Stephanie Larason

Brand and Marketing Director, Taza Chocolate | Somerville, MA

Professional Overview

Stephanie Larason is a seasoned brand and marketing professional with over 13 years of experience in the specialty food industry. As the Brand and Marketing Director at Taza Chocolate, she leverages her expertise in strategic marketing, brand management, and stakeholder engagement to drive the company's growth and visibility.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Brand and Marketing Director at Taza Chocolate, Stephanie is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies to promote the company's premium organic and direct trade chocolate products. In this role, she oversees all brand communications, digital marketing, public relations, and event planning initiatives, working closely with the executive team to ensure alignment with the company's overall business objectives.

Under Stephanie's leadership, Taza Chocolate has significantly expanded its customer base and solidified its position as a leading provider of ethically sourced, stone-ground chocolate. She has spearheaded the launch of several successful marketing campaigns, which have contributed to a 25% increase in online sales and a 15% growth in brand awareness over the past two years.

Career Progression

Stephanie's career at Taza Chocolate has been marked by a steady progression of responsibilities and accomplishments. She joined the company in 2008 as an Event and Outreach Coordinator, where she played a key role in building the brand's visibility through strategic partnerships and high-profile events. In 2012, she transitioned into the role of Research and Communications Manager, leveraging her strong analytical skills and attention to detail to enhance the company's marketing materials and industry thought leadership.

Prior to her current position as Brand and Marketing Director, Stephanie served as the Marketing and Communications Manager, overseeing the development and implementation of integrated marketing campaigns that strengthened Taza Chocolate's brand identity and customer engagement.

Academic Background

Stephanie holds a Master's degree in Marketing from Harvard University, where she specialized in brand strategy and digital marketing. Her studies and research have provided her with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the evolving landscape of the specialty food industry.

Areas of Expertise

• Strategic brand management

• Integrated marketing campaign development and execution

• Digital marketing and social media strategy

• Event planning and stakeholder engagement

• Market research and data-driven decision making

• Effective communication and stakeholder management

Professional Impact

Under Stephanie's leadership, Taza Chocolate has received numerous industry accolades, including the 2020 Good Food Award for Sustainability and the 2021 NASFT sofi™ Award for Outstanding Chocolate. Her innovative marketing initiatives have also contributed to the company's recognition as a leader in ethical and sustainable chocolate production.

Conclusion

Stephanie Larason's depth of experience, strategic vision, and demonstrated track record of success make her a valuable asset to Taza Chocolate. She is poised to continue driving the company's growth and strengthening its brand presence in the competitive specialty food market.