Matt

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

What's on your iPod?

You name it, it's on there—everything from Frank Sinatra to 2Pac to Skid Row. My mood drives my music choice.

What's your most unusual or impressive skill?

Besides cat food marketing? What else is there?

What are your favorite books?

Mystery fiction—Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Patricia Cornwell.

What made you choose to work at Nestlé Purina?

I love pets. And Nestlé Purina was a company that had a clear mission: enrich the lives of pets. Also, the brands that Nestlé Purina markets are strong and #1 in most segments. As a marketer, it was appealing knowing that I would be working with strong brands.

What motivates you to continue working at Nestlé Purina?

The culture. It’s fun and challenging. I work with smart people everyday that build upon my ideas and make me smarter. I also have the opportunity to work with and mentor newer members of the organizations.
Also the products … I truly believe that we make the best products possible that pets can enjoy and that will help pets live longer, healthier lives.

What has been the most advantageous opportunity provided to you at Nestlé Purina?

When I first came, I developed relationships with more senior members of the organization that served as mentors to me as I developed and grew. I am now able to have that same relationship with newer members of our department.

What has been the most rewarding thing about working at Nestlé Purina?

Hearing consumers talk about our products either in the retailer aisle (when I am out shopping) or when we are doing consumer research (via focus groups, etc). They credit us with helping them have a better (and longer) relationship with their pet.

Describe your greatest experience with Nestlé Purina.

Hearing consumers in focus groups talk about how our products help them care for their pets. One lady pulled out an album full of pictures of her cats—On the cover of the album were labels that she had ripped off of Friskies cans. In fact, she even named one of her cats “Frisky Cat” because she loved the brand so much.

What do you wish you would have known about Nestlé Purina while you were searching for a job?

That the people are so friendly. Work doesn’t feel like work. It’s actually fun! Also, the sheer size and scale of Nestlé Purina around the world—the job opportunities are endless and I can truly see myself here until the day I retire.

What is the most gratifying component about your current role?

Working with smart, motivated people. Being surrounded by people that help me not only be a better marketer, but be a better leader.

What exciting projects have you worked on?

I’ve repositioned the largest brand (Friskies) in the Nestlé Purina portfolio. This restage has included new packaging, new products, and a new communications campaign.

How have you been able to use your past experience or knowledge in your current role?

The experiences that I’ve had continue to build upon themselves. As I move from role to role, I’ve been able to take the learning and the best practices and apply them in my new role.

What has Nestlé Purina done to help you develop professionally or personally?

A number of different things….
1. Smart mentors—part of the formal mentoring process, but mostly thru informal contacts that I’ve made within the organization.
2. ULC—An excellent program that we are encouraged to make part of our on-going development plan.
3. Gateway Development and Leadership Center—I received an assessment of my leadership skills thru very realistic “simulated” situations which I then worked on with an assigned professional coach.
4. Attending training classes in Vevey, Switzerland as part of the Rive Reine curriculum.
5. Networking and working with other Nestlé marketers that I have met thru the annual Nestlé Marketing Summit held in California.

How has Nestlé Purina supported your work-life balance?

1. Generous paid time off (PTO) and Floating holidays.
2. Fitness Center on-site along with a Company Store and Credit Union-very convenient.
3. Free Parking for Busch Stadium events.

Overall, Nestlé Purina supports and encourages a well-balanced work-life relationship. A happy employee and a happy employee’s family make for a productive employee!

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

Playing sports, including basketball, golf, and softball; Watching and attending professional sporting events; Spending time with my newborn son! Movies; Reading; Listening to music.

When you're out on the town, where are we most likely to run into you?

Busch Stadium—I'm a Cardinals season ticket holder.