Lorna Sommerville
Chief Commercial Officer
Professional Overview
Lorna Sommerville is a seasoned marketing and commercial executive with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation across leading consumer brands. As the Chief Commercial Officer at Levain Bakery, she leverages her expertise in brand strategy, marketing, and sales to spearhead the company's commercial initiatives and expand its market presence.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Commercial Officer at Levain Bakery, Lorna is responsible for overseeing the company's commercial operations, including marketing, sales, and business development. She works closely with the executive team to develop and execute growth strategies, strengthen the brand's positioning, and drive revenue and profitability. Under her leadership, Levain Bakery has experienced significant expansion, with the brand's products now available in a growing number of retail channels and e-commerce platforms.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Lorna held several senior marketing and leadership positions at prominent consumer brands. She served as the Chief Marketing Officer and Mass Retail Sales Lead at Function of Beauty, where she successfully scaled the brand's presence and drove double-digit revenue growth. Lorna also held various marketing roles at The Coca-Cola Company, including Global Brand Director for the Coca-Cola brand and Chief Marketing Officer for ZICO Coconut Water. Her experience in the consumer packaged goods industry has equipped her with a deep understanding of brand-building, customer insights, and go-to-market strategies.
Academic Background
Lorna holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications from the AAA School of Advertising.
Areas of Expertise
- Brand strategy and development
- Integrated marketing communications
- Sales and channel management
- Consumer insights and market analysis
- Digital marketing and e-commerce
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Strategic planning and execution
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Lorna has demonstrated a strong track record of driving measurable business results. At Function of Beauty, she spearheaded the brand's successful entry into the mass retail channel, resulting in significant revenue growth and expanded market share. At The Coca-Cola Company, Lorna played a key role in the global marketing and brand strategy for the Coca-Cola brand, contributing to its continued dominance in the carbonated soft drink category.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience in the consumer goods industry and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, Lorna Sommerville is well-positioned to guide Levain Bakery through its next phase of growth and commercial success. Her strategic vision, marketing expertise, and customer-centric approach make her a valuable asset to the company as it continues to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leading artisanal bakery brand.
