Cory M. Baker stands as a pivotal figure at Consortium Brand Partners, bringing over two decades of rich experience in intellectual property, investment strategies, and comprehensive brand management to the firm. As Founder & Managing Partner, Mr. Baker’s career trajectory showcases a consistent ability to identify, cultivate, and amplify brand value, making him an invaluable asset to Consortium Brand Partners and its portfolio.
Prior to establishing Consortium Brand Partners, Mr. Baker’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision led him to partner with Neuberger Berman in 2014 to conceive and launch Marquee Brands. This brand management enterprise, backed by Neuberger Berman, became a significant acquisition platform under Mr. Baker’s operational leadership, alongside Mr. DeVirgilio, and his guidance as a board member. Before Marquee Brands, recognizing a gap in the market, Mr. Baker founded Julian Wolf in 2013, a brand management and business development agency. Julian Wolf catered to a diverse clientele spanning fashion, sports, and entertainment, notably including Sony Pictures Television, demonstrating his versatility and industry reach.
Further solidifying his expertise, Mr. Baker served as Managing Director of Brand Strategy and Development at Infinity Lifestyle Brands. In this capacity, he spearheaded the firm’s brand division, overseeing critical functions such as licensing, marketing initiatives, strategic planning, and overall brand development for their private equity holdings. His impactful tenure also includes a significant period at Iconix Brand Group, Inc., where he held the position of VP, Business Affairs. At Iconix, Mr. Baker played a key role in facilitating over $1 billion in brand acquisitions and joint ventures, contributing to the expansion of their brand portfolio from 12 to 24 global names. Furthermore, he was instrumental in developing international marketing and brand management strategies aimed at fostering cross-brand licensing programs across the entire Iconix roster.
Mr. Baker’s foundation in intellectual property and corporate law, with a specialization in licensing and anti-counterfeiting within the fashion, media, and hospitality sectors, underpins his brand management acumen. His contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed; in 2019, alongside Mr. DeVirgilio, he was recognized as one of FN’s Power List 2019: The Business Titans, a testament to his influence and impact. An alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.A. in International Studies and Scholars citation, and a J.D. from New York Law School, Mr. Baker continues to be a sought-after speaker and advisor within the consumer industry, further enhancing the profile and capabilities of Consortium Brand Partners.
