asset-light business model facilitates this global collaboration, ensuring all partners can access diverse products. FN: How do you manage different teams that have varying cultural dynamics? Matt Maddox: From a cultural standpoint, we deeply value listening to our local teams and understanding that operational approaches and team dynamics vary significantly by region. This philosophy extends to our regional companies, each operating almost autonomously rather than receiving top-down directives from Europe, North America, or China, ensuring they effectively cater to their respective local cultures. FN: Aside from brand management, Authentic also operates a sports and entertainment business. Are there plans to expand this business locally? Jamie Salter: Our playbook remains centered on building out sports and entertainment, encompassing live events, experiences and media, much of which is already in motion. With Sports Illustrated, for example, we have live events in Singapore, and we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. With figures like David Beckham present and Sports Illustrated established, alongside live events in Singapore, we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. This expansion will involve both existing brands and the integration of new local celebrities and athletes, with a critical focus on their global appeal. Our 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy dictates that while we adapt to local markets, any engagement—particularly brand acquisitions—must have international travel potential. We believe that what resonates in one market, such as China, can indeed find success back in America. As a global company, we may engage in collaborations for purely local ventures, but our acquisitions prioritize brands with global reach.
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic reinforces global strategy with APAC headquarters in Shanghai
Fashion Network: Over the past few years, the performance of many brands in China's market has not been that competitive. Why has Authentic still chosen to set up its APAC center in Shanghai instead of other cities? Jamie Salter: We believe in the long-term potential of the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific market, and Shanghai is at the heart of that vision. Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great growth opportunities. The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localized partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands. This city also provides a complete ecosystem that supports the acceleration and localization of our portfolio brands. It is our long-term commitment to this market. FN: What key brands will Authentic focus on developing in the Greater China/APAC area? Matt Maddox: Our strategic partnerships are driving significant success across our brand portfolio. Nautica is thriving through our collaboration with Tristate, whose deep expertise in China's apparel market and understanding of the brand have proven invaluable. For Hunter, our partnership with Baozun leverages their robust digital, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, perfectly suiting a brand focused on quality, performance and storytelling. Brooks Brothers is gaining renewed momentum thanks to ImagineX, a leading partner in building premium local brands. Finally, Champion 's explosive growth is a direct result of our collaboration with Belle Fashion, which has expertly positioned the brand in key retail channels and effectively connected with the right consumers. FN: What are the criteria for choosing these local partners? Matt Maddox: With nearly 1,800 global partners, our primary focus consistently centers on the product. We prioritize collaborations that effectively represent the brands and yield products genuinely valued by regional customers. This emphasis on product and quality naturally leads to considerations of operational synergy and collaborative methodologies. We are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable relationships built over many years. Our aspiration is for our global brands to also achieve local relevance, both here and in other markets, thereby significantly broadening our partnership footprint worldwide. FN: How do you manage brands with different cultural backgrounds across regional markets? Jamie Salter: Our core business model remains consistent globally; however, cultural adaptation is paramount. While product is key, we recognize the importance of localization: approximately 50% of our product line is global, with the remaining 50% tailored to local preferences. The world is shrinking due to social media and influencers, leading to increasingly similar styles worldwide. The time lag for trends to travel, once six months from Europe to America, has significantly shortened in the digital age. Therefore, our strategy is firmly 'Think Global, Act Local,' a practice we will continue to refine. We're observing a significant shift with products from Japan, Korea, and China, like the highly sought-after Champion Japan collection, now influencing the American market. Our asset-light business model facilitates this global collaboration, ensuring all partners can access diverse products. FN: How do you manage different teams that have varying cultural dynamics? Matt Maddox: From a cultural standpoint, we deeply value listening to our local teams and understanding that operational approaches and team dynamics vary significantly by region. This philosophy extends to our regional companies, each operating almost autonomously rather than receiving top-down directives from Europe, North America, or China, ensuring they effectively cater to their respective local cultures. FN: Aside from brand management, Authentic also operates a sports and entertainment business. Are there plans to expand this business locally? Jamie Salter: Our playbook remains centered on building out sports and entertainment, encompassing live events, experiences and media, much of which is already in motion. With Sports Illustrated, for example, we have live events in Singapore, and we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. With figures like David Beckham present and Sports Illustrated established, alongside live events in Singapore, we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. This expansion will involve both existing brands and the integration of new local celebrities and athletes, with a critical focus on their global appeal. Our 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy dictates that while we adapt to local markets, any engagement—particularly brand acquisitions—must have international travel potential. We believe that what resonates in one market, such as China, can indeed find success back in America. As a global company, we may engage in collaborations for purely local ventures, but our acquisitions prioritize brands with global reach.
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic reinforces global strategy with APAC headquarters in Shanghai
Fashion Network: Over the past few years, the performance of many brands in China's market has not been that competitive. Why has Authentic still chosen to set up its APAC centre in Shanghai instead of other cities? Jamie Salter: We believe in the long-term potential of the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific market, and Shanghai is at the heart of that vision. Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great growth opportunities. The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localised partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands. This city also provides a complete ecosystem that supports the acceleration and localisation of our portfolio brands. It is our long-term commitment to this market. FN: What key brands will Authentic focus on developing in the Greater China/APAC area? Matt Maddox: Our strategic partnerships are driving significant success across our brand portfolio. Nautica is thriving through our collaboration with Tristate, whose deep expertise in China's apparel market and understanding of the brand have proven invaluable. For Hunter, our partnership with Baozun leverages their robust digital, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, perfectly suiting a brand focused on quality, performance and storytelling. Brooks Brothers is gaining renewed momentum thanks to ImagineX, a leading partner in building premium local brands. Finally, Champion 's explosive growth is a direct result of our collaboration with Belle Fashion, which has expertly positioned the brand in key retail channels and effectively connected with the right consumers. FN: What are the criteria for choosing these local partners? Matt Maddox: With nearly 1,800 global partners, our primary focus consistently centres on the product. We prioritise collaborations that effectively represent the brands and yield products genuinely valued by regional customers. This emphasis on product and quality naturally leads to considerations of operational synergy and collaborative methodologies. We are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable relationships built over many years. Our aspiration is for our global brands to also achieve local relevance, both here and in other markets, thereby significantly broadening our partnership footprint worldwide. FN: How do you manage brands with different cultural backgrounds across regional markets? Jamie Salter: Our core business model remains consistent globally; however, cultural adaptation is paramount. While product is key, we recognise the importance of localisation: approximately 50% of our product line is global, with the remaining 50% tailored to local preferences. The world is shrinking due to social media and influencers, leading to increasingly similar styles worldwide. The time lag for trends to travel, once six months from Europe to America, has significantly shortened in the digital age. Therefore, our strategy is firmly 'Think Global, Act Local,' a practice we will continue to refine. We're observing a significant shift with products from Japan, Korea, and China, like the highly sought-after Champion Japan collection, now influencing the American market. Our asset-light business model facilitates this global collaboration, ensuring all partners can access diverse products. FN: How do you manage different teams that have varying cultural dynamics? Matt Maddox: From a cultural standpoint, we deeply value listening to our local teams and understanding that operational approaches and team dynamics vary significantly by region. This philosophy extends to our regional companies, each operating almost autonomously rather than receiving top-down directives from Europe, North America, or China, ensuring they effectively cater to their respective local cultures. FN: Aside from brand management, Authentic also operates a sports and entertainment business. Are there plans to expand this business locally? Jamie Salter: Our playbook remains centred on building out sports and entertainment, encompassing live events, experiences and media, much of which is already in motion. With Sports Illustrated, for example, we have live events in Singapore, and we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. With figures like David Beckham present and Sports Illustrated established, alongside live events in Singapore, we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. This expansion will involve both existing brands and the integration of new local celebrities and athletes, with a critical focus on their global appeal. Our 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy dictates that while we adapt to local markets, any engagement—particularly brand acquisitions—must have international travel potential. We believe that what resonates in one market, such as China, can indeed find success back in America. As a global company, we may engage in collaborations for purely local ventures, but our acquisitions prioritize brands with global reach.
Fashion Network
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic names new global marketplaces head from Amazon
Major global brand development and licensing platform Authentic Brands Group has announced the appointment of Tim Derner as global head, marketplaces. The new York-based executive steps into he role with immediate effect and joins Authentic after more than a decade of leadership experience at Amazon. He was most recently director of Amazon Fashion and Luxury Stores and we're told that during his tenure, he 'played a pivotal role in transforming Amazon Fashion into the world's largest fashion retailer'. And he's had close links with Authentic in recent years, partnering with the business to 'significantly expand the online presence and retail sales of its brands in Amazon stores, such as Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale and many more'. Now, in his new role, he'll 'spearhead the expansion of Authentic's global distribution strategy, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, accelerating brand reach and driving incremental value across platforms'. The chain of command sees him reporting to Matt Maddox, president, and working closely with chief digital officer Adam Kronengold and global president, sports & lifestyle, Jarrod Weber 'to drive innovation and scale Authentic's brands across key markets'. It's clearly a pivotal role given the importance of marketplaces in modern fashion retail and Maddox said that they're 'a critical engine for long-term brand growth. Tim's track record of building high-performing teams and scaling digital marketplaces worldwide makes him the ideal leader to deepen our capabilities in this space. His appointment marks a significant step in making this channel a cornerstone of our global distribution strategy'. Authentic also said that its investment in its marketplaces division 'underscores its commitment to a diversified, omnichannel approach that connects powerful brands with consumers worldwide. Derner's appointment signals a significant milestone in this initiative, reflecting Authentic's commitment to thinking globally and acting locally to unlock new market potential'.
