GameChanger is an Innovation & Growth Consultancy that works with the leading CPG companies to build, test and measure product innovations using unique, real world methodology to determine winning ideas. GameChanger combines entrepreneurial speed and skills with consumer driven research and strategies. As Managing Director I have led projects for major companies in the food, snack, beverage, and household cleaning categories.

Led a marketing team of five. Key member of Retail Leadership team. Developed the in-house Brand & Creative Services team to become the first resource for creative projects.• During 2009's unprecedented retail turmoil, generated comparable sales growth of +2% by creating value-added in-store programs, in an industry that was -5%. • Utilized frequency initiatives to drive positive comparable sales in 2010/11 via new product introductions and promotional tactics that drove average ticket increases.• Led a cross-functional team, working with IDEO, to develop innovative and profitable growth concepts for the coffee bean business, the second largest business segment. A concept store is now open.• Re-engineered the Baked Goods program to create increased sales through greater visibility and appetite appeal. The new display and assortment generated segment growth during test and is more consistent with the brand’s coffee and beverage quality. A full rollout has been completed.• Cultivated strong operational sensibility, the key to retail marketing success – constantly honing and improving marketing programs by building strong field relationships and enlisting buy-in.

Led long-term marketing projects including on-site senior marketing roles. Projects spanned consumer, business to business and start-ups. Created new categories and transformed existing product portfolios. Adept at leveraging existing teams and collaborating with myriad work styles. Ghirardelli Chocolate Company – Identified growth opportunity in a new store conceptDeveloped a new retail concept to expand the Restaurant & Retail business. Utilized research and market visits to determine a concept, and conducted research to evaluate the concept strength. RedEnvelope – Reframed brand positioning to strengthen competitive positionCreated a framework and strategic plan for evolving brand positioning. Evaluated existing research and interviewed Board, key investors and senior management. Moderated exploratory customer focus groups to frame brand strengths and opportunities. Facilitated internal team analysis and discussion to define the core brand identity and extended elements.Schwab Institutional – Created a successful lead generation program Led the marketing for a lead generation pilot targeting highly affluent prospects and migrating them to Schwab's independent advisors. Developed the marketing strategy through investor research, and partnered with two agencies to create, design and produce print advertising, direct mail and collateral. Pilot was so successful at generating prospects that the sales teams had difficulty with timely follow up in the market.Dealix – Served as Interim VP, Channel MarketingDeveloped strategy, marketing and execution for the efforts targeting automotive dealerships. Initiated a research-centric approach to better understand the customers and prospects and improve the marketing execution. Reported to the General Manager.Bellamax, Inc. – Launched new product for a venture-funded tech start upManaged product marketing from product development through closed and open beta for a photo editing website. Reported to the CEO.

Partner to the President and key member of the executive team with emphasis on revenue growth and development of new client relationships, strategy development and team training. Crafted the marketing strategies and recommended design solutions for clients including: CloroxSafeway Wells FargoGrainger Golden GrainKoret Foundation Robert Mondavi Broadcom Health Net Project deliverables spanned consumer and trade advertising, package design, collateral, annual reports, web design and corporate identity. Managed and mentored eight Account Managers insuring their individual client accounts were well managed and also highly profitable for the agency.

Responsible for over $60MM in Agency billings. Clients included Clorox, Golden Grain, Sun Maid Raisins, Birds Eye and Diamond Walnuts. Effectively stewarded client’s brands – developed and maintained strong brand equities, identified and maintained campaign platforms, developed successful advertising and measured and monitored advertising impact on brand vitality.Key contributor to over fifteen new product launches, concentrated in packaged goods industry.Led the Agency team for Brita Water Filtration Systems. During my tenure the brand became the fastest growing brand at The Clorox Company, with the largest ad budget. The advertising was identified as a key contributor to the brand’s growth.Extensive experience with qualitative and quantitative studies that yielded relevant consumer insights, and often uncovered the “gems” that led to differentiating the brand’s strategy.