Available Talent · CPG Strategy & Margin · Chicagoland
20+ years turning portfolio strategy into EBITDA. Architect of back-to-back public-to-PE transitions. Trusted C-suite advisor across 30 category P&Ls.
This candidate is the rare strategy executive who has steered a Fortune 500 CPG portfolio through a $950M divestiture, operated through the PE transition, and architected the executional plan that delivered on the EBITDA commitments on the other side. His title reads "VP, Strategy & Margin Management" — his footprint reads more like a chief transformation officer for a multi-billion-dollar food manufacturing platform.
At a Fortune 500 private-label CPG manufacturer, he led the corporate strategy behind a $950M portfolio divestiture to private equity at a 1.3x EBITDA trading multiple — then stayed to architect the operating plan through the company's full public-to-PE exit. Along the way: 4% annualized margin growth from targeted pricing, 5%+ in Gross-to-Net savings, 3%+ organic topline growth, and 35% faster new-product commercialization across 30 category teams.
He's a hybrid rarely found in the market: six years embedded in a public CPG operator, plus 15 years of strategy consulting at a Big Four strategy practice, a top CPG-focused growth consultancy, a boutique consumer strategy firm, and a leading pharma analytics firm. He sees strategy as something you set and then see through — not deliverables on a slide. Based in Chicagoland, open to opportunities anywhere; compensation target $260K+ base.
Led the corporate strategic plan behind a $950M portfolio divestiture and the subsequent full PE exit. Built margin management capabilities, org structure, and commercial sell-in tooling that contributed 3–5% EBITDA growth through the transition.
Prioritized 30 category business units across snacks, beverages, and meals — assigning differentiated growth targets (5%+ down to maintenance) based on industry benchmarking, customer alignment, and supply chain capability. Identified a whitespace pipeline 3.5x the target.
Designed strategic pricing across category-customer combinations to deliver 4% annualized margin growth. Drove 5%+ in Gross-to-Net savings across Working Trade, Non-Working Trade, Cash Discounts, and Returns & Allowances using customer segmentation and ROI analytics.
Activated a 5%+ revenue growth pipeline through partnerships with consumer-insights and AI analytics firms — shelf price elasticity, assortment optimization, Private Label shelf strategy, and seasonal promotional tactics. Cut new-product speed-to-market by 35%.
Drove cross-functional alignment to deploy $165M in growth capital across R&D, packaging, Better-for-You innovation, and plant OEE. Led supply chain savings roadmaps that sustained 10% EPS growth commitments and supported 2%+ base revenue defense across 15 categories.
15 years advising C-suites across food & beverage, retail, personal care, confectionery, and pharma. Evaluated ~$1.5B in price & trade investment funds for reallocation, led M&A and JV diligence for manufacturers and PE firms, and built global go-to-market strategies across China, India, and Brazil.
Strong fit for Fortune 500 or mid-market CPG manufacturers navigating portfolio transformation, PE ownership, or margin expansion mandates. Particularly valuable to retailers scaling their own-brand / private-label P&L, food & beverage manufacturers pursuing international expansion, or PE-backed platforms executing roll-ups and category repositioning. He values the execution side of strategy — a lateral VP move with a real growth runway beats a title bump on paper.
Fortune 500 Private-Label CPG Manufacturer — VP, Strategy & Margin Management (Feb 2020–Feb 2026) · Chicago, IL
Big Four Strategy Consulting Practice — Director / Associate Partner (2019) · Chicago, IL
CPG-Focused Strategic Growth Consulting Firm — Principal, Strategic Growth Consulting Practice (2013–2019)
Boutique Strategic Growth Consultancy — Consultant (2012–2013)
CPG-Focused Analytical Consulting Firm — Director, Analytics Group (2008–2012)
Healthcare & Pharma Analytical Consulting Firm — Consultant (2004–2008)
Education: MBA, University of Chicago Booth School of Business (Strategic Management, Finance, Marketing) — Graduated with Honors · GMAT 730 (97th percentile) · MS Industrial Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison (GPA 3.87, full university-industry sponsorship)
Location: Deerfield, IL · Open anywhere; Chicagoland, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids ideal. Hybrid and travel roles welcome.
Target Compensation: $260K+ base, flexible for the right opportunity and growth runway
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