UnileverEuropean Brand Development Manager
Jan. 1999 - Dec. 20092004-2009: European Brand Development Manager, Laundry, Unilever UK. RESPONSIBILITY
Leading cross functional / cultural project teams to deliver New Product Development (NPD) 'on time and in full'. Managing and inspiring three key 'world class' brand agencies. Cultivating key stake-holder relationships both internally and externally. Team Development: Coaching and managing two direct reports. Commercial Responsibility: Project financial evaluation, budgeting and control. ACHIEVEMENTS
Recession Busting Laundry Mix: Evaluated and proposed new market strategy for 'Competing in a Recession in Europe. This included developing a new brand mix - concept, brand naming, pack design and business case. Successful Introduction of New Concentrated Liquid Detergent (Small and Mighty) across Europe. Involved leading a cross functional team in the development of the full product mix. Beginning with concept development right through to communication and launch package. Results: 'Small and Mighty' became the fastest selling homecare product in the UK. Moved Unilever from No.2 to No.1 in the liquids format. Strategic evaluation of new market entry opportunities. Including market trends, culture, and nature of competition, brand positioning and the size of the opportunity. Worked extensively with key communications agency (BBH) developing pan-European brand communication campaigns. Budget approx. €1m pa.
Established NPD idea development framework within the European laundry category. This was a breakthrough category insight programme designed to ensure the business was continuing to use consumer insight in order to innovate.
Leadership of numerous other brand development projects including: formulation, packaging, perfume improvements, new variants, limited edition mixes, etc.
Awards: 2007 Successful NPD launch for Small and Mighty.