GMDC Hires New Dir. of Business Development
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The General Merchandise Distributors Council here last week hired Robert W. Hodgin for the newly created position of director of business development, as part of the re-invention of the trade association's GMDC Educational Foundation.
Hodgin will focus on the expansion and development of the Foundation's educational content, specifically as it relates to Web-based programs such as the weekly member electronic news report, benchmarking projects, and developing content and execution of training programs in category management. He will also actively seek out alliance partnerships and requisite financial support for research and education products planned for the coming year and beyond.
Hodgin has held senior-level positions with Coca-Cola, Quaker Oats, Hansen's Natural Corp., and a consumer promotion agency where he provided direction, program development, analysis, and brand and retailer insights for some of the country's largest manufacturers. Most recently, he was involved in bringing new technology to retail outlets while serving as e.v.p. of sales and marketing for Smart Media at Delaware, Inc.
During the past year, GMDC has been reinventing its Educational Foundation, which has conducted research and produced studies identifying opportunities for GM/HBC and pharmacy since 1993, including studies in whole health, women's well-being, multi-cultural marketing, and seasonal best practices.
"Recognizing the potential for contributing even more to the industry we serve, the decision was made by our leadership to explore ways to effectively enhance the Foundation by increasing its profile and taking it to the next level," said Dan Nelson, GMDC s.v.p. and c.o.o. "We are confident that Bob's experience, industry network and vision will help us get there. The hiring of Hodgin is one part of the re-invention process - a process that will be unfolding over the next 12 months."
Hodgin will focus on the expansion and development of the Foundation's educational content, specifically as it relates to Web-based programs such as the weekly member electronic news report, benchmarking projects, and developing content and execution of training programs in category management. He will also actively seek out alliance partnerships and requisite financial support for research and education products planned for the coming year and beyond.
Hodgin has held senior-level positions with Coca-Cola, Quaker Oats, Hansen's Natural Corp., and a consumer promotion agency where he provided direction, program development, analysis, and brand and retailer insights for some of the country's largest manufacturers. Most recently, he was involved in bringing new technology to retail outlets while serving as e.v.p. of sales and marketing for Smart Media at Delaware, Inc.
During the past year, GMDC has been reinventing its Educational Foundation, which has conducted research and produced studies identifying opportunities for GM/HBC and pharmacy since 1993, including studies in whole health, women's well-being, multi-cultural marketing, and seasonal best practices.
"Recognizing the potential for contributing even more to the industry we serve, the decision was made by our leadership to explore ways to effectively enhance the Foundation by increasing its profile and taking it to the next level," said Dan Nelson, GMDC s.v.p. and c.o.o. "We are confident that Bob's experience, industry network and vision will help us get there. The hiring of Hodgin is one part of the re-invention process - a process that will be unfolding over the next 12 months."