Axel Kolonko

Summary

Strategic Brandand Merchandise Manager with over 15 years of experience in fashion andsustainability, driving product innovation, circularity, and commercial growth.Expert in trend analysis, supply chain optimization, and cross-functionalleadership. Proven track record advising premium brands on ESG integration andsustainable sourcing. Multilingual communicator with strong analytical andstakeholder management skills.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

·   Brand and merchandise management

·   Product development and collection planning

·   Pricing, costing, and commercial optimization

·   Sustainability integration and circularity optimization

·   ESG compliance and traceability systems

·   Supply chain mapping and supplier sourcing

·   Market research and trend analysis

·   Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

·   Adobe Photoshop

·   WordPress

·  HubSpot

SOFT SKILLS

·   Strategic business development

·   Cross-functional team leadership

·   Stakeholder engagement and client consulting

·   Training and development (product and sustainability)

·   Analytical thinking and data-driven decision making

·   Adaptability and multicultural collaboration

·   Innovation and creativity in product strategy

·   Excellent communication and presentation

·   Collaboration and relationship building

Innovation and creativity in product strategy



Experience

Retraced GmbH

Sr. Sustainable Business DevelopmentManager


  • Lead ESG integrationprojects for fashion clients, optimizing supply chain transparency andtraceability to enhance sustainability reporting and accountability.
  • Develop customized circularity strategies that streamline material reuse andreduce waste across client operations, supporting sustainable value creation.
  • Align sustainability goalswith commercial objectives, optimizing brand positioning, and enhancingstakeholder engagement through targeted strategyexecution.
  • Consultcross-functional teams on traceability platforms and sustainable sourcing,improving operational compliance, and enabling greater supply chain visibility.

www.retraced.com


Wagabone pets

Co-Founder


  • Designed and launchedupcycled denim collections using circular principles, optimizing material use,and reducing production waste across multiple product lines.
  • Built and scaled apurpose-driven brand identity, optimizing storytelling strategies to strengthen customer loyalty, and increase market differentiation.
  • Optimized costing andpricing models for sustainable collections, improving profit margins whilemaintaining alignment with ethical sourcing standards.
  • Implementedinnovative design workflows rooted in sustainability,accelerating product development cycles, and enhancing cross-functionalcollaboration efficiency.

www.wagabone.com

Diesel Spa

  • Brand Management @ Diesel HQ Italy.

https://www.otb.net/

Jeansmarket Srl

  • Merchandising Manager and Denim Developer @ Jeansmarket Verona Italy.

http://www.jeansmarket.it/

Boxeur des Rues Srl

  • Senior Merchandising Manager @ Boxeur des Rues HQ Milan Italy.

http://www.boxeurdesrues.com/

Cheboksary Tricotage

  • Creative Director @ Cheboksary Tricotage HQ Cheboksary Russia.

http://trikota21.ru/

Foukings Srl

  • Founder and Co-owner @ Kolonko avantgarde streetwear fashion brand- Milano, Italy

kolonko_official

Using Format