GIOVANNI BERNARDI
Los Angeles
Summary
Business development and operations executive with over 25 years of experience in driving revenue growth and enhancing team performance in media, fashion, and consumer sectors. Demonstrated success in building and scaling organizations while managing operations and improving commercial outcomes in international markets. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing workflows, and enhancing operational efficiency in both creative and production settings. Expertise in leadership roles that integrate business development, strategic partnerships, and operational management.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
DI Post
Los Angeles
01.2023 - Current
- Lead operations for a post-production company serving film, television, and commercial clients, ensuring efficient delivery across concurrent projects
- Drive team performance and operational consistency across editorial, color, and finishing workflows
- Enhanced workflow efficiency and turnaround by optimizing resource allocation and aligning processes
- Cultivated strong client relationships across production companies, agencies, and studios, leading to increased repeat business and revenue stability
- Facilitated business development by aligning services with client needs and market trends
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL (ADVISORY)
Axis Creative Artists
Los Angeles
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Launched during COVID-19 as an advisory platform supporting talent and agencies navigating disruption
- Guided strategic positioning, partnership development, and revenue continuity strategies for clients
- Advised on deal evaluation and pricing strategies to enhance value across fashion and media sectors
- Supported deal evaluation and strategic positioning to navigate industry contraction
PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
Nomad Management Los Angeles
Los Angeles
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Established and scaled U.S. operations, expanding global talent representation into Los Angeles
- Built and led teams for talent acquisition and partnership development, enhancing overall recruitment strategy
- Developed strategic relationships that increased deal flow and enhanced market visibility
- Oversaw agent performance and deal pipelines, driving alignment with revenue growth initiatives
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Wilhelmina Models
New York
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Led global talent and business operations across New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Paris (~90 employees), managing ~800 talent
- Drove revenue growth from ~$44M to ~$87M through performance strategy, market expansion, and team optimization
- Oversaw deals and developed pricing strategy for talent and brand partnerships
- Built and optimized high-performing teams in talent, marketing, and operations to drive organizational success
- Expanded client relationships and partnership opportunities across fashion and media sectors
PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
ONE.1 Models (One Management)
New York
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Scaled commercial division to create sustainable revenue streams
- Led teams in talent representation and partnership development
- Enhanced client relationships to expand commercial opportunities
CEO & FOUNDER
Giovanni Model Management
Montreal
01.1985 - 01.2011
- Founded and operated talent agency, achieving industry leadership over 25 years
- Built and led teams in talent development, client acquisition, and operations to enhance agency growth
- Expanded into international markets through strategic partnerships, increasing global reach
Hospitality & Beauty Ventures
Montreal
- Co-founded Cube Restaurant / Bar Cru 2 and Orbit Hair Salon (still in operation)
- Led branding, operations, and customer growth strategies
- Built strong market presence through differentiated concepts
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Labor and Industrial Relations
McGill University
Montreal, CanadaSkills
- Revenue leadership and business development
- Performance management and team leadership
- Strategic partnerships and deal oversight
- Client acquisition and market expansion
- Operations and workflow optimization
- Organizational scaling and international growth
- Media production ecosystems
- Talent management
Languages
- English
- French
- Italian
Additional Entrepreneurial Experience
Hospitality & Beauty Ventures, Montreal, QC, Co-founded Cube Restaurant / Bar Cru 2 and Orbit Hair Salon (still in operation), Led branding, operations, and customer growth strategies, Built strong market presence through differentiated concepts
Core Expertise
- Revenue Leadership & Performance Management
- Strategic Partnerships & Deal Oversight
- Business Development & Client Acquisition
- Operations & Workflow Optimization
- Team Leadership & Organizational Scaling
- Market Expansion & International Growth
- Media, Talent & Production Ecosystems
Timeline
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
DI Post
01.2023 - Current
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL (ADVISORY)
Axis Creative Artists
01.2020 - 01.2023
PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
Nomad Management Los Angeles
01.2017 - 01.2020
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Wilhelmina Models
01.2012 - 01.2016
PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
ONE.1 Models (One Management)
01.2007 - 01.2012
CEO & FOUNDER
Giovanni Model Management
01.1985 - 01.2011
Hospitality & Beauty Ventures
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Labor and Industrial Relations
McGill University