Assistant Product Manager

KEYASHA HERRON

**** ****** **** *********, **** *4105 216-***-**** *********@***.***

SUMMARY OF EXPERTISE

Positive, high-energy marketing professional with proven planning, implementation and management skills. Demonstrated ability to multi-task, set priorities, and stay focused resulting in several new brand launches that fuel marketplace presence and attract and retain consumers. Creative, self-starter with the energy and the capability to work independently or lead a team to meet corporate objectives. Adept at communicating with all levels of an organization to present and coordinate project goals. Experience with leading cross-functional teams to ensure strategies are aligned with the overall business objectives.

Project Management Creativity Detail Oriented Relationship Management Assertiveness

SKILLS SUMMARY

Strategy Development Influential Leadership Analytical Skills Recruiting Initiative Training and Development Communication Skills Product/Brand Management Strategic Thinking Planning & Organization

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising (August 2005)

Kent State University- Kent, Ohio

• Master of Business Administration; Marketing (June 2009)

University of Phoenix- Cleveland, Ohio

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE American Greetings Corporation

Assistant Product Manager (November 2010 to present)

• Coordinate new product launches; which includes: planning, developing and direct the marketing efforts for products/brands under management.

• Responsible for the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans on a national and global level for the justWink brand.

• Participate in the execution of strategic events via partnership with other beneficial groups to increase brand awareness and sales.

• Develop and present product strategies and creative briefs to sell and support ideas to upper management and other departments and retailers.

• Collect and analyze sales data, product insights, consumer and market trends, primary and secondary research, and card line history to drive innovative concepts into our brands.

• Oversee product testing to ensure new products meet our target consumers’ needs. • Strategically manage product analysts’ work on product and online testing analyses • Serve as the department Human Resource Business Partner to develop solutions that improve work

relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention. • Recruit sales and marketing support personnel for the Product Development department

Product Analyst (December 2008-December 2010)

• Researched and analyzed current market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity to identify unique brand and product opportunities.

• Synthesized consumer and sales research using POS and Syndicated data. • Partnered with cross-functional teams to build and manage relationships.

• Assisted in the development of a departmental employee relations program • Trained and mentored 10 new hires in the corporate new employee orientation program. • Recruited sales and marketing support personnel for the Product Development department

Merchandising Analyst (December 2007-December 2008)

• Built and maintained over 180 planograms across various retailers such as: Carlton Retail, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, Macy’s, and Bed Bath and Beyond.

• Developed and implemented a recommendation to reduce the number of planograms at retail, which saved the company over $1 million dollars in retail revisions.

• Analyzed planogram sets based on distribution, pricing, caption mix, licensing, and SKU productivity. • Assumed responsibility for communicating to all functional areas throughout the product development

process to ensure a flawless retail execution. • Contributed to the achievement of sales growth of $596 million to the Kids Birthday card line across

brands. • Aided in the recruitment of new talent in support of the corporate diversity initiative.

Bank of America Corporation

Business Development Account Manager (July 2002-November 2007)

• Established and maintained new and existing corporate accounts by providing strategic planning and day-to-day operational support for senior management.

• Aided in the development of effective marketing strategies and programs for potential clients. • Helped with the development, implementation, and launch of an affinity-marketing program for the

NFL and MLB Associations by creating strategies to enhance brand awareness of the new credit card

products and services. • Assisted in the development of an employee communication program by working as a liaison between

the account managers and upper management to foster and promote employee satisfaction • Traveled to local colleges, universities, high schools, and events, to recruit prospective employees. • Trained account managers on interviewing techniques and resume writing for professional development

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook), Photoshop, and InDesign • Experience with JDA Intactix Space Planning Software

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Recipient of the 2012 Kaleidoscope Magazine 40/40 Award for corporate and civic leadership • Featured Guest Columnist in the 2012 Valentine’s Day American Greetings Windows of Opportunity

Retailer Magazine

KEYASHA HERRON Page Two

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