Report directly to DVP of Marketing and responsible for brand strategy, profitability, new product pipeline, and growth plans for $150MM retail category of dog treats and chews (Dingo, #1 Selling National Rawhide Brand) - Develop and maintain 2-3 year innovation pipeline based on syndicated data (IRI, Nielsen), primary and secondary research, category expertise (knowing trends, retail POS, planograms, competitors)  - Set and implement promotional/marketing plan to support key accounts/SKUs, often including targeted online ads, FSIs, couponing (online & in-store), sampling and cross-promotions  - Work directly with Sales and retail buyers for national product launches and custom programs; diverse customer base includes brick & mortar, online, catalogue, club, drug and grocery  - 3 consecutive years meeting or exceeding category topline plan for division’s 2nd largest category  - Manage associate brand team, 350 active SKUs, and work directly with outside agencies as needed 

Supported marketing and product strategy for $150M retail dog treats category. Lead brand strategy, profitability, new product pipeline, and growth plans for the Dingo™ brand, the #1 Selling National Rawhide Brand

Responsible for tracking consumer and customer needs to develop new handheld sandwiches that are on-trend and profitable. Fully accountable for developing new SKU and product line brand strategy, including packaging design, logo development, advertising and PR support, and selling materials

Co-owned delivery of the Category Plan (Net Sales, Gross Margin, Operating Expenses, and EBITDA) with GMM, representing ~15% of total company revenue Lead the creation and execution of the Category Strategy to meet/exceed annual financial objectives - developed two new products that exceed category blended marginWorked daily with Sales to lead the creation and delivery of the in-store (Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, Kmart), online and print category marketing plan Worked daily with product development teamsDeveloped communication plan and presented to retail buyers (Babies R Us, Target, Wal-Mart) bi-annually for category line reviews Co-lead the category teams to deliver margin improvement plans and continual improvement initiatives (i.e. base business product upgrades, lower return rates)

Responsible for the daily management of various categories including infant seats, convertible seats, strollers and travel systems. Managed various product development initiatives from concept through development to shipment. Managed the daily business of the child car seat category to exceed 2007 financial plan Maintained on-time and on-budget development of several new ground-up child car seats Managed the development of over 150 new SKUs annually Developed packaging artwork and in-store merchandising material for retail channels including Babies R Us, Target and Wal-Mart Managed market research initiatives for product development and advertising campaigns Developed copy for sell sheets, in-store, print and online advertising Identified industry trends and be the voice of the consumer for brand and product development