Jeff Acker

Results-driven executive with 20+ years of experience driving revenue growth, strategic partnerships, dealership performance, sponsorship sales, and market expansion across automotive, sports marketing, advertising, media, and retail industries. Proven track record managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading high-performing teams, negotiating complex agreements, and delivering sustained sales growth for global brands including Mercedes-Benz USA and Mazda North America.

BUSINESS CONSULTANT / BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE - Self-Employed

(2018-01)

• Advise organizations on business development, revenue growth, sponsorship opportunities, and marketing strategy.
• Increased client sales and revenue performance by 7–15% through strategic planning and execution.
• Negotiate contracts, vendor agreements, and strategic partnerships.
• Build executive-level relationships across automotive, retail, and agency sectors.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL ACCOUNT DIRECTOR – MERCEDES-BENZ USA - MERKLEY + PARTNERS

(2008-01 - 2017-12)

• Directed regional marketing and sales initiatives across 60 markets and 140+ dealerships.
• Managed annual budgets exceeding $40 million.
• Helped Mercedes-Benz become the #1 luxury automotive brand in the U.S.
• Delivered eight consecutive years of 10–15% year-over-year growth.
• Achieved 80+ consecutive months of sales growth.
• Surpassed growth objectives with 40% annual sales increases and over 100,000 vehicle sales.
• Negotiated and executed more than $20 million in sponsorship investments.
• Built partnerships with NFL, PGA, NCAA, NHL, NBA, and MLB properties.
• Led implementation of a $10 million digital marketing strategy.
• Recruited, trained, and mentored high-performing account teams.

SOUTHEAST REGION ACCOUNT DIRECTOR – MAZDA NORTH AMERICA - DONER

(2000-01 - 2008-12)

• Managed regional marketing and sales support for 125 franchise dealerships.
• Directed annual investments totaling $13 million.
• Supported more than 25 major vehicle launches.
• Increased regional advertising participation by $3.5 million.
• Generated 7% year-over-year sales growth.
• Increased market share by 1.5% and sales by 5% through integrated marketing programs.
• Produced over $5 million in incremental revenue through grassroots and experiential marketing initiatives.

REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER - FOX SPORTS FLORIDA

(1997-01 - 2000-12)

• Generated $2.5 million in new business during first year.
• Managed sponsorship and advertising accounts exceeding $11 million annually.
• Developed integrated sports marketing programs across NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and regional sports properties.
• Secured more than 30 new corporate partners through strategic prospecting and relationship development.

Bachelor of Science - Advertising - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA