Russ Abstein's Linkedin Analytics

Visionary Category Management Leader with a Proven Track Record of Driving Results I'm Russ Abstein, a highly experienced and accomplished category management leader with over 30 years of success in developing and executing winning strategies that have resulted in significant growth for my clients. I am passionate about helping businesses achieve their goals, and I am always looking for new challenges. I have a deep understanding of the retail industry and the factors that drive shopper behavior. I am also skilled in using data and analytics to drive insights and make informed decisions. I am a strategic thinker, and I am able to develop and execute winning strategies. I am also a highly effective communicator, and I am able to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Examples of Accomplishments: Signify Lighting North America, I built and managed a high-performing team of 12 associates across all Lighting Categories and Retailer Channels. I also refined new weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting, improved NPS scores, enhanced the Customer Product Line Review process, and developed Channel Strategies enriched with Insights to Win New Distribution in Lowes, Walmart, Target, Clubs, and Kroger. Samsung Electronics America, in Strategy, I managed launch operations 2x a year and led the analytic team to develop 4P strategies built using Category, Segment, Brand, and Retailer Insights. As Category Management Senior Director created and rollout Category & Brand Strategies that drove assortment, promotion, space improvement and door count recommendations across all BU’s for Samsungs $35B annual business. Novartis OTC Consumer Health, I developed and implemented shopper-centric solutions for the Novartis Sales Team and Target Merchants. I also won category captainship for Target’s D245, Digestive Health category and implemented Shopper Centric Aisle solutions for Target in Pain, Cough/cold and Digestive Health categories. Kimberly-Clark, I was responsible for the development and execution of all Category Data/Insights to the Target Account. I also drove work direction, training, and mentoring to 6+ associates. Kraft Foods, I grew Target distribution by over 100+ items, managed 40+ category reviews, 250 planogram revisions, and 20 New item selling stories. I was also Category Captain/Advisor on 25 categories. I am confident that I can help any team achieve its goals, and I am eager to find a new challenge where I can use my skills and experience to make a difference. Think of me as the guy that likes to "get stuff done."