Quality Assurance Marketing
Resume:
Craig E. Stroud II
Chicago, IL 60608
************@*****.***
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A highly motivated agency executive with more than 11 years of experience working closely with brands from various categories in both the
general market and multicultural space. A deep passion for strategy coupled with a love for the creative process helps this executive
efficaciously maneuver between both the “Client” and “Agency” environments. Extensive background in the following broad competencies:
STRATEGIC PLANNING ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT
DIGITAL EXECUTIONS EVENT EXECUTION CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS
MULTICULTURAL MARKETING STRATEGIC ALLIANCE INTEGRATION
• Proven ability to cultivate productive relationships with key decision makers and senior management
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects to achieve corporate objectives
• Stellar track record in overseeing the account management process which regularly facilitates business growth
• Demonstrated ability to consistently develop fully integrated 360 degree marketing plans
• Ability to manage strategic alliances with key partners (i.e., NASCAR, NBA, NFL)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Burrell Communications, Chicago, IL February 2008 – March 2010
Account Director – Proctor & Gamble, McDonald’s, General Mills
Oversaw multiple accounts that included media, production, creative development, interactive initiatives, engagement marketing, strategic
alliances and public relations.
• Developed African American (AA) marketing plans to coincide and/or compliment the general market (GM) North American brand
plans
• Managed brand profitability, budget and overall account management for the AA components of the following P&G brands:
Bounty, Charmin, Gillette, Tampax, Gain
o Doubled Bounty's scope of work, pushing it over the 1 million dollar threshold in the past year; SOW was down prior to
new leadership
o During leadership, Charmin's total budget increased by over 68% with additional wins resulting in AA creative beating
out general market creative for complete general market rotation (first time in brand's history)
• Managed team of account supervisors/executives responsible for the day to day work and client interactions
• Developed and monitored scope of work and fee proposals to ensure agency profitability
• Further developed business opportunities outside of the scope of work to secure potential incremental agency fees
• Successfully launched boutique agency, Threshold Nation
o Agency focus is the elusive multicultural males 18 – 34 (all inclusive: African American, Hispanic, Asian, and General
Market consumers)
• New business development team member; American Airlines, Devry University, Roosevelt University, Major League Baseball,
General Mills – Wheaties Fuel
UniWorld Group Inc., Dearborn, MI November 2005 – February 2008
Account Supervisor – Ford Motor Company
Supervised and managed accounts that included, digital, media, production, creative development, events, strategic alliances and public
relations. Developed (AA) marketing communication plans for both national and regional business.
• Proactively identified client needs and provided innovative solutions
• Regularly developed cohesive, strategic executions and defined project scopes, budgets, and timelines
• Helped strengthen Ford regional budgets for the agency via incremental strategic and creative initiatives
• Used African American consumer insights to consult and develop initiatives that resonate within key AA markets
• Developed strategic event activation plans for Ford promotional properties
• Implemented contract review and negotiation processes to secure optimal marketing assets for the clients marketing dollar
investment
• Managed national programs and develop regional extensions with dealer specific objectives
Craig E. Stroud II 2
1061 W. 16th St. Apt. 411
Chicago, IL 60608
************@*****.***
Professional experience continued:
• Oversaw the management of consumer relationship marketing (CRM) campaigns and implementation of all CRM extensions
(loyalty initiatives)
• Managed client interaction within highly concentrated African American markets (i.e., New York, Chicago, Philadelphia,
DC/Baltimore, Memphis, etc.)
MARS Advertising Southfield, MI November 2003 – November 2005
Account Manager – Brands Marketing Division (GlaxoSmithKline)
• Partnered with client’s brand and promotional managers to develop and execute effective and compelling promotions in an effort
to grow overall brand equity and yearly sales
• Responsible for two brand portfolios consisting of over 18 brands, i.e., Tums, Beano, Gaviscon, Os-Cal, Abreva, Goody’s and
BC Headache Powders
• Managed a team of Account Executives to successfully coordinate and execute point-of-sale materials, collateral and event
planning for a high volume of marketing and advertising programs
• Responsible for developing sound strategic consumer marketing promotions that address the client’s and retailer’s objectives
while driving in-store sales (Key Retailers include but not limited to: Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway, Kroger, etc.)
• Assisted client with recommendation for allocating multi-million dollar budgets to field sales teams and successfully managed
budgets to ensure profitability
• Oversaw development of all promotional themes and creative deliverables (print, radio, web based initiatives)
Idea Consultants/Custom Promotions, Southfield, MI July 2002 – November 2003 Director – Marketing
Promotions, Advertising Specialties
• Managed daily activities including, but not limited to, purchasing, quality assurance, creative, sales, and accounting
• Maintained and updated internal policies and procedures within department
• Developed and performed quality assurance audits in conjunction with corrective action plans for continuous product and service
improvement
• Oversaw developing projects along with the organizations creative team
• Negotiated price and production timelines in an effort to maximum profits for organization
Carlson Marketing Group, Troy, MI July 1999 – July 2002
Event Marketing Manager – Saturn New Product Launch (Automotive)
• Developed tactical executions that aligned to overarching new product launch strategies for Saturn Corp.
• Planned and executed promotional events in conjunction with ESPN, Mid American Conference and Conference USA
Conferences (college athletic conferences) and GMAC Financial
• Responsible for maximizing grass root exposure for new Saturn SUV launch at regional and national level events
• Oversaw daily operations of southeastern region promotional tour
• Planned and executed logistics for the Saturn/Target Corp. License to Drive promotions
EDUCATION
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI May, 1998
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
* References upon request
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