Dynamic and results-driven Brand Leader with a proven track record of success in both agency and corporate settings. Leveraged a background in creative brand work to transition into leadership roles focused on Consumer Engagement and Brand Strategy. Experienced in driving “Brand Re-Energization” through Marketing Strategies, Creative Direction, and Consumer Engagement initiatives.

Skilled in leading and developing creative and marketing teams, ideation, concept development, and execution. Proficient in consumer research, online marketing, new product development, in-store programs, advertising strategies, and packaging program development. Specializing in CPG Brands and Retailers, B2B and B2C Tech, Beer, Wine and Spirits, Food Service and Restaurants, Financial and Fintech, Motorcycle and Automotive, and Entertainment.

 

Zanik Design, Inc.

President : Founder

2023 – present

Founded and operated Zanik Design, a marketing, branding, and creative consultancy firm servicing agency and corporate clients periods from 2016 to Present.

Featured Accomplishments:

Pangea MoneyTransfer

  • Spearheaded the evolution of the Pangea brand as Head of Brand, establishing strategic brand architecture and ensuring brand consistency across all digital and traditional touchpoints.
  • Established and managed a cross-functional team to develop, execute, and evaluate Pangea’s brand presence across various segments, countries, and channels.

1800Baskets.com

  • Led the branding and launch of 1800Baskets.com encompassing identity, website architecture, marketing strategies, and product development.
  • Directed retailer programs and oversaw the creation of over 1,000 food and gifting products.

Windy City Motorcycle Co.

  • Defined marketing strategies and processes for the world’s largest Harley-Davidson Dealer Group, Windy City Motorcycle Co., and implemented branding initiatives for the holding company and individual dealerships.

Learning Resources

  • Successfully launched new products in the B2B Educational channel and B2C markets for Learning Resources, managing product design, naming, branding, packaging, and launch strategies.

Macy’s : One Eleven Events

  • Orchestrated integrated branding, positioning, and acquisition strategies for Macy’s catering and events brand, One Eleven Events.

Big City Restaurants : Lush Wine & Spirits : Wine-O-Rama

  • Developed and launched various wine, spirits, and beer products and brands.
  • Conceptualized, tested, launched, and promoted restaurant concepts and locations for Big City Restaurants, including Twisted Spoke, Lush Wine & Spirits, and Wine-O-Rama.

 

Beazley

Head of Global Marketing

2023 – 2023

  • Successfully oversaw the development of the global corporate marketing plan to support the company vision and strengthen Beazley’s positioning in various markets.
  • Spearheaded the creation of a global approach to product and campaign planning, overseeing all related activities.
  • Established a strong global digital presence through the implementation of a digital-first strategy increasing engagement by 45%.
  • Designed and executed omnichannel campaigns aimed at increasing preference for Beazley by 25%.
  • Set clear objectives, monitored progress, and reported on effectiveness and ROI.
  • Built and led a global team responsible for brand management, marketing, digital, and social media efforts.

 

Sunstar Americas (SAI)

Director of Integrated Brand Communication, Marketing Services & Creative Direction

2020 – 2021

  • Developed and managed the look, tone and manner for all Sunstar CPG and Professional brands (including G•U•M) for the US, Canada, and Latin America markets.
  • Directed the G•U•M Brand Evolution including communication and content strategies, and launched the updated Brand Book for consumer and professional channels.
  • Built the Integrated Communications discipline team and the expansion of the Marketing Services group.
  • Led the Sunstar Americas Digital Evolution including the launch of the Adobe Experience Manager platform.
  • Development of our social strategies including content development, community management and KPIs.
  • Led the development of Ecom strategies including content, ratings, and review management.
  • Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in brand awareness within the target market.
  • Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social, and traditional channels, driving a 15% increase in customer engagement and conversion rates.
  • Managed a multi-million-dollar marketing budget, optimizing spending to achieve a 10% reduction in overall marketing costs while exceeding KPIs.
  • Collaborated with key stakeholders to conduct market research and competitive analysis, identifying new opportunities for product positioning that led to a 25% increase in market share.

 

Bosch : Dremel

Director of Brand Marketing

2014 – 2016

  • Led brand initiative to double business in 5 years, achieving 2 years of double-digit growth in a historically flat business.
  • Defined the “Dremel User Journey” and expanded all supporting ecosystems, tactics, and touch points.
  • Developed mission statement “When We All Create, Make and Build, Our World is a Richer, More Personal Place to Live” executed in consumer facing efforts with the rallying cry of “Make More!”.
  • Created the “Touched by Hand” brand look, tone and manner for Global rollout.
  • Increased consumer acquisition and engagement with creation of the Experiential and Digital Engagement Group, resulting in +30M Social impressions, +90M Digital impressions, and +500K direct consumer engagements.
  • Defined new consumer acquisition segments including “Maker Movement”, “Techies”, Millennials, Females, Education, Custom Car and Motorcycle Builders, Digital Manufacturing and In-Home Businesses.
  • Established new businesses channels including Direct to Consumer Ecom, Consumer Retail, and B2B focus in Education and Business.
  • Launched a new “Digital Platform” including the branded website, user community, education platform, and tested new revenue streams including subscription, education and training, and a “Maker Marketplace”.
  • Formed partnerships with Britt+Co, Home Depot, HP/Sprout, Indian Motorcycles, Lowe’s, Make-a-Wish, Microsoft, Make Media/Maker Fair, and Wounded Warriors.

 

Redbox

Director of Brand Creative Services

2012 – 2014

  • Established an internal agency to oversee development of marketing programs and consumer engagement initiatives.
  • Led the evolution of the Redbox brand’s look, tone, and manner.
  • Managed production and execution of marketing, content, and promotional materials for 40K+ retail locations.
  • Successfully tested and launched new lines of business, such as Redbox Games, Redbox Instant by Verizon, Redbox Tickets, and Redbox Canada.
  • Ensured brand consistency across all consumer touch points, including retail locations, affiliates, social media, and customer service.

 

Valspar Corporation

Creative Director

2004 – 2006

  • Established the Brand and Creative Services Department for a $3 billion international company.
  • Produced numerous programs for global retailers including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, Ace, and B&Q.
  • Launched various international products and brands including consumer research, product development, packaging, merchandising, traditional and digital advertising.
  • Managed all outside design, advertising, digital/online, and research vendor partners for brands such as Valspar, American Tradition, Cabot Stains, Eddie Bauer Paint, Guardsman, Goof Off, Quikrete, House of Kolor, Laura Ashley Home, Nickelodeon, Plasti-Kote, and Waverly.

 

Marketing Support, Inc.

Vice President / Group Creative Director

1999 – 2004

  • Led a team in research, analytics, creative concept and development, and shopper marketing for various clients.
  • Implemented strategic in-store marketing programs and co-branding opportunities.
  • Developed Private Branded lines for major retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s, KB Toys, and Linens ‘n Things.
  • Created category-management systems for multiple retailers.
  • Spearheaded the Business Development Team, securing clients such as Bosch Power Tools, Milliken, E&J Gallo, Master Brands Cabinetry, KB Toys, Rust-Oleum Brands, Big Bowl Restaurants, Briggs & Stratton, Ultimate Support, and many more.

 

Additional Experience

The Grand Group

Client Director / Creative

Clients: Bank One • Guinness • Kraft • Old Navy • Manhattan Bagel • Marriott Hotels • New World Coffee • United Airlines • Worlds Finest Chocolate

The Food Group

Vice President / Creative Services

Clients: Betty Crocker • Chex Mix • Colombo Frozen Yogurt • The Egg Board • General Mills • Land O’Lakes • Sara Lee • Schwan’s Foods • Yoplait

Lee Hill

Creative Supervisor

Clients: Bud Light • Budweiser • Combos • Dove Bar • Kudos • M&M’s • Milky Way • Michelob • Pedigree • Skittles • Snickers • 3 Musketeers • Twix

Blau Direct Edge

Senior Art Director

Clients: American Express • Bank One • First USA • Sears • Sprint

Paterno Imports : Terlato Wines International

Creative Director

100+ Brands: Allegrini • Boutari • Champagne Ruinart • Chapoutier • Corvo • Freemark Abbey • Frescobaldi • Gancia • Glengoyne • Hardy Cognac • Masi • Markham • Robert Mondavi • Rutherford Hill • Samuel Adams • Santa Margherita • Skyy Vodka

Davidson Marketing

Art Director

Clients: Jim Beam • Kraft Foods • Lienenkugel’s • Miller Beer • Miller Lite • Miller Genuine Draft • Nine Lives • Pizza Hut • Quaker Oats

Education

Columbia College, Chicago

Double Major – Advertising Design and Marketing Strategies