Our Team.
David Blumberg
President
David Blumberg served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Iconix Brand Group, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a global brand management leader. He led over 20 brand acquisitions totaling approximately $2 billion, expanding Iconix's portfolio with iconic global brands such as Umbro, Lee Cooper, and Peanuts. David was instrumental in raising over $2.3 billion in financing through equity offerings, convertible notes, and innovative financial instruments, including the first consumer products IP-backed securitization. With over 30 years of experience in finance, including roles at Merrill Lynch Interfunding and the first employee at Wit Capital, as well as strategic consulting and providing management advisory services to emerging growth and established public companies across various industries, he has made significant contributions to the fields of finance and brand management.
Alex Cole
COO
Alex Cole is a seasoned business development executive with almost two decades of experience driving revenue growth and creating strategic partnerships across diverse industries. As COO at Brandvocacy, Alex brings a wealth of expertise in brand building, licensing, and business development, having previously launched a technology start-up. With a strong background in mergers and acquisitions, Alex has played a key role in deals totaling over $500 million. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Boston University and is based in New York City, where he continues to focus on building and scaling ventures that reflect his vision for strategic growth and innovation.
Claudia Marée
Director of Marketing
Claudia Marée is an accomplished marketing leader with experience driving brand growth and content strategy for leading companies across various industries. Expert in content strategy, social media management, digital branding and translating marketing and social media needs into results-oriented campaigns for start-ups and early-stage companies seeking rapid top-line growth. Claudia has a proven track record of developing high-impact campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences and deliver measurable results. A creative director with expertise in all aspects of branding. She works closely with clients to uncover ownable stories, craft unique identities, and build thoughtful design systems. An extensive background in graphic design, creative writing, and brand storytelling, have helped her transform globally recognized brands, and successfully launch new brands to market.
Julio Garcia
VP of Home
Julio Garcia is an experienced business leader specializing in creating, scaling, and monetizing multi-category lifestyle brands. Most recently, as Director of Business Development at Authentic Brands Group, he led growth and licensing strategies for lifestyle brands across North America. Julio's career spans key roles in strategic partnerships at Wayfair and Zulily, with a foundation in strategy consulting.
Currently serving as the leader of the Home category at Brandvocacy, Julio leverages his deep industry expertise and passion for innovation to drive growth. His diverse background combines data-driven insights with creative strategies to build thriving brand ecosystems.
Julio holds an MBA and Bachelors from Boston College, as well as a Masters in International Marketing, Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas.
Maura Estes
Junior Brand Marketing Manager
Maura Estes is a Gen Z creative strategist and storyteller with a passion for connecting cultural trends, data-driven insights, and authentic brand storytelling. With experience collaborating with industry leaders such as Snapchat, YouTube, and Comixology, she has honed her ability to transform trend reports and audience insights into innovative strategies that resonate with digitally native audiences. Dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and fostering collaborations with creators, Maura brings a fresh perspective, a sharp analytical eye, and an instinctive understanding of what’s next. Her work consistently strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and impactful storytelling, driving meaningful engagement and results.
Brandon Cole
VP Head of International
Brandon Cole is a seasoned leader specializing in brand licensing, strategic partnerships, and e-commerce innovation. As the Vice President of Brandvocacy, Brandon focuses on empowering brands through licensing and immersive experiences. He also serves as Vice President of Next Retail Concepts, where he bridges the gap between in-store branding and online commerce through interactive, digital sales solutions.
Previously, Brandon founded immerchant Inc., leveraging his expertise in revenue growth and digital strategy, and held senior roles at Peanuts Worldwide, where he developed digital strategies and expanded growth initiatives for Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang.. Brandon’s career reflects a proven track record in scaling business initiatives and creating innovative brand strategies.
Tommy Xiao
Asia Regional Director
Tommy Xiao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University. With a proven track record across diverse industries, including international cultural exchange, e-commerce,and investment. Tommy is recognized for challenging conventional approaches, driving innovation, and delivering outstanding results with efficiency.
Having lived and worked in both Asia and the United States, Tommy possesses a profound understanding of the cultural nuances between these regions. This unique insight allows him to effectively bridge the gap for Asian partners, facilitating seamless integration into American brand development.