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Steve Dawson
Sales & Marketing Leadership for Premium Food Brands in North America
Professional Background
Steve Dawson is a distinguished leader with two decades of experience in building successful businesses and driving brand growth in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. With a particular focus on the food and beverage industries, he has constructed a solid reputation for enhancing competitive positioning and increasing profitability across various organizations. Steve's strategic insights are deeply rooted in essential business fundamentals, encompassing cash flow management, customer relationship building, competitive analysis, and fostering a strong company culture. His forward-looking and innovative mindset, combined with a keen awareness of risk, makes him a highly sought-after executive and consultant.
As a seasoned marketing professional, Steve excels in understanding consumer motivation and behavior, empowering brands to adapt their strategies to ever-evolving demographic and technological trends. His innovative approach to marketing positions him as a pioneer in digital marketing, demonstrated by his transformative leadership at Walker's Shortbread Inc., where he successfully led efforts to build a B2C business model centered around Amazon, thereby expanding the organization's market presence and consumer reach.
Education and Achievements
Steve's educational background includes a BSc in Economics with a focus on Government from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and an MBA in International Marketing from Boston University. This formidable academic foundation provides him with robust analytical and strategic skills essential for navigating the complexities of global markets.
Throughout his impressive career, Steve has held senior management roles in both the United States and the United Kingdom, demonstrating his ability to lead teams across multiple regions. Notably, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of three premium food companies and has played pivotal roles in the strategic direction of over thirty premium food, beverage, and wellness brands as a consultant.
In addition to his extensive executive experience, he is an active Non-Executive Director (NED) for two international food companies, solidifying his commitment to board governance and organizational enhancement. Steve’s expertise extends beyond corporate operations, as he has also served as the Interim CEO for various enterprises, including Pots & Co Ltd. and Bahlsen Americas.
Industry Expertise and Global Leadership
Steve's leadership legacy is characterized by his strong track record of driving turnaround and growth strategies, particularly for private and family-owned companies. His strategic focus on e-commerce business development and the warehouse club channel has equipped him with unique insights into consumer purchasing behavior in the premium CPG landscape. Steve's dual citizenship in both the US and the UK places him in a strategic position to understand and influence cross-border business initiatives, making him a valuable asset in the global marketplace.
As a member of GlobalScot, Steve continues to contribute to the enhancement of the UK's export strategies, having previously served as the CEO for the UK Government Export Agency. His ability to lead businesses across several countries, including responsibilities in the UK, US, and Canada, underlines his adaptability and global business acumen.
Key Skills
Steve Dawson possesses an extensive skill set that enables him to execute complex business strategies effectively. His key competencies include:
- Turnaround & Growth Strategies: Proficient in identifying and implementing strategies to revitalize underperforming businesses while driving sustainable growth.
- Building Winning Diversity Teams: A proven track record in cultivating inclusive and diverse team environments that foster collaboration and innovative thinking.
- Board Governance: Experienced in overseeing company governance processes ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.
- Organizational & Cultural Change: Adept at guiding companies through necessary transformations to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
- P&L Management: Strong financial acumen that informs decision-making and optimizes profitability.
- Consumer Understanding & Brand Positioning: Masterful in aligning brand strategies with consumer insights to enhance market positioning and loyalty.
- Digital Marketing & Pricing Strategy: Early adopter of digital marketing strategies with effective pricing models that resonate with consumers.
- Negotiation & Compelling Sales Presentations: Skilled in articulating and negotiating agreements that deliver value for all stakeholders.
- Market Entry Planning & Value Chain Analysis: Possesses deep analytical skills for evaluating market opportunities and crafting effective entry plans.
Personal Profile & Values
Steve embodies core values of curiosity, innovation, resilience, trust, drive, and empathy. These personal attributes empower him to lead with authenticity and integrity, fostering environments where teams can thrive.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Steve maintains a strong focus on wellness, embracing a lifestyle that includes cooking real food, practicing pilates, playing squash, and sailing—activities he enjoyed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. His passion for wellness informs his approach to leadership, with an emphasis on creating a healthy, balanced workplace.
Having spent 28 years in the US and active citizenship for 13 years, Steve Dawson remains committed to making a positive impact in the global market landscape, leveraging his extensive knowledge and passion for growth in the premium food and beverage sectors.
Achievements
Steve Dawson's career is marked by numerous notable achievements, including leadership roles at reputable companies, a strong contribution to digital transformation in marketing, and an unwavering commitment to fostering organizational excellence. His strategic insight and consumer-centric approach have led to increased brand share and profitability across all the organizations he has served. His dual perspective as both a US and UK citizen provides him with a unique vantage point that enhances his leadership efficacy and ability to establish strong international partnerships.
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