Doug Ferguson
doug.ferguson@ravenous-wolf.com| www.linkedin.com/in/fergusondoug
CEO | COO | SVP — Gaming, Entertainment & ConsumerProducts
Senior executive with 20+ years of demonstrated results helping incubate, develop, and build award-winning, commercially-successful products and brands for the global marketplace. Recognized throughout career for deep intellectual curiosity and a fearless commitment to innovation. Gifted leader with proven strengths recruiting/retaining top talent and choreographing team efforts to bring out the absolute best work product.
Expertise includes: P&L Management | Strategic Planning, Vision& Goal-Setting | Product Portfolio Management | Global Channel Strategy | Budgeting& Resource Allocation | Analytics & Business Intelligence | Product GTMPlanning & Launch | Strategic Partnership Formation | Operations Management| Process Improvement & Streamlining | International Product Distribution
Professional Experience
The Pokémon Company International | Sr. Vice President, Product Development Nov 2014 – Apr 2019
Promoted to oversee product strategy, development, and portfolio management functions for this iconic gaming and entertainment brand—spanning a portfolio of worldwide offerings that includes Trading Cards, VideoGames, Online Products, Organized Play Platforms, TV/Movies, and eCommerce/Licensed Merchandise.
Key player/strategist in more than doubling annual sales within two years, before Pokemon GO, and doubling them again during/after of the company’s flagship trading card product line; identified increased monetization possibilities through expanded product lines and worked with Sales &Marketing to expand shelf space in top global stores such as WalMart and Target, as well as Specialty Retailers such as GameStop
Managed, mentored, and evaluated performance of 30-80 direct reports in multiple disciplines (e.g. Merchandise,Media, eSports/Competitive Play, Video Game Localization, TCG Dev/Localization)channeling their combined brilliance by teaching new innovation approaches to product development and go-to-market plans
Held multi-million-dollar P&L ownership and made critical decisions regarding the allocation of staff, budgets, and resources to support a robust portfolio of development/marketing projects—reprioritizing as necessary
Drove extensive product localization / globalization efforts, including leading translation of 700+ episodes of the Pokémon television series/movies into 18+ languages for global broadcast and streaming partners
Championed continued innovation throughout the company, constantly challenging development in packaging, component, and customer product experience
The Pokémon Company International | Sr. Vice President, Operations Mar 2003 – Nov 2014
Prior to shift to Product function, oversaw all internal operations of the company—including Accounting & Finance, HR, InformationTechnology, Inventory & Logistics, Merchandising, Media Production, Rea lEstate & Facilities.
Led development of all core processes and systems to support the company growth from 8 employees to over 200 employees, including key finance and reporting policies. Sponsored major software initiatives including ERP, from MAS 90 to AXDynamics, Workfront, Tableau, and other key systems for licensing management, packaging development, memory translation, project management, CRM, and other productivity solutions
Directed critical control/productivity functions including Treasury, Tax,Financial Planning & Reporting, Strategic Planning, Compensation &Recruitment, Supply Chain Management, Real Estate, and Accounting
Wizards of the Coast | Senior Director (& Other Progressive Roles) Jul 1994 – Dec 2000
History of progressive leadership and sales/marketing/PR roles with this top tabletop game innovator.
Created a new channel management plan/strategy with Sales & Marketing that successfully shifted the company into the mass market retail sector and generated record profitability
8Launched a new 50-store retail chain that rove division revenue to $115MM in revenue in under two years, in addition to acquiring/integrating a50-store Gamekeeper chain and building a new retail POS system to support continued expansion
Prior roles at Wizards of the Coast include Senior Director Retail Division (1997-2000); Sales Analytics (1996);Public Relations & Product Group Director (1995); and Industry Relations Manager (1994).
Education & Affiliations
BA Degree Studies, Communications (2 Years) | Missouri State University
Former Vice President & Director at Large, Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA)