Robert Mortensen Email & Phone Number

Oakville, On, Ca

Toronto, Canada Area

REM was formed to meet the growing demand from US, International & local Canadian-based natural products companies seeking brand management expertise in order to effectively enter or expand their business operations within the Canadian marketplace.

Toronto, Canada Area

As VP/GM of Canada, oversaw the restructuring of the sales support team in Canada as well as the development of strategic sales and marketing plans designed to maximize company return on two key brand acquisitions (Glutino in 2012, and Udi’s in 2013). As a result, Boulder Brands grew from $750m in sales to $42.2M over a span of 7 years – resulting in net sales gains of +$20M over base. • Led the national Broker Partner (HCBM) in the expansion of resources required to manage the business (interviewed and selected talent across all areas including brand management, account representation as well as key data analysts)• Hired & trained dedicated Director of Sales (Boulder Brands) to effectively manage key accounts and various sales functions• Worked closely with US-based Marketing & Finance teams as well as Canadian-based customer service & logistics teams in order to garner the support required to effectively manage the business• Developed strategic relationships across key partners including:*Loblaw – secured both Udi’s & Glutino brands as LCL’s “Gluten Free destination brands”*Costco - organized Costco North American “Boulder Brands Gluten Free Summit”, bringing all US, Canada, Mexico & International Costco Buyers together: secured 7 product slots worth +$4M win Canada, opened up the US Costco Gluten Free business to several listings*UNFI - negotiated ClearVue program, secured #1 position for Boulder Brands*Whole Foods, Choices and other key natural accounts across CanadaPlayed a key role in the integration of Boulder Brands into Pinnacle Foods (purchased Boulder Brands for $1Billion in Jan 2016) newly established Natural Products division:*Worked closely with Pinnacle Canada Senior Management team, delivering growth +$2M sales ahead of FY16 Plan during 8 mo transition period*Identified & interviewed top candidates within the natural channel, resulting in successful hire of several top talented individuals to lead the sales team in Canada

Toronto, Canada Area

REM Limited is a boutique consulting practice providing US, International & Canadian CPG clients in the natural products channel with outsourced business development expertise in all areas including sales, marketing, finance, retail merchandising & consumer promotions.As Founder & Managing Director of REM, ran the day-to-day operations of the business, growing sales from <$1M to +$40M annually.• Strategically leveraged network to build client base, eventually representing & building dozens of brands across multiple companies competing in the consumer packaged goods industry• Clients include Campbells Soup Company (Ethnic), Smart Balance Inc (Natural Buttery Spreads), Boulder Brands (Gluten Free), Yummy Dough (Shark Tank/Dragon’s Den), Probar (Natural Bars), EVA Brands (Iceland) as well as other exciting and dynamic companies• Forged strong alliances with key Broker partners & major distributors in order to deliver on shared client/partner objectives• Developed services that included building out customized Go-To-Market strategies for clients, providing clients with Brands Management expertise, as well as being an industry speaker for key events (CHFA, SIAL, US Agriculture, etc…).

Toronto, Canada Area

Designed and executed strategic sales plan which launched ESKA brand into Quebec & Ontario markets, successfully overachieving FY07 volume targets.Cultivated partnerships with senior level executives across major retail chains including Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys, Wal-Mart & Jean Coutu, led to ESKA achieving 80% distribution and #3 brand ranking in Quebec within the highly competitive water category.Oversaw the development of customized retailer programs that successfully overcame barriers to entry such as “exclusivity or preferred vendor agreements,” allowing the brand to achieve a 7.9% dollar share within the first 18 months of launch in Quebec.Attracted and retained high caliber sales team including Director of Sales, Sales Manager, Foodservice Managers (Quebec and Ontario), and Trade Marketing Coordinator.Utilized extensive network and senior level relationships to attract and retain tier one Broker Selling organizations to represent the brand across multiple trade channels including Grocery, Independent distributors, Drug, Mass, Convenience, and Foodservice (Acosta Canada, CDL).

Toronto, Canada Area

A strategic leader to a high performance sales team. Consistently achieved/over-delivered annual revenue targets on $113.5 million business.Hired, trained & motivated sales team, delivered +6% CAGR in a mature & highly competitive marketplace. Direct reports included (3) Regional Sales Directors, (1) Director of Customer Planning, (1) Business System Specialist.Successfully led "Polar Summit," a major sales initiative that involved re-structuring the sales force in order to overcome sales execution challenges. Results included +$1.3M gains in distribution, improved merchandising (Coop +35%, Display +25%), & sharp TPR/feature pricing.Established relationships with key customers at senior levels to support existing business as well as execute growth opportunities:­*Loblaw “Co-Exist & Win with Private Label” *Sobeys "Preferred Vendor Program"*Quebec Market Development (grew share from16% to 24%)Member of Canadian Leadership Team, effectively managed multi-million dollar financial metrics, improved bottom-line performance, ensured trade programs were most cost effective in each category. Created & executed “Thought Leadership & Solution Providers,” a customer-based strategy that turns fact-based insights & consumer learnings (ACNielsen, Homescan) into initiatives that drove profitable sales for both company & customers.Member of the New Product Development team, created & launched new products in the Alternative Channel, resulting in +$2 million incremental revenue.Created GTRC Committee, a 5-member cross-functional team that successfully implemented recommendations designed to reduce waste & improve efficiencies of business systems, policies, and procedures.

Toronto, Canada Area

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Education record

Education record