Ashlea Derkits Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

• Strategic lead for Brand Plans and Market Development to successfully deliver against an annual plan of $80MM+ for the Ready-to-Drink and Strategic Ventures categories across the West and Control Regions• Oversaw deployment of $40MM+ in brand investment, as well as ensured strategic market and brand prioritization were successfully setup against business priorities• Cross-functional leader with National Marketing, Global Brand Houses, Commercial Excellence, Insights, Finance, and Commercial Partners (such as Sales and Distributors) to define Regional Brand strategies, market and channel-specific objectives and support plans• Sourced data, insights, key learnings, and conducted consumer research to develop growth plans for multiple brands• Presented annual marketing plans to both internal and external stakeholders on a continuous basis, with more than 10+ presentations to audiences greater than 200+ attendees• Executed marketing plans on a continuous basis; leading above-the-line media, digital and PR plans, as well as below-the-line experiential events, sampling events, and shopper marketing• Continually worked with Finance on the P&L to identify risks and opportunities to ensure teams were on track to deliver plan (Distribution, NSV, etc.) and market share goals• Have led over 15+ product innovation launches from start to finish for the company across multiple different categories; from liquid and label development, pricing, go-to-market strategy, programming development of ATL and BTL tactics, POS development, presenting plans, tracking results, etc. • Led and managed projects for all the following tactics: National Product and Innovation Launches, Media and PR Programming, Influencer Programming, Trade Programming, Sponsorships and Partnerships, Shopper Marketing, On and Off Premise Sampling, Experiential Events, Sweepstakes, VAPs and POS

Greater Chicago Area

Chicago, Il

• Worked across 10+ brands for the Beam Suntory bourbon, vodka, tequila and innovation portfolios in national experiential programming - both in the major event and national sampling arenas• Established budgets, scopes of work, contracts, invoicing, and work flow to adhere to timelines• Concepted, contributed and presented annual brand plans and program execution internally and client facing• Managed the creative team in order to deliver assets to client• Experience with national consumer product launches, national experiential programs, trade-focused event series, brand education mentoring and managing both on and off premise programs• Strong organization and time management skills with sharp attention to detail, analytical thinking and successfully maintaining multiple projects simultaneously

Chicago, Il

• Helped assist with concepting, pitching and contributing to annual brand plans, creative development and program execution over the Beam Suntory bourbon, tequila and innovation portfolios

Greater Chicago Area

• Coordinated events for 7 different locations throughout the Chicagoland area.• Averaged 20 parties per month with revenues varying from small to large scale• Consulted with clients and customers to determine objectives and requirements for events; such as determining which party package will fit their needs, create and customize specific menus, and finalize budget totals• Conferred with management and staff at the chosen event site to coordinate details• Hosted, monitored, and provided excellent customer service to event guests• Mitigated, communicated, and dealt with any problems or complications that arose

Greater Chicago Area

• Managed mornings by opening front-of-house operations, counting cash drawers, and overseeing employees and main dining room.• Trained new and upcoming staff to have superb customer service and knowledge of all the food and beverages.• Provided superior customer service in a fast pace environment, performing multiple tasks such as serving, bartending, cleaning, and gaining experience in both front-of-house and back-of-house operations.

Greater Chicago Area

• Utilized a wide range of outlets to select qualified candidates for multiple positions simultaneously in a variety of industries from entry level to executive level positions• Managed candidate interaction from initial phone screen, face to face interview, client interviews to on-boarding after hire• Identified and expanded client relationships, generate leads and conduct contract negotiations with accounts

• Initiated and solidified client relationships as well as sold advertising to local businesses.• Gained experience in all aspects of consultative selling, from existing account management, lead generation and cold calling to needs analysis, closing and post-sales service.• Sold $18,000 in revenue and consistently exceeded sales quotas, consistent top percentile producer• Ranked in top 20% out of 180 account executives nationwide, exceptionally persistent and competitive• Increased Ohio State market by 15% in revenue from previous year. Created top tier book in the country.• Experienced building and maintaining rapport one on one with small business owners to medium sized and large corporations

Bachelor Of Science, Marketing

Marketing

Activities and Societies: Member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority (Philanthropy Deputy), The Ohio State University Dance Team, Community.

Education record