Kurai Ventures, LLC is a dynamic and forward-thinking management company of cross-functional industry experts dedicated to nurturing and supporting early stage ventures of celebrities, entrepreneurs, early stage brands and high-net worth individuals seeking to navigate the beer, wine and spirits industry.With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in launching and scaling brands, we provide strategic guidance, operational expertise and access to capital through a vast ecosystem of resources to help entrepreneurs realize their vision and achieve growth.

Hired by President to support Marketing SVP and improve marketing capabilities. At that time, both executives expressed their desire for a complete overhaul of marketing processes and talent-building initiatives to ultimately achieve 2X topline growth for this wine and spirits importer. • Developed marketing plans for wine portfolio with a key focus on new products for millennials including VIPRA wine in single-serve cans working closely with Italian Global Team.• Led and implemented brand identity architecture, new formats and innovation plans for Folonari, the largest portfolio brand. • Reviewed and hired a roster of top agencies to enable digital transformation and rapid innovation.• Modernized website interface and implemented an improved social media strategy. • Created Direct-to-Consumer strategic partnership with e-commerce seller WiredforWine.com.• In March 2019, a large deal was announced which nearly doubled revenues. Received 25% salary increase.

Provide marketing strategy/revenue growth development for LLCs/Blue Chips and SMBs:•VERVE Medical Cosmetics: Currently updating strategy on digital marketing including web content, influencer program and social media tactics; building e-commerce site (Shopify) and creating customer engagement analytics•Godiva Chocolatier: Led new store café concept initiative, considered the most important driver for 2017 and beyond. Developed line of backed goods and beverages to increase occasions beyond chocolate gifting by driving more consistent and greater footfall to retail locations. •StocknGo.com Guided this e-commerce start-up on commercial strategy and consumer loyalty programs•A2Zlogix.com Developed Go-to-Market plan for A2Zlogix, a mobile advertising technology product/now ASG 3.0 Ad Network•YOLACOL.com Created business plan for women’s bespoke luxury fashion label.

Reporting to the CEO, led corporate re-branding from strategic assessment through implementation for the world’s largest expert network. Developed marketing strategy with the goal of driving acquisition effectiveness across multiple channels for this B2B venture-backed company.• Launched leading-edge e-commerce website (GLG.it) designed to facilitate lead generation and acquisition.• Improved quality and consistency of messaging across all media: videos, print, digital, event collateral, HR materials and social impact blog. • Defined Social Media Strategy, created content and outlined procedures by channel. • Improved Email Marketing results significantly via changes in content and functionality; 3X increase vs. benchmark in click-to-open rate. • Guided interior design for new activity-based working (ABW) headquarters office, the largest US implementation.

Global Vice President, TequilaStrategic lead on tequila category, plus Board Member and lead on Joint Venture based in Mexico. •Revised strategic positioning and built growth driver model behind nascent luxury and mass tequila markets (South America, Asia, Canada, Russia, Europe, and Australia). Led global advertising development and managed agency procurement and partnerships. •Built strong relationships with global partners to achieve actionable in-market plans. Accelerated growth to double digits in beta markets and was granted incremental markets based on the success of marketing plans. •As Board Member, oversaw and actively managed financial reviews, internal audits, supply chain issues, legal compliance. Created and delivered board presentations.Vice President, Vodka Led the World’s No.1 premium vodka to unprecedented growth, exceeding $500 million in revenues. •Authored Diageo’s overall Vodka Portfolio Strategy. Delivered and implemented 15+ flavor variant growth strategy including category management solutions, resulting in double-digit growth. •Created pre-mixed Cocktails launch campaign, digital and TV; won Diageo Global Double Eagle Award Innovation of the Year.Vice President, GinResponsible for successful turn-around of declining gin business; grew 10 share points.•Delivered integrated communications plan, TV, webisode, digital ads, for Tanqueray Rangpur Gin; won Silver Effie, nominated for a Webby award; won Diageo New Products Innovation Award.•Created multi-cultural program comprising style makers, musicians and urban entrepreneurs.•Brand Spokesperson; interviewed by New York Times and various industry publications.Director, North American Whiskies Created first Baby Boomer Strategy, including database optimization for CRM, direct mail, event and email marketing; plan considered best-in-class by SVP, Consumer Insights. Director, High Energy PortfolioManager, White Spirits

Responsible for modeling and analyzing key CPG companies in Household and Personal Care segments. Coverage included Colgate-Palmolive, Proctor & Gamble, Clorox, Avon, Kimberly-Clark, Estée Lauder (initiating). Introduced quantitative research methodology to forecast new product launch performance on Gillette blade business and Kimberly-Clark paper business; both research initiatives were highly regarded by executive management.

Senior Product Manager, ToothpasteManaged toothpaste category, representing over 25% of US revenues.Brand achieved highest share behind new product launch of Colgate Total Whitening toothpaste. Oversaw 5 direct reports and managed $150MM advertising and promotion budget targeting General, Hispanic, African-American markets. Selected as youngest Colgate employee to attend Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado Springs.Product Manager, Kids and Colgate Line Extensions Grew Kids Toothpaste business by 90% via licensing partnerships. Regained Ultra Brite value segment leadership with intense focus on customer trade strategy. Received Star Award for piloting and teaching Management 101.Product Manager, Hand and Bath Soap, New Products GroupLaunched new experiential body wash variants leading to 20% sales growth, +5 margin points. Selected to lead cross-functional team developing new PET package to improve aesthetics and create financial efficiencies ($17MM) through vertical integration.Associate Product Manager, Softsoap Brand Body WashManaged newly launched body wash products in the US and captured the #2 position in the category. Created marketing plans and oversaw a $1MM+ TV and print advertising budget, first campaign of this scale at the company.Assistant Product Manager, Women’s DeodorantDeveloped launch plan for female deodorant product, with first invisible dry technology, and unseated #2 category player. Received Colgate You Can Make a Difference Award.