Lesley Elcombe
Toronto,ON
Summary
Group account director with extensive experience at Carlson Marketing, specializing in relationship management and strategic planning. Proven ability to retain key clients and expand accounts, resulting in substantial financial growth. Skilled in proposal development and team leadership, consistently achieving operational excellence and high client satisfaction.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Account Director
Carlson Marketing
07.2024 - Current
- Directed account strategy development, driving growth for major clients through tailored solutions.
- Maintained senior-level client relationships, leveraging internal resources to maximize profitability.
- Oversaw key accounts including Avis, Hilton, Nordstrom, and MBNA, fostering loyalty and satisfaction.
- Successfully retained clients during business transactions, ensuring continuity of partnerships.
- Managed high-performing management team to implement strategic initiatives aligned with client objectives.
- Led new client presentations and crafted responses to requests for proposals.
- Supported company financial goals by nurturing new relationships and expanding existing accounts.
Group Account Director
Kognitiv
11.2021 - 07.2024
- Developed account strategies and growth plans for major contracted clients.
- Delivered client proposals and managed RFPs, enhancing client engagement.
- Cultivated senior-level client relationships, optimizing resource allocation for improved service delivery.
- Advanced financial objectives by expanding existing accounts and fostering new client relationships.
- Launched new model and product with long-term client, generating incremental revenue growth.
- Negotiated a significant contract renewal with a North America financial institution.
- Onboarded an existing client to the Kognitiv loyalty platform successfully.
- Led a successful direct management team to achieve operational goals.
Account Director
AIMIA - Proprietary Loyalty Service
08.2011 - 11.2021
- Maintained senior-level client relationships and coordinated internal resources to effectively meet client needs.
- Expanded accounts and fostered partnerships, directly contributing to financial goals.
- Led internal RFPs and presentations to secure new business opportunities and enhance client portfolio.
- Developed and managed strategic business objectives for Canadian contracted clients to drive engagement.
- Achieved successful brand launch for high-end insurance product using phased approach.
- Created marketing strategies to streamline onboarding process for newly acquired companies, enhancing overall integration.
- Implemented employee incentive program that boosted sales activity among staff.
- Transformed client loyalty program by introducing finance rewards for cardholders.
Marketing Manager
Braes Communications
09.2009 - 01.2011
- Developed and maintained strategies for Canadian market of US apparel brand, increasing market penetration by targeting key demographics.
- Formulated promotional plans to increase lead generation and enhance brand visibility.
- Cultivated relationships with national department store retailers, securing prominent brand positioning and improving retail presence.
- Created Father's Day campaign with Hockey Hall of Fame, driving sales and boosting in-store traffic significantly.
- Ran fall 2010 campaign with Corus Entertainment and Sony Canada, enhancing online engagement.
- Managed fiscal marketing budgets for all brands, ensuring financial efficiency.
- Provided clients with current market and trend analysis for informed decision-making.
- Client list included Haggai Canada.
Creative Manager
Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
01.2007 - 12.2007
- Managed relationships with notable clients, including CIBC, Air France, and Volvo.
- Developed internal processes that improved interdepartmental communication.
- Designed creative briefs, streamlining project information flow across departments.
- Clarified project directives in collaboration with creative directors and account teams.
- Aligned budgets and timelines through effective communication between teams.
- Coordinated communication between teams to align budgets and timelines.
- Conducted weekly meetings with senior creative directors to review project progress.
Senior Account Supervisor
Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
01.2006 - 12.2007
- Delivered impactful campaigns that increased brand visibility across digital and traditional media.
- Managed client portfolio of CIBC, Air France, and Novartis across various media projects, ensuring tailored strategies for each client.
- Cultivated strong client relationships, resulting in improved client retention and heightened satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated with Canadian and international partners to expand market reach and drive campaign success.
- Developed direct marketing campaign for CIBC to educate consumers on chip technology.
- Led account team to deliver projects that consistently met client expectations and contributed to overall account success.
Studio/Traffic Supervisor
Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
01.2000 - 12.2006
- Designed and implemented a studio process that allowed the project information to flow more efficiently, increasing work quality while shortening production time.
- Coordinated project workflow across studio and traffic departments, improving project execution.
- Collaborated with creative and production teams to meet final production specifications.
- Refined processes to align with current best practices, enhancing operational consistency.
- Calculated and reviewed all studio estimates to ensure accuracy. and finalized billing to ensure accurate financial tracking.
- Facilitated workshops to inform department staff about new technology implementations.
- Maintained an updated record of key clients for project reference.: Dell, Volvo, Home Hardware, Sprint, Altamira, Intel, Evian, Yahoo, Air France, Direct Energy, Coors Light, New Balance, Receipt Benckiser
Event Planner
GKA - Event Planning and Management
01.1998 - 12.2000
- Designed and managed large sales/marketing conferences, press events, and client receptions, enhancing client engagement through impactful programming.
- Organized and executed on-site functions across international locations, ensuring seamless operations and positive attendee experiences.
- Managed event costs and client billing, maintaining budget adherence and financial transparency.
- Developed presentation materials for events, effectively communicating key messages to engage audiences.
- Client List: H.J. Heinz, Calvin Klein, Elizabeth Arden, Bombardier, Planters, Gamma-Dynacare
Graphic Designer
CFA Communications
01.1997 - 12.1998
- Executed creative concepts for multimedia projects that enhanced visual storytelling and engagement.
- Utilized Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design projects and presentations.
- Developed creative concepts for marketing materials and client campaigns.
- Collaborated with clients to define design needs and preferences, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
- Compiled client portfolio showcasing notable collaborations with brands including Land Rover, Chrysler, Egg Board, Disney, Neon Products, and Centennial College.
Education
Multimedia Diploma - Digital Media Studio
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON01-1995
Graphic Design Diploma -
Intel Academy of Merchandising and Design
Toronto, ON01-1994
Skills
- Relationship management
- Strategic planning
- Loyalty marketing
- Leadership effectiveness
- Financial growth
- Account management
- Client retention
- Proposal development
Personal Information
Title: Group Account Director
Timeline
Group Account Director
Carlson Marketing
07.2024 - Current
Group Account Director
Kognitiv
11.2021 - 07.2024
Account Director
AIMIA - Proprietary Loyalty Service
08.2011 - 11.2021
Marketing Manager
Braes Communications
09.2009 - 01.2011
Creative Manager
Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
01.2007 - 12.2007
Senior Account Supervisor
Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
01.2006 - 12.2007
Studio/Traffic Supervisor
Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
01.2000 - 12.2006
Event Planner
GKA - Event Planning and Management
01.1998 - 12.2000
Graphic Designer
CFA Communications
01.1997 - 12.1998
Multimedia Diploma - Digital Media Studio
University of Toronto
Graphic Design Diploma -
Intel Academy of Merchandising and Design