Desere Ross
Toronto,ON
Summary
Dynamic Operations Executive with a proven track record of driving continuous improvement through a strong passion for innovation, event management, and process refinement. Expertise in optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing team performance to achieve strategic objectives. Skilled in leveraging analytical abilities to identify growth opportunities and implement effective solutions that elevate organizational success. Committed to fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration within diverse teams.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Operations
Revenue Dynamix
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Oversaw budget planning and financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability throughout the organization.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing quality control measures and addressing customer concerns promptly.
- Developed strategic plans for operational growth, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
- Ensured regulatory compliance with industry standards, minimizing potential risks associated with non-compliance penalties or sanctions.
- Collaborated with sales teams to develop strategies for increasing revenue opportunities through improved operational capabilities.
- Reduced operational expenses by identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Spearheaded product development initiatives, resulting in innovative solutions that met market demands.
- Cultivated a high-performance work environment by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback on employee performance.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives, driving operational excellence across all departments.
- Optimized supply chain management by establishing strong relationships with key vendors and suppliers.
Director of Events
Canadian Black Standard
03.2025 - Current
- Achieved measurable success in meeting clients'' objectives while adhering to strict deadlines and tight budgets.
- Maximized attendee engagement by incorporating interactive elements and cutting-edge technology into event design.
- Streamlined event logistics by implementing innovative project management strategies to ensure seamless execution.
- Managed complex timelines and resource allocation for multiple concurrent projects without compromising quality or efficiency.
Chair
Canadian Channel Chiefs Council
06.2024 - Current
Advisory Committee Member
Canadian Computer Charity Golf Classic
09.2024 - Current
- For the past 40 years, the Canadian Computer Charity Golf Classic has raised over $6.6 million for Easter Seals Ontario and Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
Vice President and General Manager, Operations
IT World Canada (ITWC)
04.2023 - 03.2024
- Overseeing all business operations including but not limited to Finance, HR, Events, Production, Editorial, Technology, and Project Management.
Senior Director, Programs and Sales Operations
IT World Canada (ITWC)
05.2019 - 04.2023
- Directly manage and oversee all sales operational teams, including Project Management, Audience Services/Acquisition, Events, and Telemarketing.
- - Ability to manage in an environment of change and ambiguity
- - Action-oriented, and comfortable taking calculated risks to better serve customers and the business
- - Outcome focused critical thinker with the ability to analyze and visualize, to ensure continuous improvement across various managed departments.
- - Excel in driving process improvement / lean strategies across different business units.
- - Exceptional organizational skills and an aptitude for managing the pace of change.
- - Strong analytical skills with a passion for delivering results.
- - Collaborative team player with superior influencing skills
Senior Manager Sales and Operations
ITWC, a division of IDG
11.2014 - 09.2017
- - Client Liaison
- - Key Account Management for Large Integrated Campaigns
- - Responsible for all revenue driven deliverables (ROS, Integrated Campaigns, Social Campaigns, Lead Generation, Content, Video Campaigns and Custom Campaigns)
- - Client relationship management
- - Managing all MDF program initiatives
- - Responsible for Operations of the PMO and Support Departments (with Direct Reports)
- - Collaborating with all Unit Heads for deliverables of Marketing, Web Design, Video Production, Development, Web Ops and Events
- - Revenue and Metric Reporting
- - Reporting Directly to COO and VP of Sales
Senior Account Executive
IT World Canada
11.2007 - 11.2014
- Acquired new business within the US & Canada by negotiating advertising space with C-Level decision makers.
- Manage National CAD and US accounts which include Microsoft, HP, Intel, Xerox, SHAW, MTS Allstream, Avaya,Cogeco Data Services and Juniper Networks.
- Networked via industry events, set-up meetings with advertising agencies as well as client direct, and negotiating rate cards
- Build relationships with key agency contacts i.e. Mindshare, PHD, Ogilvy, UM Canada, OMD, Vizeum, Zenith etc.
- Incorporate working knowledge of each area of agency and client resources, in order to evaluate recommendations before presenting to the Client. These areas include: Search Engine Marketing, Online Media, Email, Marketing, Web Analytics, Website Effectiveness and Research/Planning and Rich Media sales.
Sales Coordinator
IT World Canada
06.2007 - 11.2007
- Reporting to both the Director of Sales and Online Sales Manager. Provide administrative functions as needed to both management and Sales team.
- Coordinate timely arrival of booked ad material as well as reconcile revenue for sold material on a monthly basis.
- Manage/track ad materials (print and online)
- Liaise with clients as required
- Create Insertion orders for booked ad material
- Track, bill and reconcile freelance writer invoices
- Invoice reconciliation for online campaigns
- Media kit updates, inventory management (hard copy and online)
- Miscellaneous projects (update runsheets and prospect sheets)
- Back-up mailroom/reception
Subscriptions and Operations Coordinator
Ontario Newspaper Services
01.2004 - 06.2007
- Effectively utilize strong technical, communication and organizational skills with extensive knowledge of the subscription sales management for Southern Ontario. Ability to negotiate and analyze all aspects of client and subscriber accounts.
- Contributed to the successful management of subscription sales and account maintenance of all customers in the GTA Demonstrated ability to analyze complex accounts with effective decisions which minimized the risk of adverse judgments and creating precedents.
- Supervise driver dispatch functions; ensure high level of customer and quality service. Providing key administrative support of driver operations.
- Management of the collections for the revenue and subscription accounts.
- Management of supplies and service ensuring adherence to corporate purchasing policy and identification standards.
- Represent the company as Occupational Health and Safety officer, to have completed training by June 2007
- Provide support of the administrative functions and support operations, providing daily distribution analysis of sales and returns.
Education
Honors Graduate - Applied Arts, Broadcasting Program
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
Toronto, ONSkills
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Board Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Event marketing
- Vendor negotiation
- Sponsorship acquisition
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Team leadership
Timeline
Director of Events
Canadian Black Standard
03.2025 - Current
Advisory Committee Member
Canadian Computer Charity Golf Classic
09.2024 - Current
Chair
Canadian Channel Chiefs Council
06.2024 - Current
Vice President, Operations
Revenue Dynamix
05.2024 - 08.2025
Vice President and General Manager, Operations
IT World Canada (ITWC)
04.2023 - 03.2024
Senior Director, Programs and Sales Operations
IT World Canada (ITWC)
05.2019 - 04.2023
Senior Manager Sales and Operations
ITWC, a division of IDG
11.2014 - 09.2017
Senior Account Executive
IT World Canada
11.2007 - 11.2014
Sales Coordinator
IT World Canada
06.2007 - 11.2007
Subscriptions and Operations Coordinator
Ontario Newspaper Services
01.2004 - 06.2007
Honors Graduate - Applied Arts, Broadcasting Program
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology