Cynthia McCloud To Lead USC Marshall/FIM
Seasoned industry executive Cynthia McCloud has been chosen as the first woman and fifth director to lead the Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, now in its 56th year.
“I could not be more pleased to return to my alma mater in a position where I can directly help shape the next generation of food industry leaders,” said McCloud, who was a former student in the FIM program in 1990, preceded by graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in business administration from USC Marshall in 1991. “The industry is changing faster than ever, and I am passionate about building awareness in the food industry around proactive strategic solutions, innovative new technologies, and competing differently, and more aggressively for share of consumers who have many options for what they buy and where they shop," added McCloud, who earned an MBA in 1997 from the University of California, Irvine.
USC Marshall School of Business Dean James G. Ellis hailed McCloud's appointment as a natural extension of her impressive and accomplished career. “We are delighted to welcome back one of our own to lead this elite program. Future students will benefit from her experience, leadership and vision.”
McCloud brings more than 35 years of both domestic and international experience in the consumer packaged goods and grocery retail industries, many at the senior executive level. Selected in part for her acumen with collaborative team building, future leadership development and creative, strategic innovation, McCloud has deep experience in loyalty marketing and a personal passion for finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis while working with others to promote healthier lifestyles.
Prior to joining USC, McCloud led the global sales and client teams in the U.S., Europe and Asia as EVP of business development for Market Metrix, a leader in feedback solutions for the hospitality industry. In her 15 years with personalized digital media giant Catalina Marketing, McCloud held senior positions, including EVP of U.S. retail sales and marketing and EVP and director of Europe operations.
Prior to Catalina, McCloud held several positions over an 18-year period at Vons, a division of Safeway.
The Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business annually accepts a maximum of 35 students from a wide range of companies in the food industry to participate in the elite 14-week program. Each student accepted into the program receives a full-tuition scholarship through the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). Individuals selected must have proven records of management accomplishments with significant potential for future advancement.