A dynamic, flexible leader for today's rapidly evolving business needs

Colby Swann is a growth-focused operator and marketing leader with 25+ years of experience driving performance in both digital and physical retail environments. He blends strategic vision with executional rigor, delivering measurable results for Fortune 200 companies, private-equity backed retailers, and fast-growing start-ups.

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Most recently, Colby served as COO of Kats Botanicals, one of the largest DTC herbal supplement brands in the U.S., where he elevated Marketing, Digital, B2B, and Customer Experience by aligning strategy, building scalable processes, upgrading talent, and installing data-driven performance systems.

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Previously, he served as COO of Old Time Pottery, a $200M home décor retailer backed by Comvest Partners. He led Marketing, HR, Planning & Allocation, Store Ops, Supply Chain, and IT—driving record EBITDA through digital expansion, inventory discipline, and significant SG&A reduction. Colby also led the company’s successful sale process and then oversaw post-merger integration into Gabe’s, delivering $10M in cost savings and $20M in incremental revenue within the first year.

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Colby's career began in advertising and wireless telecom before joining Dollar General (NYSE: DG), where he helped launch the Dollar General Market format and later built DG’s digital ecosystem from scratch. He led the launch of email, SMS, social, mobile app, eCommerce, and the first digital coupon platform in the dollar channel—supporting Dollar General’s highest-growth era.

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He later modernized Old Time Pottery’s brand and digital capabilities as VP of Marketing, launching eCommerce and BOPIS, shifting spend to performance marketing, and building advanced analytics and inventory-optimization capabilities.

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Consulting & Advisory Work

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In addition to operating roles, Colby advises retailers, consumer brands, and private equity firms on digital transformation, merchandising, and growth strategy. Recent engagements include:

• Resetting the non-food digital assortment and marketing strategy for a major U.S. club retailer

• Developing digital, brand, and assortment strategies for a challenger U.S. footwear brand

• Supporting PE due diligence initiatives across multiple consumer and retail acquisition targets

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This advisory work leverages Colby’s strengths in brand strategy, digital acceleration, customer acquisition, merchandising, and operational discipline. Colby holds an MBA and a BA from Mississippi State University. He lives in Middle Tennessee and enjoys running, hiking, reading, and playing bass guitar.