Russ Abstein Email and Phone Number
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Visionary Category Management Leader | Data-Driven Strategist | Champion of ‘Strategic Curiosity’Hi, I’m Russ Abstein—a category management expert with over 30 years of experience transforming data into actionable strategies that drive growth. My passion is helping businesses thrive by translating complex data into clear, insights-driven solutions that outperform the competition.A Legacy of Driving SuccessThroughout my career, I’ve honed a deep understanding of retail dynamics and shopper behavior. I specialize in bridging the gap between raw data and strategic decision-making, empowering organizations with insights that matter. I’m not just a strategist—I’m a relationship builder who collaborates seamlessly across all organizational levels to align goals and achieve shared success.Founder & “Catman Analytics Guy” | Catman Analytics Group, LLCSince 2023, I’ve led Catman Analytics Group, where our “Strategic Curiosity” philosophy guides every solution. We partner with CPG, OTC, and CE clients to turn data into growth, currently supporting five CPG firms and data-provider organizations.Career Milestones* Signify Lighting North America: Built and led a high-performing team of 12, streamlined reporting processes, improved NPS scores, and expanded distribution with leading retailers like Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, and Kroger.* Samsung Electronics America: Guided an analytics team in creating 4P strategies, revolutionizing product assortment, promotion, and space planning for Samsung’s $35B annual business.* Novartis OTC Consumer Health: Achieved category captaincy at Target for Digestive Health, driving growth through shopper-focused solutions.* Kimberly-Clark: Led a team of six to deliver data-driven insights for Target, steering impactful decision-making across product categories.* Kraft Foods: Expanded Target distribution by over 100 SKUs, conducted 40+ category reviews, and served as Category Captain across 25 categories.What Sets Me ApartI’m the strategist who transforms challenges into opportunities. My approach combines deep industry expertise with an insatiable curiosity to uncover innovative solutions. Whether spearheading analytics strategies or fostering growth-focused partnerships, I’m driven by a singular mission: delivering results that matter.Let’s ConnectIf you’re seeking a partner who merges decades of experience with an innovative mindset to drive growth, let’s connect! Together, we can turn insights into impact and ideas into measurable success.
Catman Analytics Group, Llc
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Founder/OwnerCatman Analytics Group, Llc Jan 2023 - PresentAs the "Catman Analytics Guy" and Founder of Catman Analytics Group, I am dedicated to cultivating Category Management Analytics and Strategies. My unique focus on "Strategic Curiosity" enables me to translate market, category, and shopper data into innovative strategies for my CPG/OTC/CE clients.Currently, we are contracted as Analytic Partners for two CPG companies and engage in ongoing project work with three Manufacturer and Data Provider organizations.Key Achievements:• Interactive Monthly Scorecard Development: Created an interactive monthly scorecard using NielsenIQ reporting for the Brand Passport Company, serving as the foundational knowledge for over 10 Category Reviews in 2024.• Retailer Reviews: Provided insights and analytics for 12 retailer reviews across multiple channels (Grocery, Convenience, and Drug) using NielsenIQ and Circana data, resulting in new distribution opportunities.• Category/Line Reviews: Supplied analytical firepower for Category and Line Reviews using Circana/Numerator data for King Arthur Baking Company, leading to new item launches and distribution in 2024.• Educational Resources: Authored two e-Books titled "Preparing for a Competitive Line Review at Walmart and Home Depot," in collaboration with Krunchbox, (March '24, July '24).• Content Creation: Developed 300 educational and entertaining posts, generating 4K engagements and 200K impressions.• Digital Presence: Designed and launched two websites, gaining proficiency in Canva, WordPress, SEO, and YouTube to promote the organization.
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Senior Director Total Us - Category Management & Channel MarketingSignify Jan 2021 - Dec 2022Eindhoven, North Brabant, NlNational Channel Marketing & Category Management Team Leader for the US Consumer Business. I get to lead a phenomenal team of 12 associates across all categories and retail channels for a ~$300M annual business. Think of our team as the Insight & Merchandising Consultant arm of the organization.• Built the Category Management/Channel Team from the Ground up• Refined new Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly Reporting (POS, Share, Shopper)• Improved NPS Scores +18pts in 2021, +11pts in 2022 (Highest ratings among all teams)• Enhanced the Line Review Process scoring wins with our DIY, Mass, Club and Grocery partners• Developed Channel Strategies to Win new Distribution and shelf space for 4 key retailers.• Managed a $3M dollar Trade and Tool Budgets, Vendor Contracts, Negotiations and Procurement -
Senior Director Gtm & Analytics Strategy - Smartwatch And Mobile Accessory DivisionSamsung Electronics America Mar 2020 - Jan 2021Ridgefield Park, Nj, UsStrategic Team Leader in the Mobile Accessory BU (Smart Watch, Headphones, Power, Cases) ~$1.6B annual business. Managed New items launch operations along with 4P Strategy Developement.• Drove the First-Ever simultaneous launch of our flagship Watch & Headphones with the Note20 launch driving market share in both segments to historic levels. • Strategic Leadership behind all Annual Planning, Quarterly & Monthly Business Reviews -
Senior Director Customer & Market Insights - Mobile Computing & Enhancements DepartmentSamsung Electronics America Apr 2018 - Mar 2020Ridgefield Park, Nj, UsA new position supporting the US Head of Mobile Computing & Accessories business. Wholly responsible for developing Insights/Recommendations to Sales, Marketing and Demand Generations Leaders. • Improved 2019 Sales business up +111%, +22%, and share growth in 3 of 4 Segments• Doubled Tablet Assortment in both Carrier and National Retail Channels • Operational support/leadership behind the launch of Galaxy Buds+ / Active2 Golf Edition +13%.
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Senior Director Category Management & Insights - Total Us (All Categories)Samsung Electronics America Aug 2016 - Apr 2018Ridgefield Park, Nj, UsTotal US Leader for Samsung’s ~$30B US Business, with a 10 Member team of Directors, Senior Managers, and Managers. Team Vision was to leverage purchase analytics to Drive Category Leadership and “Win the Floor.” • Developed & Rolled out Category Selling Stories to Drive knowledge, Space, Share, and Revenue• Taught a “Selling Process” to Integrated Consumer, Shopper, and Category Insights into the daily regimen.• Rolled out Power BI Reporting tools to drive +$50M• Named Category Captain at BJ’s, JCP & Category Advisors at Fry’s and Sam’s/Walmart.
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Director Of Category Management - Best Buy/Target/SearsSamsung Electronics America Oct 2014 - Aug 2016Ridgefield Park, Nj, UsHired as the 1st Ever, Category Management Leader to Samsung, responsible for Insight Creation, Direction and Recommendation for Samsungs Largest Team (Best Buy, Target, and Sears). Developed a team category and Insight managers to drive shelf, assortment, and promotional recommendations for the +$6B annual business• Created the Category Management department from zero• Drove store segmentation insights for the Samsung Home Appliance to 300 stores driving 2x growth.• Rolled out the 1st: Mobile Business Category Review, Shopper Immersion Sessions, and Scorecarding.• Named Category Captain for Sears CE Department ‘16..
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Associate Director, Shopper Solutions - Mass/Club TeamsNovartis Consumer Health Aug 2008 - Oct 2014Basel, Baselstadt, ChThe resident Category Management & Shopper Insight Leader for Novartis Consumer Healths Target and Club teams. Main focus was to work with both internally and externally to create, develop, and implementing shopper-centric solutions to drive the "Categories" Revenue, Share, and Profits.• Won the category captainship for Target’s D245, Digestive Health category (2013). • Implemented a Shopper Centric Aisle solutions for Shoppers "Ailements" in both Target & Walmart.• Created 3-year Shopper Learning plans for Target's Insight Department which lead to an Advisorship to strategy development for the E4 initiative •Shopper Marketing Magazines Who’s Who in Shopper Insights, ‘12 & ’13, OTC Achievement award, 2010 -
Category Development Manager - Target TeamKimberly-Clark Oct 2005 - Aug 2008Irving, Tx, UsCategory Management Team Leader for the Target account. Led in the development and execution of “objective” consumer/shopper insights to Target & KC Sales key stakeholders. Work direction and training to 6 associates.•Responsible for 9 categories with an annual volume of $680MM, +12% YOY.•Vendor of the year for Department 253 (2005 and 2007).•Target’s Category Management Advisory Board from ‘06 – ’08 and developed Target Review Template ‘06. -
Consumer Insight ManagerKraft Foods Jan 2000 - Oct 2005Chicago, UsCategory Management Regional Leader for Target account. Key responsibilities spent on Category Reviews and analysis, new Item selling stories, computer training, and sales tracking. Led a team of 4 direct reports, 40 categories and 1,400 sku’s•Annual volume grew to $450MM with 6 consecutive years of double-digit growth.•Category Captain/Advisor on 25 categories•Grew Target distribution by over 100+ items, manage 40+ category reviews, 250 planogram revisions, and 20 New item selling stories and Regions of year winners: 2001 - 2003 -
Region Sales Information SpecialistKraft Foods 2000 - 2002Chicago, UsRegional Information Specialist in the National Channels Region with activities specific to the Target Account. Drove all Category Management Activities and led a team of Space management specialists. * Category Captain / Advisor to 21 categories* Typical year would complete 40+ Category Reviews and maintained +250 POG revisions* Grew Kraft distribution base +108 points which resulted in doubling the business to $300MM account.
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Region Space Management SpecialistKraft Foods 1998 - 2000Chicago, UsResponsible for Category Management and Space Management analytics for 2 key regional grocery players in the Minneapolis District (Nash Finch and Hy Vee). * Designed a Nielsen 101 training course for entire Minneapolis Region (All Category Managers).* Developed various "Fix the Mix" assortment analysis for 20 categories.
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Customer Category Manager - Key Account SalesKraft Foods 1995 - 1998Chicago, UsMinneapolis Region for 3 years as Account & Territory Management, calling on Key Region Customers across multiple categories. • Key Account Manager of 3 Distinct Kraft General Foods Businesses (Meat, Coffee, Kraft Grocery, General Food Grocery) over 26 Categories ranging from $12M - $20M annual revenue.• Developed and Implemented 1st Ever Module/Pallet programs driving double digit sales 2 years running.Oscar Mayer/Maxwell House Coffee: Account management on two categories for the Fleming account equal to $18M. Grew category sales +5.0% while achieved budget. Created a coffee module program growing sales +20% for 2 years.Kraft Glenview Business:Account management for 14 categories for the Fleming account equal to $12M annually. Created and implemented a pre-built module program that increased display quantities in all Kraft Dry categories resulting in module sales +30% during 1996 and 1997.General Foods/Oscar Mayer:Account management for all 10 categories for Fleming Superior and Miners group. Developed a communication tool to the field which posted a 6.5% increase in baseline business.
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Sales Representative & Business AnalystsKraft Foods 1991 - 1995Chicago, UsThe first 7 years of my career began with General Foods (later named Kraft) all in the Sales Departments in the Florida Region. I proceeded to the Texas District for 2 years as a Retail Sales Representative for a 100-store territory.
Russ Abstein Skills
Russ Abstein Education Details
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Florida State UniversityHistory
Frequently Asked Questions about Russ Abstein
What company does Russ Abstein work for?
Russ Abstein works for Catman Analytics Group, Llc
What is Russ Abstein's role at the current company?
Russ Abstein's current role is Founder of Catman Analytics Group | Bringing ‘Strategically Curious’ Strategies to Category Management and Analytics.
What is Russ Abstein's email address?
Russ Abstein's email address is ru****@****ast.net
What is Russ Abstein's direct phone number?
Russ Abstein's direct phone number is +161296*****
What schools did Russ Abstein attend?
Russ Abstein attended Florida State University.
What are some of Russ Abstein's interests?
Russ Abstein has interest in Category Management Training.
What skills is Russ Abstein known for?
Russ Abstein has skills like Shopper Marketing, Customer Insight, Nielsen, Consumer Products, Management, Competitive Analysis, Strategy, Iri, Ac Nielsen, Segmentation, Spectra, Categorization.
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