Hillary Mikeska
Richmond,VA
Summary
Results-driven professional with a robust background in consumer insights and innovation management. Known for leading transformative projects and mentoring teams to maximize potential, poised to leverage expertise to advance strategic initiatives and drive innovation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Director, Consumer Strategy & Innovation
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
Richmond, VA
03.2023 - 05.2025
- Directed project management for cross-functional teams to innovate smoke-free nicotine solutions, enhancing product development timelines.
- Designed and implemented research approaches that accelerated insights generation, informing strategic decision-making.
- Oversaw $3MM+ annual research budget with a focus on cost efficiency.
- Led transition of consumer segmentation at Altria from product-based to behavioral, ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer needs.
- Mentored team members to maximize potential in high-pressure settings.
Director, Emerging Technology & Innovation
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
Richmond, VA
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Directed comprehensive project management encompassing planning, budgeting, staffing, and reporting.
- Built team to drive enterprise-wide adoption of innovative technology solutions.
- Informed stakeholders on emerging technology implementation to foster excitement and engagement.
- Sourced and onboarded established and start-up vendors for testing of new technology solutions.
Director, Consumer Marketplace Insights
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
Richmond, VA
04.2020 - 01.2022
- Executed large-scale consumer segmentation strategy, enhancing targeting across multiple product categories.
- Collaborated with behavioral science experts to activate consumer-centric segmentation across brand management and related functions.
- Managed annual tracking studies to evaluate consumer awareness and product usage, informing strategy across categories.
Senior Manager, Consumer Marketplace Insights
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
Richmond, VA
11.2013 - 03.2020
- Led all qualitative and quantitative consumer research for Marlboro, including packaging, line extension launches, brand equity, retail, multicultural, and brand architecture.
- Directed consumer research for innovative vapor initiatives, shaping product development and market entry strategies.
- Facilitated enterprise-wide scenario planning and trends analysis to guide strategic direction and identify growth opportunities.
- Provided consumer insights to brand management teams across multiple operating companies, enhancing brand strategies and consumer engagement.
Manager, Marketplace & Consumer Research
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
Richmond, VA
07.2009 - 11.2013
- Supported brand management clients by leveraging consumer insights through qualitative and quantitative studies, enhancing category understanding, consumer tracking, and competitive analysis.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VAMBA - Marketing Management And Research
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NCSkills
- Consumer segmentation
- Budget management
- Innovation strategy
- Technology adoption
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Team leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
Certification
Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, IBM, 2024
Timeline
Director, Consumer Strategy & Innovation
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
03.2023 - 05.2025
Director, Emerging Technology & Innovation
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
01.2022 - 03.2023
Director, Consumer Marketplace Insights
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
04.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Manager, Consumer Marketplace Insights
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
11.2013 - 03.2020
Manager, Marketplace & Consumer Research
Altria Client Services - Altria Group
07.2009 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Virginia
MBA - Marketing Management And Research
Wake Forest University