Mario J. Gonzalez Email & Phone Number

Wilmington, North Carolina Area

Consultancy in new business conceptualization and strategy formulation, market development and revitalizing non-performing brands. Focused on product innovation and development, innovative go-to-market strategies and tactical marketing/sales planning and execution.

West Hartford, Ct

Responsibilities: Led the integration of the Lastar acquisition with the Legrand Data Communications division. Managed the Core Integration Team of seven functional experts in finance, manufacturing, marketing, sales, sourcing, logistics, information systems and human resources, plus extended functional support teams to fully integrate both companies.Accomplishments: Achieved integration in 22 months, ahead of planned time frame.> Consolidated manufacturing operations in the US and China to significantly improve customer service and reduce costs.> Relocated sourcing operations from Taiwan to China to improve coordination with supplier base.> Integrated Marketing and Sales functions to better align to market segments and customers.> Consolidated all back-office functions [Finance, Human Resources, Logistics, etc.] to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.> Developed plan to transition Ortronics and Electrorack business units to SAP system.> Total synergy savings exceeded plan by 11%.Position reported to the President of the Data Communications Division.

West Hartford, Ct

Led the strategy creation, product conceptualization, development and launch of The adorne Collection, a revolutionary and award winning range of electrical/electronic lighting controls, under cabinet lighting/power system and home systems for the residential and light commercial markets.Led an international team of over 200 associates in product design, engineering and manufacturing in the USA, France and China to develop the collection. Developed a comprehensive channel strategy composed of lighting showrooms, home centers, designers/architects and electrical distributors to launch the program.http://www.legrand.us/adorne/

Evendale, Oh

VP Global Marketing & Product DevelopmentResponsibilities: Short and long term strategy for new product development for global introduction; development of global and regional product and marketing strategies to maximize growth and profitability; development of global internet capabilities.Accomplishments: Led the regional marketing/selling/technical organizations through a disciplined process to evaluate and prioritize new product development projects, focused R&D investments on new products and technologies with highest potential for revenue and profit growth on a global basis.Organized and led the China Business Unit team through an in depth market segment analysis and strategy development. Developed a comprehensive strategy for new product introductions, channel segmentation, reorganization plan of key functional departments: Marketing, Sales and Customer Service.Developed worldwide internet strategy to consolidate 27 disparate websites into a single Formica.com website to strengthen brand positioning with architects, interior designers, product specifiers [B2B] and consumers [B2C]GM Formica FlooringP&L responsibility for Flooring business unit, including marketing, sales and manufacturing.Accomplishments: Directed the development and implementation of a new Formica Flooring program for Lowe’s. Formed a cross-functional team, and led the efforts to launch the new program in 700 Lowe’s stores in 2 months. Generated sales of $16 million in 2001, and $33 million in 2002.Introduced AccuLock, a new mechanical lock installation system for Formica Laminate Flooring to the Specialty Flooring Retailer through the Distributor channel. Within 60 days implemented sweeping management changes in the manufacturing operation to increase productivity and improve quality.Embarked on a major rebuilding program to upgrade equipment, improve preventive maintenance programs and the skill set of the hourly workforce.Position reported to CEO of Formica Corporation.

Salem, Nj

Director of Marketing & Communications, Residential Business UnitResponsibilities: Development and implementation of all marketing programs, including point-of-sale merchandising, consumer and trade advertising, consumer and trade public relations, national promotions and trade shows in support of vinyl, laminate and wood residential business units. Spending budget: $27 million.Accomplishments: Conceptualized and implemented the largest consumer TV and print advertising campaign in company history.. Developed a highly integrated program tying consumer advertising, consumer rebate promotions, trade spiffs and retailer referrals. Increased consumer call activity via web-site and toll-free consumer hotline by 409%. Sales increased as follows: vinyl floors = 12%, laminate floors = 99% and wood floors = 40%. Introduced innovative display systems for vinyl and laminate lines.Director of Marketing, Laminate and Wood FloorsResponsibilities: Start up of new Laminate Floors business to position Mannington in the fastest growing hard-surface flooring segment. Revitalized the Wood Floors program to capitalize on dramatic growth in engineered wood market.Accomplishments: Developed strategy, marketing, merchandising, advertising, public relations, promotional programs and launched Laminate Floors line in 16 weeks. Implemented multi-million consumer advertising campaign to launch the line. Generated Laminate Floors sales of $16 million in first year.Implemented innovative merchandising system for Wood Floors to simplify a technical approach to selling. Introduced two new products in 4 months. Increased Wood Floors sales by 39% in 1998. To complete the turn around, the business generated its first pre-tax profit in five years.www.mannington.com/residential/laminatewww.mannington.com/residential/hardwoodPosition reported to SVP Marketing.

High Point, Nc

Director of Marketing, Horizontal BlindsResponsibilities: Horizontal blind business with $170 million in annual sales. Product category P&L. Accomplishments: Improved operating income by 5% in a highly price competitive industry. Developed and implemented a focused brand/distribution channel strategy to capitalize on the strength of a multi product brand portfolio comprised of Levolor, Del Mar, LouverDrape and Joanna. After three major acquisitions, rationalized all custom horizontal blind lines into standard platforms and components to realize cost savings of $1.5 million, while maintaining brand differentiation. Revitalized opening price point lines with improved fashion and new features, increasing sales by 37%. Directed stock vertical blind rationalization: improving gross margin from 8% to 40%, realizing $2.1 million in cost savings and increasing sales by 33%. Led R&D development of cordless blinds and shades..Director of Marketing, Vertical Blinds and Pleated ShadesResponsibilities: Soft window treatment portfolio with $39 million in annual sales. Product category P&L.Accomplishments: Redefined vertical blind business to a more focused strategy to capitalize on the strength of the Levolor name in home centers, department stores and other national accounts. Set strict profitability objectives and component purchasing guidelines to improve gross margin from 35% to 50%. Completed the successful turn around of Levolor, improving % operating income from (2.5%) in 1992 to 11.5% in 1994.Director of Marketing, New ProductsResponsibilities: Development of aggressive new product effort to re-position Levolor as a progressive market leader.Accomplishments: Launched Symphony cellular shade product to position Levolor in fastest growing alternative window coverings category. Implemented new consumer advertising campaign for Levolor, the first in eight years. As part of new management team, stopped five year erosion in sales and profits

Stamford, Ct

Responsibilities: Start up of new division to establish Conair as the leader in the growing health and beauty care, personal appliance markets. Product category P&L.Accomplishments: Developed business strategy and tactical plans to penetrate new markets. Introduced 19 new products in less than two years in the heating pad, massage therapy, hairsetter, lighted make-up mirror and hair depilation categories. Increased sales from $5 million to $25 million. Increased market share in health care market from 4.0% in 1990 to 15.1% in 1992. Implemented aggressive national print, infomercial and TV advertising campaign to support distribution in department stores, mass merchants, wholesale clubs and drug chains. Developed effective channel marketing/merchandising strategy for key products.

Darien, Ct

Responsibilities: Revitalize Bain de Terre, a strategically vital new business, to establish Zotos in growing haircare retail business through professional salon channel of distribution. Product P&L.Accomplishments: Increased total brand sales by 30% in first year to $10 million. Improved gross margin by 7.5% through COG reduction programs. Implemented multi-million print and TV advertising campaign. Introduced comprehensive salon retail program with strong point of purchase merchandising. Launched 3 new products within one year. Re-positioned line and re-staged graphics to capitalize on the popularity of natural botanicals and to strengthen brand identity.www.baindeterre.com

New York, Ny

Marketing Manager, New Business VentureResponsibilities: Start up of new ORIGINS division for Estee Lauder to capitalize on growth of mall boutiques. Product costing, pricing and gross margin.Accomplishments: Conceptualized and developed a new line of skincare, cosmetics, haircare, fragrance and bath products formulated exclusively with natural botanical ingredients and extracts. Coordinated the efforts of internal and national/international contract R&D groups in the formulation of 250 SKUs. Evaluated and prepared business plans for three distribution strategies: Estee Lauder owned boutiques, department stores and direct mail catalogs. Developed line positioning, graphics and. packagingwww.origins.com

Stamford, Ct And New York, Ny

Product Manager, Core Business Group/Professional DivisionResponsibilities: Portfolio of haircolor brands with $40 million in annual salesAccomplishments: Revitalized aging Miss Clairol flagship line with new fashion and easier to use system increasing sales by 15%. Re-staged semi-permanent lines targeted at young hair color users and stopped 14% decline in sales. Line extended developer line to increase sales by 17%. Managed all trade advertising, consumer programs and $1 million annual sweepstakes.Product Manager, New Business Group/Professional DivisionResponsibilities: Start up of new LOGICS division to thwart market penetration by European competitors.Accomplishments: Conceptualized, developed and launched a premium price line of haircolor, hair lightening and haircare products for professional use and salon resale. Developed five year marketing and financial plans to justify $10 million investment. Identified and helped establish new distribution network. Business grew to $40 million in five years.www.matrix.com/hair-color/logics-color-dna-system

Bse Engineering, Structural Civil Engineering

Graduated with BSE degree in Structural Civil Engineering.

Mba, Marketing & Finance

Graduated with MBA degree with focus on Marketing and Finance.