Tom is a team-oriented senior executive with over 40 years of in-depth digital innovation, product development, marketing management, media, and strategic planning experience. Tom has held leadership positions in large and entrepreneurial companies including Hilton, Cathay Pacific, IBM, Ford Motor Corporation, Grey Advertising, Ketchum Communications, American Isuzu Motors, Chiat-Day/TBWA, Della Femina Travisano Advertising, and Foote, Cone & Belding Worldwide. He has an extensive knowledge of both national/strategic and tactical/retail business models.
Tom has successfully developed and managed start-up organizations and new business initiatives. He is recognized in the industry for team-building, digital strategy, product innovation, brand integration, creative planning, experiential marketing, innovative thinking, concise communications, eCommerce, and for forging strong business relationships with clients. He has led programs for Acura, Honda, BMW, Scion, General Motors, Oracle, and Trilogy Software. Tom has won an "Effie" from the American Marketing Association. He was named one of Ketchum Communications Global Leaders, and elected Chairman of the Board of the YMCA. Tom attended Michigan State University for undergraduate and graduate studies in communication and business administration.
Mark brings in-depth experience in product and corporate marketing to Mercati. Mark was the Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Cirrus Aviation, a leader in the aircraft industry. While at Cirrus, Mark developed digital initiatives to increase the impact of Cirrus' marketing dollars while expanding awareness for the brand. Mark served as Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America where he directed Subaru's global marketing initiatives, including the development of Customer Engagement strategies to drive sales and expand brand reach. Mark was also the Sr. Vice President of Global Marketing and Operations at American Isuzu Motors. He was also Director of Operations for Castlight Productions where he was responsible for online and digital programming. Mark graduated from the Max Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.
Mary Fineman has over 40 years of strategic planning, research, and brand development experience. Mary was the Vice President for Research and Brand Strategy at Cohen/Johnson. She has also held leadership positions at Foote, Cone & Belding, and Unilever. Mary has led quantitative and qualitative research projects for Mazda, Nissan, Ramada Inns, Sitmar Cruise Lines, ARCO, Mattel, Jack In The Box, Nestle, and Dayton-Hudson Stores. She is recognized in the industry for her keen insights and discovery of solutions.
Mary received her MBA in Marketing from New York University. She is a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association, and the Institute for International Research.
Judith is an innovative, team-oriented executive who brings with her over 30 years of experience in Change Management, Program/Operations Management and Process Implementation practice. Judith was Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing Operations and Vendor Management at Campbell-Ewald in Detroit, MI. Prior to this she was Operations Manager for Automated Marketing Systems. She has experience working with General Motors, the U.S. Navy, Farmers Insurance, the United States Postal Service, Kaiser Permanente, Ford Motor Company, and Alltel. During her career, Judith established a Digital Quality Assurance Department for her employer, handled the implementation of corporate resizing and relocation, managed large, complex marketing projects for clients and negotiated long term contracts with outside vendors to ensure smooth production flow. Judith is a founding member of the Digital Council of the National Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and has been a featured speaker at the National Center for Database Management and the National Direct Marketing Association.
Judith received a Bachelor of Science degree from Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI. She also attended the Stephen Covey Principle-Centered Leadership School, and has attended both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University to receive certificates in Leadership and Management.
Neal Lemlein began his career with the advertising agency, Doyle Dane Bernbach, where his first project was marketing the launch of "Star Wars." As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Media Services at Twentieth Century Fox, Neal was responsible for the development and execution of all of the studio's theatrical media-marketing campaigns. There, he developed index systems used throughout the industry to link advertising buys to audience profiles. Later, Neal was signed on by D'arcy Masius Benton and Bowles to establish the agency's entertainment division. Neal brought the Paramount Pictures and NBC Television accounts on board with the agency and generated more than $100 million of billings in less than 12 months. As Executive Vice President of Universal Studios Hollywood, Neal led six departments and a team of 75 employees in revitalizing the theme park's image and grew its market share. In the cable television industry, Neal spearheaded production and programming as well as marketing for the New York Times' innovative "Popcorn Channel" joint-venture.
Neal has taught "Strategic Campaign Planning" at a graduate course level at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and served as an event speaker with 4th Dimension Management. He received a BA from Tulane University, and an MA in International Relations from New York University. He is also an active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Tyler Schaeffer brings with him over 25 years experience as a digital social media and brand strategist. He was the co-founder of Katerva and the Katerva awards. At Katerva, he initiated a global social community and content platform of action for innovation and change designed to convene, catalyze and accelerate breakthrough sustainability solutions for important global social, economic and environmental challenges.
Prior to Katerva, Tyler was the Managing Director of Global Client Leadership at Mindshare where he directed work for American Express and Estee Lauder. He has also served as Senior Vice President of Brand Media Planning at Foote, Cone & Belding Worldwide where he was responsible for developing integrated digital marketing and social media solutions for national clients such as Chase, Citibank, Samsung, Lucent, AT&T, IBM, Jamaica tourist Board, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Fila, Brown Forman, Campbell Soups and Frito-Lay.
Tyler graduated from St. John's University with a degree in marketing and management. He was named an Adweek "Media All-Star," received B2B Magazine's "Best and Brightest Strategist Award," and the Direct Marketing Association's "Echo" Award. Tyler is a sought after speaker, consultant to investment/venture firms, and contributor to many global organizations.