Paulo Goelzer, Ph.D.

President, CEO

IGA Coca-Cola Institute

Paulo has been working in retail, distribution, education, and marketing for 16 years. He was international editor for a Brazilian trade journal and the co-author of the textbook Distribuição de Classe Mundial, published by IMAM, and a chapter in Advances in Global Leadership, published by Elsevier Science.

Brian Harris, Ph.D.

Founder, Chairman

The Partnering Group

Brian is recognized worldwide as the developer of the Category Management approach. He began to develop this business process in the mid-1980's as a logical step in the evolution of retail buying and merchandising management methods.

Heather Kane

Director of Training and Development

Nielsen

Heather joined Nielsen in 2005, supporting Nielsen client teams in sales planning, training and certification projects. Previously, Heather spent more than 12 years with Maytag International in a variety of marketing roles, leading product and marketing initiatives for Maytag, Jenn Air, and Amana appliances, in Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific.

Ryan Matthews

Author, Founder and CEO

Black Monk Consulting

Ryan is a best selling author, a successful international consultant, meeting facilitator and a sought after commentator on topics as diverse as innovation, technology, global consumer trends, and retailing. Ryan is the co-author of The Myth of Excellence: Why Great Companies Never Try to Be the Best at Everything.

Fran Spence

Principal

Spence Consulting

With 29 years of experience in the retail and consumer goods industry, Fran brings a wealth of experience in category management analysis and the implementation of fact-based selling applications and tools for the consumer packaged goods industry, health and beauty care manufacturers, retailers, and sales agencies.