Russ Wilkin
Senior Vice President of Brand and Cafes
Professional Overview
Russ Wilkin is an accomplished marketing and brand management executive with over 15 years of experience driving growth and innovation across the consumer packaged goods and food service industries. As the Senior Vice President of Brand and Cafes at Saxbys, he is responsible for spearheading the company's brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and cafe operations to elevate the customer experience and fuel expansion.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current role as SVP of Brand and Cafes at Saxbys, Russ oversees all aspects of the company's brand identity, marketing campaigns, and cafe operations. He has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies that have increased brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales performance. Under his leadership, Saxbys has expanded its footprint and strengthened its position as a premier coffee and café destination.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Russ held several leadership positions at Saxbys, including Vice President of Marketing and Product and Director of Marketing and Insights. He also brings valuable experience from his time at Campbell Soup Company, where he held various brand management and marketing roles, contributing to the successful launch and growth of key product lines.
Russ began his career as a Microfinance Fellow at the Vittana Foundation, where he gained experience in product scaling and international business development. He has also served as a Project Consultant and held positions in technical recruitment and client services, further diversifying his professional background.
Academic Background
Russ holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Towson University. His education has provided him with a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and consumer behavior analysis.
Areas of Expertise
- Brand strategy and development
- Integrated marketing campaign management
- Customer experience optimization
- Café operations and process improvement
- New product and service innovation
- Data analytics and insights-driven decision-making
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Russ has demonstrated a proven track record of driving successful brand transformations, launching innovative products, and enhancing customer experiences. His strategic vision and data-driven approach have enabled him to deliver measurable business results, including increased market share, revenue growth, and customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Russ Wilkin is a seasoned marketing and brand management executive with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business growth. With his extensive experience, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership style, he is poised to continue expanding Saxbys' footprint and solidifying its position as a leading coffee and café brand.