About
Melissa Roth Mendez
Melissa Roth Mendez is a highly respected global brand strategist, board member, and expert in luxury retail and consumer goods, with over 25 years of industry experience. As the founder of MRM Brand Advisory LLC, Melissa partners with companies to drive innovation and sustainable growth, advising across branding, business strategy, operations, culture, risk management, and corporate governance. Her expertise lies in balancing risk mitigation with creative problem-solving, enabling brands to scale responsibly without stifling innovation or authenticity.
Melissa has a distinguished track record in luxury retail, having spent 15 years at Burberry in key leadership roles. As Global Vice President of Brand Protection, she led a global team to safeguard brand integrity across 90+ markets, gaining perspective in managing reputation and navigating media scrutiny. She played a pivotal role in advancing Burberry’s ESG initiatives, particularly within its creative business, reflecting her strong commitment to the values underlying ESG principles, even in areas of heightened digital exposure and cyber risks.
Melissa also demonstrated her passion for fostering employee well-being and culture by founding and serving as the executive sponsor of Burberry’s first global employee resource group, Women Empowered (W|E). This work, which was instrumental in shaping the company’s DEI roadmap, led to the creation of additional ERGs and strengthened the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These unique experiences highlight her expertise in corporate reputation management, sustainability, digital exposure, and fostering a positive employee culture.
With a Juris Doctor from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and Valedictorian of her class, Melissa has a strong foundation in legal affairs, brand protection, and regulatory compliance. Her expertise in ESG is further reinforced by her certification from the Wharton School of Business, where she completed the ESG for Senior Leaders program. Melissa is a trusted board advisor, guiding organizations through market expansion, risk management, and ESG integration to create long-term value and sustainable business practices.
Melissa’s professional accolades include being named Luxury Counsel of the Year by the Luxury Law Awards and receiving the Valued Ally Award for her DEI work. The World Trademark Review has recognized her as one of the top 300 trademark attorneys worldwide for five consecutive years. Her advisory roles span both corporate and non-profit sectors, including her current position on the advisory boards of Talent Trust and Alternew, as well as her previous work with the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition and the United States Chamber of Commerce. Melissa also actively engages in philanthropic work, serving on the board of Rippowam Cisqua School, an independent institution, and previously dedicating over six years on the board of Westmoreland Sanctuary, where she has championed environmental conservation.
Her leadership style is defined by passion, authenticity, kindness, and—perhaps most importantly—fun. Melissa strives to lead with warmth and inclusivity, bringing people together across divides to solve complex challenges. Her ability to “thread the needle” in crises makes her a sought-after leader in risk management and corporate governance. Melissa encourages others to push boundaries, try new things, and foster inclusive, values-driven cultures.
Melissa believes in personal well-being outside the professional sphere, balancing her career with family life and pursuing hobbies such as competitive tennis, various creative pursuits, and travel. Her adventurous spirit has led her to embrace diverse experiences, from immersing herself in the Balinese culture to raising chickens with her family. She is also an advocate for continuous learning and is in the process of mastering a new language. Her commitment to hard work, creativity, and unrelenting growth remains at the heart of her personal and professional journey.
Latest articles from my blog
How are geopolitical factors reshaping luxury brand operations and supply chains? In what ways do geopolitical factors influence consumer behavior
How can luxury brands maintain their iconic identity while adapting to the cultural expectations of diverse global markets? What are
How can luxury brands navigate digital transformation while maintaining their exclusivity and authenticity? What strategies can luxury brands use to
