wendy e. simmons

From a young age, I’ve been exploring the world and living a life of discovery and learning. My experience spans over a hundred companies and 100+ countries across every continent, giving me an unparalleled depth of insight that I can apply as a trusted advisor and strategist for C-suite teams and boards of directors across startups, growth-stage, and global enterprises.

At Gates School and Congregation Gates of Prayer, I embedded as a fractional executive, leading the comprehensive revitalization of a 175-year-old synagogue, preschool, and historic properties. I spearheaded a full-scale rebrand, modernized operational systems, transformed the preschool model, secured multimillion-dollar funding, and oversaw significant capital renovations.

As President and Chief Brand Officer of MOSCOT, I transformed a legacy optometry corner store into a globally recognized luxury brand and worldwide phenomenon, delivering multimillion-dollar revenue growth. I created a marketing and product development model that became an industry standard. I launched a branded MOSCOT product line that grew into several collections, expanded into 1,200+ locations worldwide, and gained a cult following among hundreds of celebrities and influencers. I also conceptualized, launched, and led a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — The MOSCOT Mobileyes Foundation Inc. — that provided underserved communities across NYC access to quality care and eyewear.

Early in my career, I worked in a Capitol Hill lobbying firm, wrote a Japanese Language book, and taught English and math to the smart kids at a private elementary school (an experience that, I swear, informed my management skills) before joining TSI Communications, a New York City-based marketing and PR firm. As the youngest senior account executive to rise to vice president and then senior vice president, I played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth, expanding the Sony account by over $3 million and building the agency’s B2B practice into $2 million operation within three years, helping position the firm – which grew to $10 million in revenue – as an industry leader.

That success fueled the launch of my own PR and marketing agency, Mindstorm Communications, which I grew into a $7 million firm with 65 professionals across offices in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., serving marquee clients like Sony, Reebok, and Cablevision. I later positioned Mindstorm for acquisition by Golin, an IPG company, and led the integration process.

I then founded Vendeloo Inc., a consultancy that has been pivotal in the launch and growth of more than a hundred clients across industries. From shaping brand identities and market positioning to leading high-stake crisis management and commercializing advanced technologies, my work has driven measurable growth, industry leadership, and sustained visibility for my clients.

Along the way, I also founded and built Belly, a Lower East Side Manhattan bar, into a highly successful business — growing it to profitability before positioning it for acquisition at an attractive multiple.

I’m an intellectually curious adventurer, and my travels have led to award-winning photography and writing. I’m the author of My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth, published by Simon & Schuster and Rosetta Books, with more than 25,000 copies sold to date. My photography has been the subject of solo and juried shows and publications worldwide.

I graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate from George Washington University with a B.A. in political science and a focus on Asian studies and Japanese. I studied abroad at Kansai Gaidai Daigaku University in Osaka, Japan, and Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. While my Japanese is rusty, my Spanish is functional — and my Pig Latin remains top-notch.