Christopher Fesen

European Marketing Innovation Lead for all gum platforms & brands. Responsible for driving innovation for the $1.6B European gum category. Define strategic innovation platforms and commercial opportunities that generate sustained organic growth over the next 1-5 years for leading European gum brands. Lead regional development of new product formats, flavors, packaging and renovations for local adaptation in 10 European markets.

Responsible for defining the 5 year vision and strategy for 2 innovation platforms aimed at millennials 18-25 and teens 12-17. Ensured consumer insights were translated into relevant, incremental and profitable commercial business cases. Supervised innovation projects from idea generation through product development and adaptation to local markets.

Define the Innovation platforms and develop new products to support top and bottom line growth ambitions for Stride Gum ($300M in US & Canada). Collaborate with Brand team to ensure consumer insights are correctly translated into engaging consumer advertising and communication.

Responsible for leading and managing the Innovation pipeline for USA (3 categories, 7 major brands, 70+ projects ($700M); identified volume gaps, prioritized projects and highlighted strategic insights.

Collected business requirements to support the purchase, configuration, testing, implementation and training of Customer Relationship Management software tool for Pfizer/ Cadbury Adams. Served as business liaison to technical team throughout a multi-phased implementation.

Led product development of Service Channel web application and interfaces. Indirectly managed an IT staff of 5.

Co-authored the ServiceChannel business plan which obtained $5MM in second round funding. Account Manager for national corporate accounts.

Subject matter expert for the inventory component of the Financial Management System for the City of New York. Reduced inventory costs through the implementation of efficient supply-chain management processes and procedures.

Graduated Cum Laude