Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> January 17, 2005
L. DICK BUELL, Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Marketing
Corporation, is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the
organization, leading the senior management team, and the overall
strategic growth and success of the company. Mr. Buell has more than 22
years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry with a heavy
focus on strategic management and marketing. Prior to joining Catalina
Marketing, Mr. Buell was CEO of WS Brands, a holding company within
Willis Stein & Partners, a private equity investment partnership, to
direct acquired businesses within the consumer packaged goods space. Mr.
Buell also held a senior leadership position with Foodbrands America
Inc., a unit of Tyson Foods, as the President and Chief Operations
Officer over all operating units of this $3.5 billion dollar company.
For six years of his 10-year tenure at Griffith Laboratories, Inc., a
$450 million, global food-ingredient company with penetration in 23
countries, Mr. Buell served as CEO. During his time with Griffith
Laboratories, he was responsible for worldwide operating units
including: North America, Central South America, Europe, Japan and Asia/
North Pacific. He and his team grew sales to $450 million, a 44%
increase during his six years as CEO, and increased profits by 71%. Mr.
Buell also served as Vice President of Marketing for Kraft, Inc.,
responsible for all marketing activities for the grocery products
division, which contributed $2.2 billion sales and $260 million in
operating profit. Key retail brands managed included: Kraft Pourables,
Seven Seas Pourables, Parkay and Kraft-branded margarines, Kraft BBQ
Sauces, Bullseye BBQ Sauce, Miracle Whip, Kraft Mayonnaise, Kraft
Macaroni and Cheese, Kraft Caramels, Kraft and Breyers Fruit Spread, and
Kraft Confections, as well as Kraft LaCreme. Additionally, Mr. Buell
served as Vice President of Strategy and Development for Kraft Inc.
prior to his marketing role. He began his career with McKinsey &
Company. Mr. Buell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
from Purdue University, and his Master's degree in Business
Administration from the University of Chicago. Profile
Mr. Buell: Catalina Marketing's vision is about 'Simply Smart
Marketing.' Catalina delivers precisely what our customers need. Our
company is committed
