Early in his career, Salman played a role in shaping the growth for both Calvin Klein and Donna Karan internationally. At CK he directed the jeans division in Europe, while guiding the company through 2 mergers, eventually playing a key management role within the $1.5 billion distribution network at Warnaco. Upon moving to Donna Karan, he concentrated on repositioning, brand segmentation, and new-entry into Europe and Asia. DKNY grew to $1.4 billion prior to its sale to LVMH, and during the transition, Salman established KOKA CONSULTING. Over the last 15 years, he has advised CEO’s and held operational roles at companies such as – DKNY, US POLO, Emmanuel Ungaro, Adidas Y3,, Eleven by Venus Williams all while simultaneously assisting new designers and manufacturers to structure global distribution with strategic partners that can lay the infrastructure for a sustainable business.
Today KOKA focuses primarily is on – brand packaging & positioning, direct collaborations with retailers, category extensions through licensing, and entry into BRIC markets through Franchising & Joint ventures. As Principal of KOKA, Salman;s primary objective is to identify disruptive and innovative business models for brands, manufacturers, and retailers looking to re-invent themselves within a digital age, with a younger demographic, and a clearer brand focus. Mr. Khokhar continues to work directly with top industry CEO’s to create actionable solutions to the industries biggest challenges and pathways to integrate them within existing corporate structures. Most recently Salman has lectured at Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, MIT Media Lab, Cornell Johnson School, and NYU Stern.
