Professional Overview
Jeff Willard is an accomplished marketing and growth executive with over 25 years of experience driving strategic brand and business development initiatives across the consumer products, retail, and manufacturing industries. As the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at StewMac, he is responsible for leading all marketing, sales, and new product innovation efforts to fuel the company's continued expansion.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Chief Growth Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at StewMac, a leading manufacturer and retailer of guitar parts and accessories, Jeff is spearheading the company's growth strategy through targeted marketing campaigns, new product development, and strategic partnerships. He is leveraging his deep expertise in brand building, consumer insights, and go-to-market strategy to enhance StewMac's market position and drive sustainable growth.
Career Progression
Prior to joining StewMac, Jeff served as the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at Casper, where he played a pivotal role in the company's successful brand repositioning and expansion into new product categories. Before that, he held the role of President at Healthy Lifestyle Brands, LLC, overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution for a portfolio of leading consumer wellness brands. Jeff's extensive experience also includes serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Zac Brown Collective, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Simmons Bedding Company, and holding various marketing leadership positions at Coleman, Helen of Troy, and Lexmark.
Academic Background
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Brand strategy and marketing campaign development
- Consumer insights and product innovation
- E-commerce and omnichannel go-to-market strategy
- Strategic business and partnership development
- Cross-functional team leadership and organizational transformation
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Jeff has demonstrated a proven track record of driving measurable business results through strategic marketing initiatives and innovative product development. Notable achievements include leading the successful brand repositioning and growth strategy at Casper, which resulted in a 30% increase in revenue and a 25% improvement in customer acquisition cost. At Zac Brown Collective, he spearheaded the diversification of the company's brand portfolio, expanding into new product categories and distribution channels, and delivering a 40% increase in profitability.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in building and scaling consumer-focused brands, coupled with his strategic vision and proven leadership capabilities, Jeff Willard is poised to drive significant growth and impact for StewMac as the company continues to solidify its position as a leading player in the guitar parts and accessories market.
