* Managing 35 both large and mid-size key accounts comprised of 3500+ retail outlets throughout KY, OH, IN, PA, IL, MO, WV, WI and IA. * Responsible for developing a business plan for each account, then presenting new product introductions, promotions, display placements, plan-o-gram sets and point of sale recommendations at the headquarter level. * Work with chain account servicing wholesalers to coordinates shipments of chain approved products and promotions. * Analyzing market data for the purpose of developing business plans, presentations and account-specific recommendations and to assess emerging trends and competitive activities. * Liaison between sales and marketing, aiding the development of point of purchase material and marketing of current and new products. * Frequently attend trade shows and other account related trade events. * Achieve 35% distribution on Key Initiative Brand in 6 months.

* Responsible for 38 both large and mid-size key accounts comprised of 1000+ retail outlets throughout KY, TN, IL and MO generating $1.3 million annual sales. * Worked closely with various manufacturers’ sales managers in planning and executing specific sales, marketing and merchandising objectives. * Conducted joint business planning reviews with customers on progress of mutually agreed upon objectives. * Achieved 123% of 2014 fiscal year end volume commission goals. * Responsible for managing three manufacturers by developing, managing and executing marketing strategies. * Provided direction to field sales team regarding these manufacturers. * Effectively managed multiple promotional programs across the candy and tobacco categories. Tracked competitive activity, category trends and assisted in the development of programs in order to meet sales and revenue goals. * Consulted with senior level management on business trends, developing new services, merchandising plans, account programs and identifying new distribution channels. * Disseminated information to the field ensuring all product knowledge, initiatives and sales materials are up-to-date.

* Direct organizations’ marketing strategy, tactics and implementation within a 13-state region exceeding $680 million annual sales. * Collaborate with central Trade Marketing team developing cycle plans for brand promotions, pricing tactics, merchandising policies and portfolio optimization. * Leverage market knowledge and customer relationships to drive trade acceptance and volume growth throughout a 100k retail universe. * Formulate and communicate execution directives across 200+ sales team by constructing individual performance objectives, in call procedures, coverage plans and key account acquisition proposals. * Recruited and managed an analyst team responsible for identifying and presenting selling opportunities, competitive trends analysis, performance tracking, budget reporting, marketing initiative evaluations, and creating internal metric and management dashboards.

* Conducted market analysis utilizing disparate data sources, observing industry trends and competitive activities* Developed actionable business-growth solutions designed to meet aggressive objectives in a 5-state division. * Presented findings to corporate management team empowering them to make informed decisions in the areas of new brand development, supply chain management, in-store merchandising and product rationalization.

* Managed 16 mid-size key accounts comprised of 1000+ retail outlets throughout KY, IN and TN, generating $85 million annual sales. * Conducted needs assessments and implemented solution-selling programs tailored to specific accounts and channels focused on up-selling, cross-selling and new business opportunities. * Clearly communicated retail execution objectives to field sales force ensuring the smooth execution of agreed upon programs at the outlet level. * Monitored account performance against targets and collaborated with senior managers to proactively identify situations that required swift intervention and allocation of resources. * Analyzed competitive performance and activities and implemented strategies to secure RJ Reynolds’ optimal position within the market. * Negotiated contracts with key contacts to maximize product availability, price competitiveness, prime merchandising space and promotional campaign performance.

* Developed, managed and motivated an accomplished team of 13 territory representatives and 18 promotional specialists, focused on the achievement of company objectives. * Directed $29 million marketing budget to fund tactical promotional campaigns aimed at securing and increasing display space, price reductions, and growing volume and share throughout the Southern OH region. * Responsible for 10 retail chain accounts and 6 major distributors; regularly attended trade shows, organized strategic planning sessions with business unit leaders and developed implementation procedures for new product launches

* Focused on driving sustainable volume and distribution growth in traditional and non traditional retail outlets in a predominantly metro market in Kentucky. * Established exceptional relationships with store managers and owners by providing expert industry and consumer insights through the development of custom business plans. * Sold and executed national and local brand building marketing programs and initiatives within diverse account base. * Supervised 2 promotion specialists responsible for stock rotation, signage and product placement, and price verification