Kathryn M. Peterson
***** ********* **** ? Solon, OH 44139 ? 330-***-**** (c)
************@*****.*** ? www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynmpeterson
Product Management / New Product Development
A senior level Marketer of new and mature products in domestic and
international markets whose keen analysis and skills in product line
portfolio management delivers outstanding profit and market share metrics.
Thrives in highly competitive markets and work environments that demand
consistent product management, talent development, and client service
expertise. Recognized for achieving continuous results through
collaboration, team building, leadership and analytical thinking. Industry
experience in B2B/B2C, Automotive, Healthcare, Textile, and Food
Manufacturing.
New Product Development / Innovation Stage Gate Process
Portfolio / Competitive Analysis Customer Insights
Process Development & Improvement Creative Problem Solving
Budget Development and Management SAP Implementation
PROFESSIONAL Experience
GOJO Industries, Inc., Akron OH
2005 to 2015
A privately held global corporation, industry leader and marketer of
hygiene, health and skin care products distributed to professional markets
including healthcare, food service, education & hospitality. Inventor of
the Purell brand.
Product Marketing Director Purell Consumer & e-Commerce (2014 to 2015)
. Increased e-Commerce new product sales 62% at Amazon, Costco, Sam's Club
& ReStockIt by developing and launching 16 new Frustration Free Products.
. Drove Purell consumer new product 25% higher than prior year (11% higher
than budget). Developed 18 new products that supported largest Back-to-
School seasonal campaign resulting in $15M+ sales at Walmart and Target.
Business Process Owner for SAP implementation (2012 to 2014)
. Appointed to 8 member team for $16M strategic initiative to rollout SAP
Engineering Change Management Module across global enterprise. Drove
cross-functional teams in replacing disparate tools and processes with
fully integrated product development and engineering change management
systems.
. Implemented 30 business improvements resulting in process and practice
optimization.
. Completed component data cleansing effort of older ERP system decreasing
components from 6,000 to 2,770.
. Achieved development, user acceptance, readiness and Go-Live phases of
ERP project in 18 months.
Product Management Director (2006 to 2012)
. Strategized new product management, lifecycle planning and portfolio
growth of Healthcare, Commercial, Custom Brands, Automotive, Industrial,
Textile, Global, and Emerging Markets. Led team of 14 product managers.
. Restructured department around Product Categories and built product
roadmaps for: Skin Cleansing/Bathing, Tough Soils/Moisturizers, Purell,
Custom Brands, Global, Wipes and Delivery Systems to optimize resources
and cross-train staff.
. Ensured all new products utilized Stage Gate Process which resulted in
successful launch and implementation.
. Managed lifecycle planning for 2,500+ SKUs; eliminating 10% of lower
margin products annually.
. Drove cost savings of $6M+ annually through cross-functional profit
improvement teams.
. Developed Product Management Level Guide as career path tool for product
managers to advance human capital.
. Globalized Product Management function and product portfolio for
strategic regions including office locations in Europe, Brazil, Japan &
Australia.
Product Manager, Automotive, Industrial and Textile (2005 to 2006)
. Identified and led cross-functional teams to commercialize cost savings
project of $1M for GOJO Orange Pumice Hand Cleaner in six months. Set
new standard of "whole systems" review which then became model of
excellence.
. Established and implemented companywide SKU rationalization process to
improve portfolio management.
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Kathryn M. Peterson
Agrana Worldwide, Brecksville OH 2003 to
2005
World leader in fresh fruit preparations for yogurt and ice cream
industries.
Director, Product Development
. Led development, launch and growth of product portfolio across North
America. Coordinated efforts of marketing, sales, customer service,
purchasing and manufacturing teams to launch new products. Built and
enhanced relationships with Dannon, Stoneyfield, Yoplait, Ultima, Haagen-
Dazs, and Parmalat.
. Increased revenue $17M+ and achieved 40% increase in product growth
during 2003, while earning 100% of Dannon's business. Grew business 16%
annually by launching 200+ new products each year.
. Partnered with affiliates in Mexico and Europe to develop products for 3
multinational customers while supporting 7 production facilities.
Nestl USA (Frozen Foods Division), Solon OH
1980 to 2002
$900M division, the world's leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company.
Director Product Development, Lean Cuisine brand (2000 to 2002)
. Directed all development efforts for Lean Cuisine, French Bread Pizza and
Ortega with 18 staff. Led cross-functional team to develop and improve
market leading food products.
. Managed development of Skillet Sensations, a new venture platform,
integrating Nestl worldwide R&D technical expertise; growth of $100M
within 2 years.
Director Product Development, Stouffer's and French Bread Pizza (1995 to
2000)
. Collaborated with marketing, manufacturing, finance, global sourcing, and
regulatory teams to launch products, reduce costs, and improve time to
market. Led diverse team of 14 scientists, marketers & operations
professionals.
. Initiated and implemented quality improvement program, recognized by
Nestl USA as one of organization's best practices. Achieved an annual
cost savings of $2M for 4 years consecutively.
Manager Product Development, Stouffer's and French Bread Pizza (1993 to
1995)
. Directed development efforts for Stouffer's and French Bread Pizza
brands. Led staff of 10.
. Managed development and introduction of Hearty Portions dinner entrees
raising revenue by $200K.
. Generated cost savings of $1M+ annually by reducing ingredient costs.
Manager Product Development, Food Service (1990 to 1993)
. Initiated national accounts program directly with customers designing
products to meet their specific needs.
. Chaired an interdepartmental task force establishing project timetables
and ensuring completion. Introduced 15-20 new products annually, while
maintaining and updating current products.
. Evaluated business trends and competitors' products to develop brand
strategies.
Group Leader / Team Leader, Stouffer's (1984 to 1990)
Brand Technologist, Lean Cuisine (1980 to 1984)
. Led development and launch of Stouffer's Homestyle first sub-brand;
generated $200M within 2 years.
. Core member of team credited with developing and launching new Lean
Cuisine brand with 20 products.
EDUCATION / JOB RELATED TRAINING
B.S., Fine and Professional Arts, Kent State University. Kent, OH
SAP Training Strategic Product Management Situational Leadership
Managing Projects and Priorities
Product Strategy, Product Management University Leading Change Project
Management and Skills Training
Tools and Techniques for Thinking and Managing Strategically Developing
High Performance Organizations
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP & MEMBERSHIPS
Board of Directors, United Way of Summit County, 2011 to Present
Member, United Way of Summit County Finance Committee, 2014 to Present
Active Member, Product Development & Management Association (PDMA)
Sponsor - United Way Campaign 2012 (raised $218K) & United Way
Campaign 2011 (raised $147K)