Sean Boland
Ballwin
Summary
Strategic Consumer Products Marketing Executive with 25 years of leadership experience. Expert in brand building, portfolio management, P&L oversight, and direct-to-consumer strategies. Demonstrates an entrepreneurial approach, driving innovation and capability development within large organizations. MBA with a focus in Marketing.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Marketing – IOT/Connected Devices
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Developed and launched a smart dog tracker that rose to the #2 best-selling dog tracker in the category in the first 12 weeks.
- Developed and launched an entirely new category with the smart litter box monitor.
- Led Purina’s first ever smart devices and proactive care ecosystem from concept, through development and execution.
- Evangelized ecosystem-based vision internally, securing investment, cross-functional alignment, and long-term support for smart device initiatives.
- Executed strategy and day-to-day operations with an entrepreneurial approach, managing P&L and brand budget, developing packaging creative and structure, setting pricing, leading DTC efforts, creating pure play PDP and media content, managing national vet conference presence including booth execution, developing promotional calendar, running ratings and review programs, selling new products to retailers, and managing inventory positioning.
Senior Director of Marketing – DTC
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Managed budget and P&L, set DTC strategy, led product R&I, established pricing strategy, developed subscription programs, conducted consumer research, created brand standards, approved creative, and directed team development.
- Led a small team and established Purina’s DTC strategy, developed DTC infrastructure, and launched Purina’s first ever personalized pet food brand.
- Developed My Fancy Feast concept for build-your-own variety packs; identified partners, created P&L, optimized supply chain and go-to-market strategy, led site development, and addressed consumer inquiries during COVID to enhance UX.
- My Fancy Feast is an example of how to modernize a category leading brand by solving a consumer pain point using new and evolving technology.
Senior Director of Marketing – Wet Dog Portfolio
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Directed strategic turnaround of traditional branded pet food portfolio, focusing on brand differentiation and market positioning.
- Assessed and restructured overstaffed team, clarified brand roles, and streamlined SKU distribution to enhance operational efficiency.
- Delivered direct feedback, established clear priorities, and aligned team on KPIs to drive accountability and performance.
- Reduced team headcount by 40%, reduced portfolio spend by 25%, and grew overall business sales and profit by clearly defining brand roles, strategic SKU rationalization, and focusing on performance excellence around the 5 Ps.
Senior Director of Marketing – Ultra Premium Pet Food
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Concepted, developed, and launched Purina’s first ultra pet food line for dogs and cats in wet and dry formats, establishing a new market segment.
- Crafted brand position and narrative in collaboration with in-house agency, aligning messaging with target audience.
- Led development of our packaging and 3-year product pipeline.
- Oversaw budget and P&L management, established pricing and promotional strategies, and formulated comprehensive PR strategy and communications.
Brand Director
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Led brand strategy development for key product lines at a leading pet food company.
- Led integration of new brand into Purina portfolio, managing all 5 Ps and maintaining stable business performance.
- Managed brand positioning and messaging to enhance consumer engagement and loyalty.
- Coordinated integration of Purina’s largest pet snacks acquisition, aligning brand strategy with overall portfolio objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives with business objectives.
Senior Brand Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Updated Beggin’s well-known “nose cam” TV spot and drove Beggin’ to the #1 snack brand position in the category.
- Consolidated and simplified Purina’s dog snacks portfolio to enhance brand clarity and market presence.
- Streamlined portfolio by reducing brand count and SKU variety, achieving growth and cost efficiencies.
- Managed snacks brands collectively to optimize brand strategy and marketing efforts.
Brand Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Drove Friskies to $1 billion in annual sales.
- Developed concepts and products from consumer insights and segmentation study to strengthen Friskies’ positioning in Purina portfolio.
- Renovated and innovated Friskies dry portfolio to enhance product appeal and market relevance.
Assistant Brand Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Planned and executed Friskies consumer promotions and managed inventory while conducting SKU rationalization to optimize product offerings.
- Executed consumer promotions and oversaw inventory management to support brand objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute marketing campaigns effectively.
Marketing Assistant
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Managed Friskies brand budget of over $25 million dollars.
- Conducted brand analysis, developed forecasts, created presentations, and reported on performance.
- Facilitated marketing strategies during Nestle and Purina integration.
Assistant Customer Marketing Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Managed P&L while collaborating with key retailers – Kroger, Stop ‘N Shop, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, and Albertson’s, optimizing product offerings.
- Developed and managed product and packaging strategies tailored for each retailer.
- Ran Purina’s store brand business.
Order Revenue & Management Associate
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Executed vendor managed inventory, order management, accounts receivables, and deduction management for key accounts to streamline processes.
- Managed order life cycle for key accounts, ensuring timely fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with supply chain, production, shipping/receiving, sales, and account teams to enhance operational coordination.
Education
MBA - Marketing Emphasis
Saint Louis University
BSBA - Marketing & Management
University of Missouri-Columbia
Skills
- Smart device integration
- DTC models
- E-commerce partnerships
- Product launch
- Performance marketing
- Market strategy
- Brand strategy
- Consumer insights
- Portfolio optimization
- P&L management
- Agile marketing
- Test methodologies
- Cross-functional leadership
- Team building and development
References
Extensive references available from current and past Purina senior leadership upon request.
Core Expertise
- Hands on Marketer & Brand Builder
- Brand Strategy & Positioning
- Consumer Insights & Innovation
- P&L Management
- Portfolio Optimization
- Direct-to-Consumer & Subscription Models
- ECommerce Partnering (Amazon, Chewy, Omnichannel)
- Smart/IOT/Connected Device/AI Learning
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Product Development & Launch
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Team Building & Associate Development
- Agile Marketing & Test-and-Learn/Performance Marketing
Timeline
Senior Director of Marketing – IOT/Connected Devices
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2022 - 01.2026
Senior Director of Marketing – DTC
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2018 - 01.2022
Senior Director of Marketing – Wet Dog Portfolio
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2015 - 01.2018
Senior Director of Marketing – Ultra Premium Pet Food
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2013 - 01.2015
Brand Director
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2010 - 01.2013
Senior Brand Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2008 - 01.2010
Brand Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2005 - 01.2008
Assistant Brand Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2004 - 01.2005
Marketing Assistant
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2002 - 01.2004
Assistant Customer Marketing Manager
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.2000 - 01.2002
Order Revenue & Management Associate
NESTLÉ PURINA NORTH AMERICA
01.1997 - 01.2000
MBA - Marketing Emphasis
Saint Louis University
BSBA - Marketing & Management
University of Missouri-Columbia