Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Kelly Wilbur is a seasoned Product Development and Innovation leader with a proven track record of driving successful product launches and brand transformations across the beauty and personal care industry. As the Director of Product Development & Innovation at MERIT and Director of Product Marketing & Innovation at Billie, she leverages her extensive expertise in product strategy, marketing, and innovation to deliver impactful, consumer-centric solutions.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Director, Product Development & Innovation at MERIT (2023-Present)
- Responsible for leading the company's product development and innovation initiatives, overseeing the creation of new product offerings that align with market trends and customer needs.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and research teams to identify growth opportunities and drive the development of innovative products.
- Manages a team of product development professionals, guiding them in the design, testing, and launch of high-performing, differentiated products.
Director, Product Marketing & Innovation at Billie (2023-Present)
- Oversees the product marketing and innovation strategies for Billie's portfolio of personal care products, ensuring alignment with brand vision and customer preferences.
- Spearheads the ideation and development of new product concepts, leveraging market insights and consumer feedback to drive innovation.
- Collaborates with the marketing team to develop compelling product positioning and messaging that resonates with the target audience.
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Kelly held several product-focused positions at leading beauty and personal care companies, including:
- Sr. Mgr, Product Marketing & Innovation at Billie (2021-2023)
- Sr. Product Development Manager at Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare (2020-2021)
- Product Innovation & Marketing Manager - Color (all categories) at Glossier, Inc. (2018-2020)
- Product Innovation & Marketing Associate Manager - Color (all categories) at Glossier, Inc. (2017-2018)
- Complexion & Skincare Product Marketing & Development Coordinator at NARS Cosmetics (2015-2016)
Throughout her career, Kelly has demonstrated a keen ability to identify market trends, translate consumer insights into innovative product concepts, and drive successful product launches that have contributed to her employers' growth and brand positioning.
Academic Background
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Communications from the University of Connecticut, where she graduated with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Product Development and Innovation
- Product Marketing and Branding
- Consumer Insights and Trend Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Team Leadership and Mentorship
- Strategic Planning and Execution
Professional Impact
During her tenure at Billie, Kelly played a pivotal role in the launch of the brand's new line of personal care products, which have received widespread acclaim from both industry experts and consumers. Her innovative approach and deep understanding of the market have helped Billie maintain its position as a disruptive force in the industry.
At MERIT, Kelly is leading the charge in developing a robust pipeline of innovative products that capitalize on emerging trends and address evolving consumer needs. Her strategic vision and collaborative leadership style have been instrumental in driving the company's product development initiatives and strengthening its market position.
Conclusion
With a solid foundation in product development, marketing, and innovation, Kelly Wilbur is poised to continue making a significant impact in the beauty and personal care industry. Her ability to translate consumer insights into successful product launches, coupled with her strong leadership skills and cross-functional expertise, make her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to drive growth and innovation.
