Lara Gish Email & Phone Number

Portland, Oregon, United States

Portland, Oregon Area

I led the $40M cultured category during a time of rapid growth and transition for Tillamook. I successfully developed several new product lines including Tillamook Creamery Collection yogurt, Tillamook's entry into the specialty yogurt segment.As the general manager, I oversee the annual business planning process, manage the P&L, and am accountable for developing and driving alignment on the long term vision for category growth. Additional highlights of my experience include leading a cross-functional 5 week sprint to fast track the feasibility phase of product development, guiding qualitative research to inform innovation and marketing, collaborating with marketing on integrated campaigns, and helping to develop strong retailer relationships. I successfully developed two direct reports to take on expanded roles within the Category Management team.

Greater San Diego Area

Overhauled outdated Petco generic private brands into more premium, specialist brands. This work supported Petco's transformation from commodities dealer to a destination for well-designed, stylized and safe products from a trusted expert. Developed positioning, packaging and marketing to support brand launches. Served as brand steward, influencing product development and master brand communications. Categories spanned food, treats, toys, supplies, apparel, supplements, and grooming. Brands included Leaps & Bounds toys, Well & Good Grooming and Nutrition, and SoPhresh Clean up.

Greater San Diego Area

Developed corporate giving strategy to better align with Kashi's mission. Introduced The Kashi REAL Project, an initiative focused on helping more people enjoy real, wholesome foods through greater access and education. Included social-media driven fundraising campaigns, on pack promotion, in store events, PR and digital support. Non-profits supported included Wholesome Wave, HealthCorps, and the Junior League's Kids in the Kitchen programs.Managed PR for Kashi including strategy, planning, and execution for innovation and master brand initiatives. Managed agency including contract negotiation and budget. Read what others are saying about Lara:From the in-store campaign to the social media initiative, we were so impressed with the relevant and innovative methods you have utilized to embed both HealthCorps’ brand and story into the Kashi REAL Project. Not only are we grateful to receive the donations you garnered on our behalf, but the HealthCorps images and mission statement on the back of the Vanilla Island cereal boxes convey a striking descriptor of our community programs. We are proud to be part of the Kashi family. Michelle Bouchard, President HealthCorpsQuite simply, Lara is a consummate professional. There is no one whom I've worked with in regards to cause marketing who is more accomplished, thoughtful, thorough, and generous with her time than Lara. The campaigns Lara leads are brilliant and effective. Thanks to her work, my company gained significant exposure and donations. I know that she went far beyond what she was obligated to do. In short, I am a huge fan of Lara's and can't wait to work together again soon.Ralph Loglisci, Director of Communications (Interim) Slow Food USA, formerly of Wholesome Wave

Greater San Diego Area

Developed multiple, successful natural whole grain snack bars. Responsible for profit delivery, business analysis, marketing planning and execution. Planned content for Kashi.com including monthly e-newsletters and optimized Paid Search to improve KPIs. Supported development of TV, Print and Online Advertising as well as buying. Directed multiple strategic media partnerships supporting healthy lifestyle education.

Developed new functional foods and nutrition supplements across energy and heart health categories including Liftoff Effervescent Energy Drink which is sold in more than 30 countries. Responsibilities spanned consumer insights, business analysis, product strategy, and marketing planning.Recruited to work with a focused team on high growth markets South America and Southeast Asia where I adapted US products for international markets. Led international teams with complex supply chains with both domestic and international manufacturers to launch products. Gained breadth of knowledge in nutrition claims as well as a strong foundation in regulatory requirements.