Eric Gripentrog

Eric Gripentrog Email and Phone Number

Chief Executive Officer / Board Member / Growth Oriented Executive / CPG / Food & Beverage / Organic & Natural / Health & Wellness @ Kirkman Group
Eric Gripentrog's Location
Portland, Oregon, United States, United States
Eric Gripentrog's Contact Details

Eric Gripentrog personal email

n/a
About Eric Gripentrog

Proven Business Executive with more than 25 years of progressive development with leading branded consumer goods companies. Experience encompasses General Management roles, International experience, Business Start Up, Senior Sales positions, Strategy Development, Business Transformations, Direct-Store-Delivery, Foodservice, Vending, Retail and Alternate Channels.I possess an entrepreneurial spirit and optimistic drive that believes any task or challenge can be accomplished with the right focus, the right people and a ‘can do’ attitude. I have multiple accomplishments at reviewing complex situations, creating a vision, establishing the appropriate problem solving strategies, and flawlessly executing against the respective plans to ensure the delivery of the P&L while successfully transforming or starting a business.This experience and success has occurred overseas within multiple cultures, which include Europe and Latin America, as well as domestically in the United States. I pride myself upon over delivering expectations that includes P&L ownership while building talent on the journey. Specialties: P&L Management, Growing EBITDA, Expanding Margins, Strategy Development, Leadership, Problem Solving, Consumer Products, Sales, Management, Building High Performing Teams, Business Model re-engineering, Go to Market Redesign, Vision creation, Strategy Development, Change Leadership, New Market Entry, Global Retail Customers, Business Transformations/Turnarounds, Start-ups, and Delivering Results.

Eric Gripentrog's Current Company Details
Kirkman Group

Kirkman Group

View
Chief Executive Officer / Board Member / Growth Oriented Executive / CPG / Food & Beverage / Organic & Natural / Health & Wellness
Eric Gripentrog Work Experience Details
  • Kirkman Group
    Chief Executive Officer
    Kirkman Group Mar 2020 - Present
    Lake Oswego, Or, Us
    Responsible for the overall business of this Health & Wellness Consumer Package Goods business focused on providing the cleanest Nutritional Supplements in the industry. (Kirkman, Golf Mellow, HT Naturals)This includes short-term and long term strategic direction, P&L ownership, functional leadership with a fully owned cGMP and FDA registered manufacturing facility, located in Portland. Full accountability for creating and implementing a strategic road map that encompasses brand expansion, innovation, contract manufacturing, strategic partnerships, expanding top-to-top partnerships and accelerating top-line and bottom-line results.Finalizing preparation for IPO in late summer of 2024.
  • Gina Cucina
    Chief Executive Officer
    Gina Cucina Oct 2019 - Jun 2021
    Responsible for the overall business of this better-for-you, mission-based Consumers Package Goods company. This includes strategic direction, P&L ownership, raising capital and leadership for all respective functions. Full accountability for creating and implementing 5-year strategic road map that encompasses distribution expansion, strategic partnerships, innovation and building top-to-top relationships.
  • Panera Bread
    Svp And Gm, Cpg
    Panera Bread Aug 2018 - Apr 2019
    St Louis, Mo, Us
    Responsible for the strategic direction and operation of the Consumers Package Goods business unit within Panera Bread. This encompassed 6 product categories with $500M of sales with full P&L responsibility. Accountable for developing vision, supporting strategies and a 5-year growth plan to more than double current results. This role leverages an entrepreneurial ‘start up’ approach within a larger company framework. Business accomplishments: - Double Digit top line and EBITDA results - Highest performing business unit in 2018 - Accelerated revenue resulting in market share leadership - Drove 4-5x growth rate vs. category growth in other respective categories
  • Kellogg Company
    Vice President, Strategy & Operations
    Kellogg Company Aug 2014 - Feb 2018
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    * Responsible for the strategic direction of the DSD organization, which included defining, setting and implementing strategies and plans for the Direct Store Delivery business * This encompasses over 7,500 employees, 40 distribution centers and over $3.0B in net revenue* Leads the COE for retail execution with direct accountability for distribution * Successfully led the DSD transformational exit resulting in significant, undisclosed saving while improving gross and operating profit margins.* Transformed digital sales automation for over 5,000 employees* Led two successful reorganizations resulting in more than $300M in savings
  • Kellogg Company
    Vice President, General Manager - Caribbean
    Kellogg Company Aug 2009 - Jul 2014
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    •Overall responsibility for the Kellogg Caribbean business unit reporting to the Latin American President• Accountable for leading the $150M business in the delivery of the Caribbean P&L and functional areas to support the business (Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, IT & HR)• Successfully led the business transformation through creating a new business model, settling a 5 year litigation, developing a new Caribbean Leadership Team and implementing new strategies for 20 different markets across 11 different product categories• Completed business 'turn-around' growing volume, net sales and operating profit for the first time in 5 years• Improved gross margin by over +4,0 points from 2009 - 2013• Drove double digit growth across multiple markets and entered Cuba for the first time in 50 years
  • Kellogg Company
    Vice President, Sales - Europe
    Kellogg Company Aug 2007 - Aug 2009
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Overall operating responsibility for defining, setting and implementing the sales strategic agenda for the European Business Unit • Led international strategy and management of Global Multi-National Company (GMNC) Accounts for European based GMNC’s.• Led growth plan for European Away From Home (Foodservice, Vending, Alternate Channels) business• Set agenda and operating guidelines for sales, Trade Policies, Allowances, Category Management and Field Sales, for implementation through Sales Directors in European Markets.• Exceeded sales budgets for the key Global Customers including (Carrefour, Casino, Auchan, etc) each year• Delivered $7M in incremental profit through several Pan-European initiatives• Improved talent and bench-strength through development of first-ever, proprietary Commercial Development Center resulting in several top-talent employees accepting larger responsibilities
  • Kellogg Company
    Vice President, General Manager, Food Away From Home Division - Europe
    Kellogg Company Apr 2005 - Jun 2007
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Overall responsibility for the European Away from Home division with $150M P&L responsibility.• Accountable for leading the business in the delivery of the Pan-European P&L and leading functional areas to support direction (Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, IT & HR).• This encompassed the strategic direction of the business and the development & implementation of annual strategies and plans for the Foodservice, Vending, Impulse, Convenience and Cash & Carry channels• Completed ''business startup'' while exceeding Sales & Profit targets while delivering a 3-year strategic growth plan• Integrated AFH business into Western European markets while creating & implementing 15 formalized P&L's
  • Kellogg Company
    Managing Director, Sales Planning, Food Away From Home
    Kellogg Company 2003 - Jun 2005
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the Sales Planning Organization for Kellogg’s Food Away From Home (Foodservice, Vending, C-store & Drug)• Accountable for driving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Kellogg Specialty Channels sales organizations: - Enhancement of National Account compliance, CRM vision/strategy & plan development - Sales deployment strategy & tactics and sales productivity performance - Logistical efficiency execution & trade investment spending - Alliance, acquisition and channel integrations• Successfully integrated the Convenience Store, Vending and Drug channel business into the Kellogg Food Away From Home business unit • Implemented 'cost to serve' model resulting in over $10M in annualized savings
  • Kellogg Company
    Managing Director, Midwest
    Kellogg Company 2001 - 2003
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the Midwest Zone for the Kellogg Food Away From Home sales organization• Accountable for delivering revenue and operating profit to the organization through development of strategies and effective management of marketing funds and personnel• Responsible for providing motivational leadership to a sales team of 25 people • Directed an environment that encourages open communication, intelligent risk-taking, independent thinking and problem solving while exceeding sales budgets• Working closely with financial leaders for development of sales and overhead budgets as well as product and marketing business leaders for the development of strategic direction for sales and marketing
  • Kellogg Company
    Sales Director, Mid-Atlantic
    Kellogg Company 1999 - 2000
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the Mid-Atlantic Foodservice Sales Region for Kellogg North America• Developed profit driven strategies and exceeded the annual sales budget through effective management of marketing funds and personnel• Provided motivational leadership to sales team focused on exceeding profitable targets through brand building, merchandising and demand driven programs resulting in positive R.O.I.• Created an environment that encouraged open communication, intelligent risk-taking, independent thinking and problem solving while exceeding sales budgets
  • Kellogg Company
    Region Sales & Promotions Manager
    Kellogg Company May 1997 - Jan 1999
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for leading and developing sales individuals to profitable achievement of sales budgets for the Northeast Region through brand building, merchandising and demand driven programs resulting in positive R.O.I.• Developed profit driven strategies that exceeded the $50 million sales budget through effective management of marketing funds and regional personnel
  • Kellogg Company
    North America Innovation, Single Serve
    Kellogg Company 1999 - 1999
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of Single Serve Innovation for Kellogg North America • Directed the development of new product ideas for foodservice, vending, c-stores, retail front-end, Mass Merch., Drug, Club Stores and alternate channel environment
  • Kellogg Company
    Leader, Special Project Growth Initiative
    Kellogg Company 1999 - 1999
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for leading a foodservice taskforce in the development, evaluation and selection of strategic options for accelerating short and long-term growth opportunities for the Kellogg North America foodservice organization• This assignment encompassed all growth avenues including several proprietary options. Several Kellogg executives were part of the task force team including inside departments and outside resources• Detailed financial analysis was completed to determine future direction for accelerated growth
  • Kellogg Company
    Global Military Foodservice Sales Manager
    Kellogg Company 1999 - 1999
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the global Foodservice military business• Directed and motivated the U.S. Foodservice sales and global military sales organization toward profitable achievement of sales volume, growth and share objectives• Managed and directed outside agencies to ensure proper support of the global military foodservice business
  • Kellogg Company
    National Sales Manager, Vending & Special Markets
    Kellogg Company Nov 1996 - Apr 1997
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Responsible for leading the sales organization for the vending organization and developing special market opportunities exceeding profitable achievement of sales budgets• Worked closely with product development groups, foodservice marketing, order management, logistics and transportation departments for achieving strategic business needs • Developed special market opportunities by creating an environment that fostered creativity, initiative and ownership while focused on the company objectives
  • Kellogg Company
    Market Development Manager, Vending & Special Markets
    Kellogg Company Mar 1995 - Oct 1996
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • General Management of the vending & special market business units. Responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the vending business and development of ancillary markets that provided growth opportunities• Developed strategies and plans that grew the vending business 135% through effective management of the P&L statement and formulation of business building strategies involving promotion, price, product and portfolio development• Managed and orchestrated effective budgeting and forecasting of key business measures working in conjunction with all internal departments• Managed external agencies that support the business through research, advertising, promotion, database management and administration
  • Kellogg Company
    Market Manager
    Kellogg Company Jan 1994 - Feb 1995
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Sold full line of products exceeding the $7 million annual sales goal• Identified customer’s needs to effectively sell results oriented merchandising programs• Analyzed various data sources, prioritized territory coverage and implemented customer focused strategies in order to maximize sales volume
  • Kellogg Company
    Sales Representative
    Kellogg Company Oct 1992 - Dec 1993
    Battle Creek, Michigan, Us
    • Sold full line of products exceeding the $4 million annual sales goal• Utilized data sources to prioritize territory coverage while implementing customer focused programs to increase sales• Effectively sold results oriented programs to build Kellogg volume
  • Epicurean Management & Mardi Gras Enterprizes
    General Manager
    Epicurean Management & Mardi Gras Enterprizes Jul 1990 - Oct 1992
    • Responsible for managing and delivering P&L• Responsible for managing four different foodservice establishments with 100 employees while delivering annual sales and profit budgets

Eric Gripentrog Skills

Competitive Analysis Strategy Cross Functional Team Leadership Shopper Marketing Consumer Products Customer Insight Sales Management Sales Operations Sales Marketing Management Management Fmcg Trade Marketing Leadership Forecasting Key Account Management P&l Management Brand Management Pricing Grocery Brand Equity Retail Market Planning Income Statement Key Account Development National Accounts Business Planning Categorization Direct Store Delivery Distributed Team Management Distributors Food Market Analysis Marketing Strategy Pricing Strategy Iri Product Innovation P&l Supply Chain Merchandising Segmentation Product Development Supply Chain Management Business Strategy Customer Relationship Management Strategic Planning Budgeting Business Development Marketing Market Research

Eric Gripentrog Education Details

  • Western Michigan University
    Western Michigan University
    Marketing

Frequently Asked Questions about Eric Gripentrog

What company does Eric Gripentrog work for?

Eric Gripentrog works for Kirkman Group

What is Eric Gripentrog's role at the current company?

Eric Gripentrog's current role is Chief Executive Officer / Board Member / Growth Oriented Executive / CPG / Food & Beverage / Organic & Natural / Health & Wellness.

What is Eric Gripentrog's email address?

Eric Gripentrog's email address is gr****@****usa.com

What schools did Eric Gripentrog attend?

Eric Gripentrog attended Western Michigan University.

What skills is Eric Gripentrog known for?

Eric Gripentrog has skills like Competitive Analysis, Strategy, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Shopper Marketing, Consumer Products, Customer Insight, Sales Management, Sales Operations, Sales, Marketing Management, Management, Fmcg.

Free Chrome Extension

Find emails, phones & company data instantly

Find verified emails from LinkedIn profiles
Get direct phone numbers & mobile contacts
Access company data & employee information
Works directly on LinkedIn - no copy/paste needed
Get Chrome Extension - Free

Aero Online

Your AI prospecting assistant

Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers

Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.