Susan Guerin

Board Member and Financial Committee Chair @ Smith Foods Inc

About

A respected business leader with ability to drive change that improves top-line growth while delivering profitability. Considerable experience with consumer products, retail and apparel companies inclusive of small domestic firms and large multi-nationals. Possesses the ability to quickly assess business situations, identify drivers and opportunities and implement solutions that improve the bottom line. Recruited initially to serve as CFO, the World Finer Food team’s enthusiasm for the company’s mission and dedication to the brands they support was a strong selling point. Led efforts to reorganize and invest in capabilities that allowed WFF to modernize and provide a holistic and leading-edge approach for all clients using proven strategies and innovations. Following promotions to President in 2014 and CEO in 2015, continued to develop a team-based leadership approach that supports every facet of the business. Personally dedicated to each brand’s success, travels to locations to meet with clients and vendors and get to know them and their products. “It better taste great or have unique characteristics,” to become part of the WFF family. Clients are valued as part of the WFF family; they are welcomed at home for cooking, recipe-testing and camaraderie. Holds and incorporates the values of hospitality gained as a student at Cornell’s School for Hotel Management into work every day. Recognizes the significant need for people to have great tasting, healthy food and beverage; serves on the boards of Smith Foods, Down the Block and Cornell Dean's Advisory and supports WFF’s efforts with Table to Table, Operation Blessings and other charities. A finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year award and recipient of SmartCEO’s Brava’s award in 2016.

Country

United States

City

Short Hills

Industry

Consumer Goods

Skill

Strategy, Business Planning, Leadership, Forecasting, Mergers, Financial Analysis, Restructuring, Financial Reporting, Strategic Planning, Strategic Financial Planning, Budgets, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Financial Modeling, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Executive Management, Contract Negotiation, Divestitures, Internal Controls, Auditing

Experience

Board Member and Financial Committee Chair

Smith Foods Inc

2017 - Present · 9 yrs

Orrville, Ohio

President and Chief Executive Officer

World Finer Foods

2014 - Present · 12 yrs

Bloomfield NJ

As President and Chief Executive Officer at World Finer Foods, lead a robust team of talented professionals to deliver best-in-class national sales and marketing services, and efficient systems and logistics for more than 60 domestic and international food, beverage and personal care brands. Work to create a culture of inclusivity at WFF, both in terms of management style and client relationship approach. Extends a strong sense of hospitality towards clients to foster a close working relationship that results in open communication, clear expectations and a solid foundation for growth.

Chief Financial Officer

World Finer Foods

2013 - 2014 · 1 yr

Responsible for finance, strategy, IT and supply chain. Created efficiencies, developed new management systems and innovations to lead WFF into the future. Consistently worked to improve shareholder value through top line growth and improved operational efficiencies.

Managing Partner

Stratham Hills Partners

2009 - 2013 · 4 yrs

As a Managing Partner, consulted for large and small clients on strategy development and execution, with a focus on growth and operational effectiveness. Supported entrepreneurs in launching startup companies, building businesses and creating successful liquidity events. Customers included Trukfit, Hain-Celestial, Tomra North America, Evenflo, Sally Miller, and Geller and Company. At Trukfit, for a new apparel line for Lil Wayne, as CFO/CAO, wrote the business plan for fund raising and built the brand. As consulting COO of the Hain- Celestial snack business, worked to integrate the Sensible Portions business into Hain while continuing the rapid annual growth.

Board Member and Chair, Compensation Committee

Vyteris

2008 - 2011 · 3 yrs

Greater New York City Area

Senior Vice President and CFO

Sun Chemical

2007 - 2009 · 2 yrs

As SVP and CFO at Sun Chemical, a $4B company, led finance, IT, shared services and customer service, and led the global packaging solutions business.

Board Member

Paralec Corporation

2005 - 2008 · 3 yrs

Greater New York City Area

President, Americas Apparel Group

Paxar

2005-9 - 2007-6 · 1 yr 10 mos

As President of the North and South American Apparel business at Paxar, led a successful turnaround through relocation of manufacturing, realignment of the sales organization and elimination of competing business units, leading to top line and bottom line growth and undisputed market leadership. These strong results contributed to the successful takeover bid by Avery Dennison.

CFO, Vehicle Services Division

Cendant

2003 - 2005 · 2 yrs

As CFO of the Vehicle Services Division of Cendant Corporation, completed an IPO and tax-free, spin-off of two business units. Lead member of the team to create a travel content strategy and execute plan.

CFO Lerner New York, New York and Company

L Brands

2000-9 - 2003-2 · 2 yrs 6 mos

Implemented store profitability, shrink reduction programs and labor scheduling, resulting in profitability improvement and the ultimate sale of the business to private equity.

Commercial Director

Unilever

1985-4 - 2000-9 · 15 yrs 6 mos

Contributed to the Unilever Group in the U.S. and overseas through a series of promotional opportunities, working in food, personal care, detergents, prestige personal care, and Treasury.