Laura Ranieri Email & Phone Number

Chicago, IL, US

Lincolnshire, IL, US

• Crafted and guided product strategy for Klein Tools while integrating newly acquired Ergodyne and Blackfire brands into the Klein product portfolio. Recruited, led, and mentored a team of 4 direct reports across.
• Pioneered and commercialized multiple new categories including Illumination, Knives, and Rechargeable Products such as Li-Ion Speakers and Fans outperforming sales goals while delivering GM hurdles through the.
• Co-authored Klein Tools' first-ever Klein Leadership Program, an accelerated intake initiative to recruit, hire, coach, and mentor new college graduates and guide their early career development to build a successful.
• Successfully mentored 3 program participants from college graduates to productive Associate Product Managers within the growing NPD group.
• Planned and moderated monthly Voice of Customer interactions with end-users and contractors; authored surveys to garner larger-reach, end-user insights. Assigned to observe other product managers' VoC sessions to offer.
• Identified and initiated stage-gate process documentation improvements to improve up-front specifications allowing faster time-to-market development with fewer scope creep cost increases.

Lincolnshire, IL, US

• Recruited to drive the development, commercialization, and sell-in for West Bend, Pop Crazy, Hershey’s, and Jelly Belly brands. Leader of strategic planning, product prioritization, channel management, and consumables.
• Delivered consistent sales growth while driving GM increase of 5.3%.
• Increased Target’s sales of West Bend Popcorn by 31% in 2013 to 2015 by introducing consumables.
• Orchestrated the placement of $1.5 million in incremental popcorn SKUs in Walmart.
• Awarded three incremental pallet programs, totaling $3.5 million, for Sam’s Club.
• Developed Hershey’s Summer & Fall programs at Target, Walmart, and Meijer; products and foods.

Lincolnshire, IL, US

• North American responsibility for all segments of the portfolio from business plans, buying group programs, sales forecasts, to P&L. Approached by the CEO requesting to head the product and program development for the.
• Delivered sales growth of 13.9% from 2011 through 2013 while driving GM% increase of 14.0%.
• Directed NPD and innovation pipeline from business plans, ideation, development, and launch.
• New products encompassed 28% of sales with an average SGM of 47.5%.
• Coordinated the execution of Focus Foodservice’s 2013 NAFEM booth which launched three new product lines, elevating the brand.
• Products developed under my leadership was highlighted at NAFEM’s Innovation Expo.

Downers Grove, Illinois, US

• Oversaw Chicago Cutlery branded products for North America.
• Delivered sales growth of 37% and EBITDA increase of 38%.
• Developed a series of new products that totaled $28.7 million in sales with an average SGM% of 42%.
• Two products chosen as Design Finalists by the International Housewares Association in New York City.
• Championed SKU rationalization team and internal SEVA process that reduced lines by 61%, yielding increased turns and reduced out-of-stocks while growing sales to plan.
• Developed consumer promotions to engage consumers at shelf, entice trade-up, and drive incremental purchase.

Downers Grove, Illinois, US

• Responsible for the product and project management of the Cutlery, Cookware, and Teakettle categories under the Chicago Cutlery, Revere, Magnalite, and EKCO brands.
• Introduced 6 new sub-brands representing 58% of annual commercial revenue.
• Launched two new Chicago Cutlery stainless steel cutlery lines delivering $1.2 million in new product revenue.

• Responsible for new product development through production. Created Engineering documentation for new designs and product improvements.
• Managed one direct report engineer.
• Designed a new line of stamped cutlery judged “Best at Show 1998” by the American Culinary Institute.
• Designed a new line of forged cutlery expanding into the international market.
• Participated in sales presentations to prospective bankers and buyers during the proposed brand divestiture.

• Leader of design of new products for Graniteware Ceramic-on-Steel bakeware, Magnalite cookware, and Chicago Cutlery.
• Designed industrial tools to customer specifications for commercial poultry plant use at Tyson Foods.
• Performed capability studies on manufacturing equipment to justify capital expenditures.
• Oversaw product testing and created engineering prints.