Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Additional Information
Languages
Timeline
7e
France Lessard

France Lessard

Magog,QC

Summary

With a distinguished 39-year career in the sports industry, including 18 years in managerial roles, extensive expertise in business strategy development, project management, and team leadership. Known for determination, effective communication, and customer-centric approach, excels in motivating teams and driving organizational success.

At my age, with 32 years of dedicated service to previous company, seeking a role that allows to leverage the extensive experience in marketing, event organization, and public relations. Ideally, looking for a role that enables to be able to work 3 to 4 days a week, allowing to enjoy a balanced lifestyle and embrace the transition into semi-retirement.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Skis Rossignol Canada: Boutique Rossignol Start Gate
10.2022 - 06.2024
  • Developed and implemented effective sales strategies that consistently surpassed targets, driving significant business growth
  • Was responsible for overseeing budgeting, purchasing, and logistics to ensure smooth operations within the retailer store
  • Also playing a key role in recruiting, training, and integrating new team members, cultivating a high-performance work environment
  • Additionally orchestrated in-store activations and events, maintaining exceptional visual merchandising standards
  • Also managed inventory and collaborated with third-party brands to maximize sales performance.

Canadian Sales Coordinator

Level Gloves Canada
09.2015 - 09.2022
  • Coordinated sales and marketing initiatives to strengthen brand visibility and engage customers effectively
  • Oversaw the sales team, nurtured key account relationships, and successfully increased revenue
  • Additionally, took charge of trade show participation and facilitated international sales meetings to ensure consistent brand representation across markets.

Sales Manager, Softgoods Division

Agence Dennis Gendron
10.2010 - 10.2014
  • Managed sales operations for the Province of Quebec and Ottawa area for Canada Goose, Rella headwear and Ex Officio brands, overseeing strategic direction for sales representatives to enhance market penetration and client satisfaction.

North American Advertising/Communications & PR Coordinator

Rossignol Ski Company, Park City, Utah
01.2007 - 07.2010
  • Supported the V.P
  • Of Marketing at Rossignol by executing advertising and communications programs across all products
  • Coordinated logistics for promotions, photography, and advertising materials
  • Developed and maintained a media contact database for VIPs, ambassadors, and athletes
  • Managed Canadian market relations, organized events, and handled athlete contracts and product orders
  • Produced press materials, managed media communications, oversaw photo shoot logistics, and coordinated trade show booth development
  • Also supported daily internet activities and maintained website content.

Canadian Softgoods Division Manager

Rossignol Ski Company
01.1999 - 01.2007
  • Rossignol Canada Ltd, based in Granby, Quebec, serves as a Canadian distributor of sporting goods encompassing hardgoods, softgoods, and accessories
  • The Clothing Division manager oversees marketing, promotion, and technical support for softgoods and accessories, reporting directly to the president
  • Key responsibilities include: Conducted dealer visits with sales reps to assess market needs, ensured compliance with Canadian and provincial import regulations, and organized product presentations at trade shows like NSIA and SIA
  • Developed promotional accessory collections, managed advertising budgets, and coordinated in-store visuals
  • Established press relations, introduced product lines to media, and managed VIP sponsorship opportunities.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (Equivalent evaluation in the United States) -

University

Executive Secretary (Accounting) -

Bois de Boulogne College, Montréal

Skills

  • Distinguished 39-year career in the sports industry
  • 18 years in managerial roles
  • Extensive expertise in business strategy development, project management, and team leadership
  • Known for determination, effective communication, and a customer-centric approach
  • Excel in motivating teams and driving organizational success
  • Leadership and team building
  • Problem Resolution
  • Operations Management
  • Team Player

Additional Information

Skier, golfer and an artist

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

General Manager

Skis Rossignol Canada: Boutique Rossignol Start Gate
10.2022 - 06.2024

Canadian Sales Coordinator

Level Gloves Canada
09.2015 - 09.2022

Sales Manager, Softgoods Division

Agence Dennis Gendron
10.2010 - 10.2014

North American Advertising/Communications & PR Coordinator

Rossignol Ski Company, Park City, Utah
01.2007 - 07.2010

Canadian Softgoods Division Manager

Rossignol Ski Company
01.1999 - 01.2007

Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (Equivalent evaluation in the United States) -

University

Executive Secretary (Accounting) -

Bois de Boulogne College, Montréal
France Lessard