Neil Cole

Neil Cole is a thought leader and innovator in the brand licensing industry and a pioneer in the asset light business model of brand management. In 2017, Neil Cole founded Next Retail Concepts, an e-commerce platform with a unique tech-based interface that provides a brand-immersive shopping experience. He serves as the Chairman and CEO of the company. Before starting Next, Cole held a variety of branding and marketing positions, including as two-time “Person of the Year” at El Greco, Inc., a footwear company with the international sub-brand Candie’s. Cole also founded Iconix Brand Group, Inc. a leading branding agency with a diverse and global network. At Iconix, Cole introduced a unique model for brand management, setting the company apart in the fields of licensing, brand management, and marketing. With 35 iconic consumer brands, including Joe Boxer, Rampage, Mudd, and London Fog, Iconix was the second biggest name in licensing around the world. He is also on the Board of Directors of The Mount Sinai Children’s Center Foundation, Crutches 4 Kids, and Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School. He is a founding member of The Candie’s Foundation (rebranded as TheNext.Org), a women’s health initiative for teens and young adults. Neil Cole attended University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1978. He got a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law in 1982. He is on New York State’s SAGE Commission, and has attended good will missions to Israel and other locations along with notable business leaders.