Jayna Cooke
Jayna Cooke | |
---|---|
Nationality | American |
Education | Bachelor of Science degree in business |
Alma mater | Miami University of Ohio |
Occupation | CEO of EVENTup |
Website |
www |
Jayna Cooke is an American businesswoman and CEO of Chicago-based technology platform for event spaces EVENTup.[1] Cooke previously served as a regional manager and sales executive at Echo Global Logistics and vice president of business for Groupon.[2][3]
Early life and education
In 2000, Cooke earned the title of Miss Teen Michigan All American.[4][5] Cooke later graduated from the Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in business.[5]
History
Cooke was a buyer for Neiman Marcus when she met Brad Keywell, who hired her at his company, Echo Global Logistics.[2][6] She served as a top sales executive including sales trainer and regional manager.[3]
Cooke worked for Groupon as one of its first employees[7] and was the company's top salesperson.[8] There, she became the vice president of business development.[2][9] Cooke launched national and local sales strategies at Groupon that closed deals with national retailers including Gap and Nordstrom. She generated 25% of the company's revenue in 2009.[3][5] Cooke left Groupon in August 2012[6][8] and founded Closet Angels, a designer clothes reseller which donates profits to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[2][4][9]
EVENTup was founded in 2012. Cooke, who helped build the Chicago sales team, became the company's chief revenue officer. In 2014, she was named chief executive officer[10] and led the 2014 rebrand of the company. Under her leadership, the company grew to 29 employees with over 15,000 event venues.[2][6][7]
Cooke also invests in Chicago-based startups, including Protein Bar and Bucketfeet.[3]
References
- ↑ "Jayna Cooke on how Groupon cofounder led her from fashion to tech CEO". Chicago Business Journal. November 17, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Jane Porter (June 16, 2015). "From Obscurity To An Unlikely Comeback: How One Leader Turned A Failing Business Around". Fast Company. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 Laura Dunn (February 14, 2015). "Women in Business Q&A: Jayna Cooke, CEO & Partner, EVENTup". The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 Elle Eichinger (September 19, 2013). "Chic Cause: Jayna Cooke's Closet Angels". Michigan Avenue. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 3 Jessica J. Kim. "Jayna Cooke of Closet Angels". The Everygirl. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 3 Owen Thomas (August 21, 2012). "One Of Groupon's Top Salespeople Has Left The Company". Business Insider. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 Lewis Lazare (February 19, 2015). "Why EvenUp corporate event planner is following in Groupon's footsteps". Chicago Business Journal. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 Eric Jackson (August 22, 2012). "Another Groupon Salesperson Heads for the Exit". Forbes. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- 1 2 Jackie Bender (May 13, 2013). "Style File: Inside Jayna Cooke's closet". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
- ↑ Shia Kapos (June 23, 2014). "Lightbank protege Jayna Cooke named CEO of EventUp". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved September 4, 2016.