About
Strategic and data-driven executive with 15+ years of experience translating consumer insights and market trends into large-scale growth strategies. Proven success leading cross-functional teams, optimizing operations, and delivering high-impact experiences across hospitality, entertainment, and brand portfolios. Adept at shaping vision, culture, and partnerships that elevate guest engagement and financial performance. At my core I am a creative innovator who pairs research with industry data to trouble-shoot everyday business challenges. I am driven by actionable goals and clear strategy, but I'm also able to pivot quickly and react to ever changing business objectives. As a loyal and passionate player in the growth and evolution of the brand, I champion both team collaboration and cultural values. I'm open-minded and receptive to all ideas knowing I can only benefit from the expertise of those who have come before me. Additional competencies include: Strategic Ideations | Sensory Val…
Experience
Director Consumer Insights
Bacardi · Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Present
BACARDI, Coral Gables, Florida Director, Consumer Insights, April 2024- Present • Reframed St-Germain’s occasion-based strategy into need-state opportunities, unlocking new competitive spaces and category growth potential. • Piloted a rapid concept-testing platform using synthetic respondents to deliver fast, accurate, and cost-efficient insights. • Spearheaded D’USSÉ target and consumer profile research leveraging AI-driven analytics and qualitative exploration, producing a detailed audience model that informed creative and media strategy at minimal cost. • Introduced an innovative qualitative methodology for POS testing, improving retail relevance and driving return-on-shelf with minimal investment. Conducted market investment analysis linking local activation to performance gains, building a strong case for increased support Senior Manager, Consumer Insights, July 2022- April 2024 • Drove research redefining Angel’s Envy’s consumer and competitive profiles, resulting in a new brand…
Manager, Menu Strategy
Cracker Barrel · Lebanon, Tennessee, United States
Led cross-functional teams through concept development and testing of new products for national launch. Created two virtual brand menus informed by competitive analysis, product mix, consumer sentiment, and margin performance. Designed testing protocols and stage-gate processes to streamline back-of-house operations. Established quarterly competitive reviews to inform strategic planning and tactical action. Partnered with marketing to elevate product storytelling and merchandising across in-store and digital touchpoints.
Director, Consumer Insights
Bloomin' Brands, Inc. · Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area
Supported Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar by providing consistent consumer monitoring via guest satisfaction surveys, social monitoring, and geo-targeted mobile surveys. Conducted ad hoc studies to support changes in business (menu changes, promotional offer optimization, brand awareness, brand trial, and perceptions) as well as monitor competitive set sentiment and promotional activity. Conducted first-person recruiting for focus groups, focus group moderators, and self-generated survey deployment. Designed, recommended, and executed primary research studies to support menu, advertising, product development, consumer engagement, strategy planning, and consumer trends. • Led sensory validation of menu changes, driving $500K in annual savings and improving product consistency across Bonefish Grill locations. • Identified core business drivers and barriers, informing a strategic shift in Bonefish Grill’s creative and promotional approach. • Leveraged geo-based an…
Manager, International Consumer Insights
Bloomin' Brands, Inc. · Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area
Directed international consumer insights to guide market entry and operational strategy across emerging regions. Led immersive culinary studies in China and Mexico to inform global menu and concept development. Established Customer Experience Measurement (CEM) programs and ongoing sentiment tracking, delivering actionable insights that kept leadership aligned on international performance. • Designed and launched Customer Experience Measurement (CEM) programs in Australia, China, and Saudi Arabia, delivering deeper operational insights and performance accountability across international markets. • Directed sensory validation of a new cooking platform in Shanghai and Hong Kong, optimizing back-of-house efficiency, reducing complexity, and freeing valuable operational space. • Led market entry for the Abbraccio concept in Brazil and Mexico, leveraging consumer research to tailor menu offerings and ambiance for local relevance and appeal
Associate Manger, Product Insights
Yum! Brands · Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
• Directed market entry and consumer behavior studies across international markets, aligning global menu strategy and brand relevance. • Improved innovation success rate from 30% → 60% through advanced qualitative and quantitative research frameworks. • Delivered zero-cost sales growth by leveraging supplier partnerships and packaging innovation.
Associate Manager, Product Development and Idea Generation
Yum! Brands · Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Spearheaded developmental projects from concept to launch, including prototype development and quantitative sensory validation. Developed buttered lobster bites, resulting in 6% sales growth, 8.5% product mix, and lowest number of complaints in brand history. Implemented elevated quality standards for commercialized products by developing gold standard process that incorporated visual, sensory, and physical attributes. Ensured all production items met initial launch standards.
Product Coordinator
Yum! Brands · Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Led in-depth market immersions with Yum! and company senior leadership teams, focused on marketplace innovation, strategic supplier collaboration, product standard alignment, and consumer target ethnography. Populated calendar windows by leading unique idea generation sessions and competitive analysis, leveraging supplier resources, as well as focusing on strategic growth opportunities. Piloted innovative qualitative and quantitative studies, allowing for rapid filtration and initial insight awareness, increasing product concept success rate from 30% to 60%. Managed packaging enhancement, POP development, and line growth of pie program, utilizing creative resources and secondary research from vendor partner, achieving 95% growth of sales layer at zero cost to brand.
Food Scientist/Qa Technician
Yum! Brands · Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Managed web-based menu database, containing 100+ items, including allergens and nutritional information; collaborated with legal team to ensure successful resolution to all consumer inquires. Accountable for inspection, maintenance and all follow-up corrective actions for all core product quality; testing.
Research Assistant
Venture Laboratories · Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Techniques used: Chromatography, SDS PAGE, ELISA, microbiological isolation, identification of bacterial colonies, enzymatic assays and HPLC.
Education
University of St Andrews
Master's degree, Biochemistry
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