The evolution and disruption of typical retail “norms” that Amazon and other e-commerce giants have brought to the business-to-consumer relationship is a conversation that EVERY department within a company should be having! Consumer shifts in expectations, shopping habits, product expectation, and delivery expectations now resoundingly impact nearly every corner of the industry - is your company in the conversation?
We’ve assembled a group of experts to explore all perspectives as we look at the causes of the disruption and ask“What are the NEW consumer expectations” moving forward. Our panel includes a former Amazon executive, small and big business expertise, global supply chain experts, and end-to-end expertise - and they are ready to share their "new rules" of retail! From the vantage point of marketing, product development and packaging, distribution/retail, and supply chain/technology - our panel has experience and insights from deep within this changing landscape. From supply chain technology, to e-commerce innovation, and beyond - how does your company compete for and engage consumers?
Networking with The Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network is an opportunity to access an inclusive network dedicated to bringing together all of the industry players of the greater Chicagoland area to develop meaningful and mutually beneficial business connections. Our events provide a great opportunity to enjoy refreshments and an opportunity to mingle - forging new connections and circling back with contacts from other events, all while experiencing the power of the CFBN network!
Our speakers & moderator for this conversation:
Brian Winshall - Executive Vice President, GlobalTranz
As GlobalTranz’s Executive Vice President, Brian is a commercial leader driving growth in enterprise value through sales leadership, the creation of new and enhanced commercial products, M&A, and strategic partnerships that enable market-leading supply chain and logistics solutions. With more than 20 years of experience in logistics and supply chain for organizations ranging from privately-held niche mid-market businesses to public Fortune 250 global organizations, Brian has a passion for continuous learning, leadership in mentoring, teaching, and coaching sales professionals, and developing market-leading supply chain solutions. Brian earned a BS in supply chain management from Michigan State University.
Adam Root - COO, Blake’s Seed Based
Adam spent nearly 5 years supporting the global expansion of Amazon’s fresh grocery delivery business AmazonFresh. After delivering AmazonFresh’s initial US expansion into California and New York, Adam relocated to London to serve as a go-to-resource for AmazonFresh’s international launches in London, Tokyo, and Berlin. Now, Adam serves as Chief Operating Officer for Blake’s Seed Based, a seed based Top 8 allergen-free snack start-up based in Chicago. He oversees all e-commerce activity for the business, with a primary focus on Amazon. His hands-on experience working within Amazon globally and with a start-up brand that launched direct-to-consumer provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly changing e-commerce landscape.
Maureen Cherwin - Director of eCommerce & Digital Media, Simple Mills
Maureen Cherwin is Director of eCommerce & Digital Media at Simple Mills, the #1 baking mix, #1 cracker, and #3 cookie brand in the natural channel. She drives all online retailer sales, manages agency and broker relationships, and leads the digital marketing strategy for the company. Cherwin previously served in a variety of marketing roles during a decade at Dex Media (formerly R.H. Donnelley) and in a client and project management role at Ketchum Directory Advertising. She holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BBA from the University of Notre Dame.
Kris McDermott - Senior Vice President - eCommerce, Edelman
Kris’s role is focused on consulting and developing Ecommerce solutions for Edelman clients and prospects across ecommerce platforms and strategies including Amazon, retail, direct to consumer and emerging ecommerce channels. Prior to Edelman, Kris McDermott led the Commerce Solutions team at Resolution Media, where she was responsible for developing an array of capabilities and solutions within the retail and performance spaces (spanning across paid search, organic search, social, programmatic, and retail media). As part of her remit, she integrated with Omnicom's Enterprise Partnerships team to leverage the clout of Omnicom Media Group's global client network, driving innovation and performance in partnership with the world's largest retailers, including Amazon, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target. She also oversaw the development and utilization of commerce offerings and partnerships with the largest and fastest growing platforms in the industry, including Facebook, Google, Snapchat, Twitter and Pinterest. Kris led the charge in bridging the gaps between creative, strategy, media, analytics and performance resources across the five major agency networks within OMG and led the integration of Omnicom's media and shopper agencies. Prior to her Commerce Solutions role, Kris was an account-side veteran for over 10 years, leading search, social, programmatic and ecommerce strategy and activation for the SC Johnson and Briggs and Stratton global teams, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Leapfrog Toys and Dell Computers, among others. She also coordinated Resolution Chicago's volunteer and philanthropic efforts with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Children's Home & Aid. Outside of work, Kris is vying hard for the "World's Best Aunt" award and does lettering and illustration, having recently launched a merchandise store with a rotating charitable organization receiving a percentage of proceeds. She's an avid yogi but promises not to wax rhapsodic at you about it.
Molly Frank - Segment Marketing Manager, UPS
Molly Frank is currently a Segment Marketing Manager with UPS, she has been with the company for 14 years – originally hired as an Industrial Engineer she spent the early years of her career working on internal supply chain and logistics for UPS. Over the past 7 years Molly has transitioned to the Marketing side of UPS with experience in both New Product Development and Industry Segment Marketing. Currently, Molly works with UPS customers to identify strategies and solutions to support growth, efficiency and customer experience. Throughout her career Molly has collaborated with many large Chicagoland food shippers.
Alan Reed - Executive Director, CFBN (moderator)
We will also have the following CFBN member companies sampling on-site:
Coffee, beverages, and light morning refreshments will be provided.
Thank you to GlobalTranz for hosting and sponsoring this event. GlobalTranz is a Food & Beverage Industry Provider member of the Network.
This event is being hosted by Edelman, a supporting industry partner.
