YEMI GILLAND (宋璐瑞)
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic commercial leader with 10+ years of experience driving growth for iconic global CPG brands across the U.S., Asia, and international markets. Proven track record of leading end-to-end commercialization, shaping market entry strategies, accelerating distribution, and strengthening brand equity. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams and managing distributors, leveraging data-driven storytelling to enhance decision-making and process scalability. Multilingual in Chinese, with significant international exposure in China and Japan, adept at operating in diverse cultural settings. Recognized for building trust-based partnerships, delivering results, and elevating brands with consumer-forward insights.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Manager, International - APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa)
BLISTEX INC.
Chicago
09.2025 - Current
- Lead commercial operations, distributor management, and strategic growth agendas across 10+ markets in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa for Blistex, Stridex, Odor-Eaters, and additional brands.
- Own regional P&L performance, annual planning, and forecasting across APMEA markets representing multimillion-dollar revenue.
- Drive brand-building initiatives and category expansion strategies based on market insights, consumer trends, and competitive dynamics.
- Manage distributor relationships across APMEA, aligning business priorities, pricing, and innovation pipelines.
- Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to optimize production schedules, packaging updates, and market-specific requirements.
Customer Business Manager - U.S. Retail
BLISTEX INC.
Chicago
07.2023 - 09.2025
- Owned P&L for the organization's second-largest customer, delivering strong in-year financial performance and driving strategic growth plans.
- Secured national distribution for two innovation items at Walmart and eight at Walgreens.
- Leveraged Retail Link and Circana to build compelling category stories that influenced assortment, pricing, and shelf decisions.
- Introduced improved forecasting and communication routines to strengthen internal collaboration.
PLANTERS Associate Brand Manager - Brand Marketing
HORMEL FOODS
Chicago
06.2021 - 07.2023
- Directed full marketing budget management through regular consultations with finance partners.
- Managed national NUTmobile experiential activations and launched 'Peanutter' brand ambassador program at Hormel.
- Led co-branded activation 'A Match Made in the High Life' in partnership with Miller High Life.
- Project managed complete packaging refresh following Hormel's acquisition, ensuring marketing, sales, legal, and operational alignment.
- Managed brand sponsorships and Planters merchandise shop to elevate consumer engagement.
Category Development Manager - Hormel Retail Businesses
HORMEL FOODS
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Leveraged IRI insights to build category assessments supporting sales strategy and customer growth plans.
- Provided insights guiding the successful launch of Hormel Chili PourOvers and breakfast innovations.
- Led and coached a team of Category Development Analysts.
Category Development Analyst - Walmart/Sam's Club
HORMEL FOODS
07.2019 - 10.2020
- Delivered insights that drove 20,000+ new points of distribution for dinner innovations.
- Recommended distribution strategies for Black Label breakfast launches.
- Ensured optimized inventory levels across stores and distribution centers.
Early Career
Hormel Foods
02.2016 - 07.2019
- Senior Sales Representative (SuperValu)
- Associate Category Development Analyst
- CPS Sales Representative
- Production Supervisor
Education
M.S. - Management
Zhejiang University
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ChinaB.A. - International Management, East Asian Studies
Hamline University
Saint Paul, MNSkills
- Global Commercial Leadership
- Market Analysis
- Category Development
- Distributor & Stakeholder Management
- Brand Strategy & Innovation Commercialization
- Sales Strategy & Joint Business Planning
- Nielsen/IRI/Circana Analytics
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- P&L Ownership
- Forecasting Expertise
- Consumer Insights & Storytelling
- Team Leadership
- Negotiation
- New Business Development
Certification
- Mastery of Selling Skills - Delta Associates
- Bronze Business Insights Certificate - Delta Associates
Timeline
Regional Manager, International - APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa)
BLISTEX INC.
09.2025 - Current
Customer Business Manager - U.S. Retail
BLISTEX INC.
07.2023 - 09.2025
PLANTERS Associate Brand Manager - Brand Marketing
HORMEL FOODS
06.2021 - 07.2023
Category Development Manager - Hormel Retail Businesses
HORMEL FOODS
10.2020 - 06.2021
Category Development Analyst - Walmart/Sam's Club
HORMEL FOODS
07.2019 - 10.2020
Early Career
Hormel Foods
02.2016 - 07.2019
M.S. - Management
Zhejiang University
B.A. - International Management, East Asian Studies
Hamline University