Rebecca L. Dolton
Huffman
Summary
Dynamic strategist and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience driving global growth, digital enablement, product commercialization, AI initiatives, business operating planning and M&A integration. Expertise in strategic planning,turning long-term strategy into actionable initiatives while fostering collaboration among global teams and developing scalable tools, processes, and governance frameworks that enhance customer engagement, accelerate time-to-market, and promote profitable growth. Recognized for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset, consistently tackling challenges with strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach. Committed to delivering meaningful contributions that align with and advance organizational objectives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Strategic Initiatives
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Cleveland, USA
01.2018 - Current
- Lead strategic growth, digital transformation, AI enablement, M&A integration, global communications, sustainability initiatives, and operating planning for the global Protective Coatings Division, translating executive priorities into roadmaps, governance, communications, and execution plans.
- Managed several global M&A workstreams spanning team alignment, communications, timelines, and post-close integration.
- Directed annual operating planning with regional executives to define priorities, owners, milestones, and execution rhythm.
- Led 5 year strategic planning process with division global leadership to establish key initiatives for long-term division growth.
- Built a 24-month digital roadmap for employee enablement, customer empowerment, eCommerce, and service experience.
- Scaled a three-phase global marketing planning process to improve segment strategy and regional alignment.
- Created USCA eCommerce punchout tracking to improve opportunity visibility, prioritization, and follow-through.
- Streamlined global go-to-market discipline to improve launch consistency, readiness, and cross-functional coordination.
- Led Women’s Network field relations initiatives supporting engagement, development, and enterprise connectivity.
- Developed comprehensive AI roadmap servicing both internal and external value chains while advancing key AI-enabled sales and marketing tools to improve productivity, efficiency, customer engagement / experiences, and adoption.
- Earned corporate marketing award for leading a global change campaign across USCA, EMEAI, LATAM, and APAC in 2020.
- Received PCG Marketing Excellence, Adaptable Ace Award in 2025 for developing / advancing AI initiatives with the Protective Coating Division.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive project plans to enhance operational efficiency.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions to gather insights and drive decision-making processes.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic direction.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate initiative effectiveness and guide improvements.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to define long-term vision and strategic priorities for the organization.
- Managed complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Presented data-driven recommendations to executive leadership, influencing decision-making on critical business issues.
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis to identify untapped opportunities for growth and expansion.
- Formulated long-term strategies that positioned the company for sustainable success in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of strategic initiatives across departments.
- Mentored and developed team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Evaluated potential mergers and acquisitions opportunities, conducting due diligence assessments to inform investment decisions.
Regional Market Segment Director, Food & Beverage / Pharmaceutical
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Cleveland, USA
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Developed growth strategy for a $62M USCA market, partnering with Sales, Strategic Accounts, Technical, Product Marketing, and Communications to expand share and strengthen segment positioning.
- Built sales collateral and value propositions to support Food & Beverage growth opportunities.
- Created Sharepoint sites to improve access to internal and external selling tools.
- Led customer-driven product initiatives, including MMA flooring, FDA rail coatings, and antimicrobial polyaspartics.
- Delivered regional training sessions to strengthen sales confidence and segment execution.
- Developed an e-learning tool adopted into SW University for scalable field training.
- Managed Canada CFIA documentation to support approvals, compliance readiness, and customer needs.
- Led Target 15 and Top 10 Contractor programs to strengthen specifications and key account engagement.
- Served as segment spokesperson through industry speaking and trade publication coverage.
- Analyzed market trends to inform business decisions and optimize competitive positioning of products.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor project success and drive accountability within teams.
Regional Marketing Manager
The Scotts Company
The Woodlands, USA
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Managed regional marketing strategy using consumer insights, profitability analysis, and fact-based planning to support brand expansion, share gain, and customer relevance.
Automotive Division Product Manager – Global Vehicle Refinish
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Cleveland, USA
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Managed a global Vehicle Refinish portfolio tied to $250MM in division sales, leading commercialization, branding, training, digital content, vendor partnerships, and cross-functional launch execution.
- Launched a new product line that delivered 1,600% North American growth.
- Introduced 27 new products through annual planning and disciplined commercialization.
- Built a global launch process that reduced risk and improved speed to market.
- Presented to Wall Street analysts and the Board; served as trade media spokesperson.
- Supported air-dry clearcoat growth from $1.8MM to $5.7MM through global marketing and training.
- Presented product strategy and launch priorities to 800+ employees.
Product Specialist
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Cleveland, USA
01.2007 - 01.2009
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing & Advertising
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA05-2002
MBA - Marketing Management
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH05-2004
Data Driven Marketing Analysis - Marketing Management
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH05-2004
Skills
- Organizational development
- Data analytics
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Innovation management
- Data-driven decision making
- Strategic partnerships
- Scenario planning
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
- Strategic planning and execution
- Strategic business planning
- Continuous improvement
- Project management
- Market research
- Annual planning
Leadership And Community
- Sherwin-Williams Women’s Network Board Member and field relations committee lead
- LMN Feline Rescue Volunteer
- Executive communication and brand positioning development
Executive Value Proposition
AI-enabled sales tools, eCommerce, customer experience, global growth, operating planning, M&A, go-to-market, launch discipline, sales enablement, executive communications, change leadership, cross-functional alignment
Timeline
Director of Strategic Initiatives
The Sherwin-Williams Company
01.2018 - Current
Regional Market Segment Director, Food & Beverage / Pharmaceutical
The Sherwin-Williams Company
01.2013 - 01.2018
Regional Marketing Manager
The Scotts Company
01.2012 - 01.2013
Automotive Division Product Manager – Global Vehicle Refinish
The Sherwin-Williams Company
01.2009 - 01.2012
Product Specialist
The Sherwin-Williams Company
01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Marketing & Advertising
Robert Morris University
MBA - Marketing Management
Cleveland State University
Data Driven Marketing Analysis - Marketing Management
Cleveland State University