Melinda Simmons

 Selected to conduct enterprise-wide analysis and identify opportunities to streamline and standardize processes across $8B revenue organization with 5,000+ employees through new business models.  Delivered $50M+ in cost-saving recommendations for IT, HR, and finance/accounting; created Marketing Centers of Excellence to expand access to leading-edge database management techniques and avoid $100K in hard costs.

 Tapped to lead critical cost-cutting initiative to regain competitiveness; assumed control of fragmented, transactional procurement function and created 65-member, world-class procurement organization.  Added 35 new and repurposed staff, directed training, and conducted educational outreach to functional leaders regarding complementary role and value of procurement department to gain buy-in and spend control.  Introduced strategic sourcing and demand management techniques, as well as systematic RFP/

Vice President, Marketing Operations 1999 – 2002  Revamped an underutilized, 85-member operations team to supply leadership in database management/marketing and spur efficiencies in direct mail programs; also accountable for media planning and promotional/sales materials.  Instituted process discipline and enhanced database segmentation techniques for profile-based targeting.

 Launched Internet strategy spanning tens of millions consumers, incorporating rigorous age screening and transitioning ~20% of customer base to high-touch, opt-in email marketing at significantly less cost than direct mail.  Introduced industry 1st branded entry into savings segment, developing strategy that spurred rise to #2 position