Rodney J Plunkett

Curious ~ Analytical ~ Collaborative ~ Strategic ~ Tactical ~ Problem Solver ~ Leader ~ Teacher

A Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) executive experienced in sales, marketing, market research, category management and P&L management in multiple categories and across multiple channels.  Able to see the big picture due to extensive cross-functional experience and responsibility for P&L’s, Quality, Regulatory, Operations and Human Resources.  A life-long learner eager to grow and help others grow.

Rodney is dedicated to learning, with a demonstrable history of solving real life business problems, a high level of intellectual curiosity, a strongly held belief in competing on analytics, and a commitment to profitable growth.  


He has a range of market/category experience to include the US, Europe, Canada, and the CIS, plus multiple channels to include Supermarkets, Drug Stores, Mass Discount Stores, Club Stores, C-Stores, Dollar Stores, Wholesalers, Multi-Level-Marketers and Dealers, and across a wide variety of product categories including OTC Drugs, Personal Care, Vitamins, Oral Care, Food and Confectionery. 

 

Career History

CategoryMaster, LLC (2011-Present)

President/Owner

Sales, Marketing and Business Development consulting services for small and mid-sized consumer packaged goods companies selling through food, drug, mass, club, dollar, c-store, and military channels. 


First Boston Pharma / NutraMax (8 Years)

VP/SVP

Led Sales, Marketing, Business Development and Product Development with oversight of Operations, IT, R&D, QA, Regulatory, Finance, and HR.


Haworth Inc (2 years)

Manager Market Research & Global Strategy

Led the global business strategy, market research, forecasting, business and market analysis, plus was the product manager with P&L responsibility for the largest brand of systems furniture at the company.


Perrigo (4 years)

VP Market Information

Led the market research, category management, competitive intelligence, and forecasting functions; served as consultative selling resource with customer contact at multiple levels; trained direct reports, marketing and sales in category management. Board member of JV with a CIS partner.


Hershey Pasta Group (8 years)

Manager Marketing Services

Brand management, trade programs management, consumer marketing, category management, forecasting, and consultative sales with P&L responsibility.


Hershey Chocolate (9 years)

Sales & Sales Planning Roles

Sales, sales management, sales planning, market analysis, sale/marketing liaison, sales training, and sales communications.