Ceciel Box

Over the past decade, I have accumulated valuable experience in leading category development efforts within the FMCG and retail sectors. My roles at PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Colgate – Palmolive have equipped me with the necessary skills to thrive in challenging environments and drive sustainable growth. I have successfully led teams to provide category advise, optimized revenue growth through data analysis, and developed creative and innovative tailored category and brand strategies based on shopper insights and market trends.

My key strengths include resourcefulness, analytical thinking, creativity, passion, enthusiasm, and the ability to work well under pressure.

PepsiCo, CARICAM Jul 2022 - Sep 2023 Panama - CATEGORY MANAGEMENT LEADER - CARICAM 

• Led development of data analysis tools and insights for the Category Management team, leading to 15% growth of CAM Salty Snacks Category.
• Collaborated with Key Customers to identify consumption trends and provide strategic advice, resulting in 8% increase in customer satisfaction.
• Coached and mentored my team to excel as Category Managers by improving their analytical skills and knowledge, driving customers growth and satisfaction.

Nestlé Central America Oct 2020 - Jun 2022 Panama - RETAIL CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

• Establish Category Development/Management mindset within teams & Stakeholders, boosting productivity by 10%.
• Modernized Nestlé Food and Beverage Category Management approach, raising 6% growth and elevating efficiency.
• Led path to sustainable growth for retail & Nestlé, reaching a target service level of 96% on powder milk, coffee, spices, condiments and herbs categories.

Nestlé Centroamerica | Infant Nutrition Jan 2017 - Sep 2020 Panamá - REGIONAL CATEGORY MANAGER

• Achieved recognition from regional and local key customers for best-in-class advising, generating 14% increase in overall sales and profitable growth opportunities.
• Drove Walmart advisorship for Infant Formula and Baby Food Categories, increasing $SOM by 13% and achieving 16% growth for internal stakeholders.
• Increased $SOM by 9% and realized profitable growth opportunities through effective and impactful strategies as Regional Category Manager, transforming CATMAN structure and culture.
• Collaborated with medical trade visit team to deliver category insights aligned with medical facts and statements.

COLGATE - PALMOLIVE (C.A.), Inc. Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 Panamá - SHOPPER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 

• Surpassed sales growth objectives by 10% through strategic promotional activities and shopper marketing campaigns, resulting in increased customer engagement.
• Developed innovative Shopper Path to Purchase solutions, including seasonal programs and corporate promotions, leading to 20% increase in sales and improved brand awareness for Super Xtra. • Saved up to $18K by evaluating and selecting local suppliers and consolidating POP production for more efficient in-store implementation, leading to improved sales and profitability.

COLGATE - PALMOLIVE (C.A.), Inc. Jun 2014 - Dec 2014 Panamá - CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE (STA) 

Led successful initiatives that resulted in doubledigit growth in direct and indirect trade across the Chiriqui region. Significantly improved KPIs, decreased DSO, OOS, DOH, and aging accounts. Revamped offices, provided training, and implemented digitalization upgrades.

COLGATE - PALMOLIVE (C.A.), Inc. Jan 2014 - May 2014 Guatemala - CHANNEL SPECIALIST WAL-MART WAREHOUSES & DISCOUNTERS FORMAT 

Short-term assignment managing the two most important formats of Wal*Mart across Central America region (aprox 65% SOB), closely work behind Colgate's competitive advantage in market with achievements such as maintain TP $SOM while defending from OB reinforcement actions, design differentiated promotional activities, collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement innovative Shelf Ready Packaging and interruptive POP displays and materials, resulting in increased bi-format sales.

COLGATE - PALMOLIVE (C.A.), Inc. Jan 2010 - Dec 2013 Panamá - CATEGORY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR 

• Analyzed growth drivers and identified key opportunities for business and category challenges, leading to an overall 7% increase in market share for Colgate-Palmolive.
• Implemented recommendations based on PDH, SOS, shopper preferences, resulting in a 21% increase in category growth for clients.
• Utilized syndicated data from Nielsen, Kantar, D&N, Household panel to create compelling selling stories and elaborate compelling presentations.

MBA ESDEN, Business School / Madrid / 2020 I decided to pursue Esden MBA Global (online mode). This program gave me an up-to-date vision over new market changes and tendecies to modify abilities and stay competitive in business management.

MASTER DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND EXTERIOR COMMERCE Aliter, International Business School / Madrid / 2006 First experience living abroad with the responsability of earning my degree while growing as independent adult.

BBA Universidad Latina de Panamá / Panamá / 2003 High Management Post Graduate Degree

DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH EMPHASIS IN MARKETING. Universidad de Panamá / Panamá / 2000