CHRISTY CATES
Hana Brands
Rogers,AR
9
years of professional experience
Strategic business leader with more than 20 years of experience driving sales growth, operational excellence, and customer success through collaborative leadership and data-driven strategy. Proven track record of building high-performing teams, developing scalable operating models, and leading cross-functional initiatives that deliver measurable business results.
Work History
National Sales Director
3 Years- Lead the strategic launch and expansion of the company’s sushi program, growing to more than 200 Walmart stores in fewer than two years and generating over $20 million in point-of-sales revenue, while building the strategic roadmap to scale the business to several thousand locations within five years and ultimately develop it into a $1 billion business.
- Negotiate and manage key customer initiatives while strengthening executive-level relationships with Walmart stakeholders.
- Build and execute joint business plans with Walmart Merchants, identifying growth opportunities through assortment expansion, merchandising initiatives, and innovation.
- Influence cross-functional teams across operations, marketing, supply chain, finance, and product development to ensure flawless execution of strategic priorities.
SVP Retail Operations
3 Years 8 Months- Lead a team of more than 3,500 retail associates while ensuring execution deliverables are met on target and consistently evaluating performance against established goals.
- Manage and lead a Business Unit P&L, delivering results for $120MM in client and operations revenue.
- Develop and execute strategic and tactical plans to deliver optimal retail results on behalf of supplier partners.
- Support field managers with onboarding, training, and conflict resolution for hourly associates.
- Partner directly with Recruiting to develop orientation processes, maintain retention and turnover, and manage hiring-location changes across the country.
VP Client Development
2 Years 2 Months- Led client development for top-tier clients, coordinating strategic development and tactical execution for brands in support of consumer marketing efforts.
- Managed and led a Business Unit P&L, delivering $35MM in client revenue at the lowest possible selling cost.
- Proactively collaborated with client partners to maximize POS sales growth, profitability, and brand equity.
- Assisted in developing, analyzing, and implementing client sales and marketing objectives.
Education
LPN Nursing
Skills
Strategic Customer & Account Leadership
Retail Business Development
P&L Management & Financial Accountability
Retail Operations & Execution
Cross-Functional Leadership
Client Relationship Management
Affiliations
- Network of Executive Women
- Birkman Method Assessment
- Soderquist Leadership Program
Timeline
National Sales Director
Hana Brands
08.2023 - CurrentRead More
SVP Retail Operations
Acosta
05.2019 - 01.2023Read More
VP Client Development
Acosta
03.2017 - 05.2019Read More
Three Rivers College
LPN Nursing
Read More