Jaya Cummaragunta

Experience

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  Fresh Express

  Jan 1995 - Jan 2003

  Project Manager│Business Management│Market Research│P&L│Budgeting│Sales Forecasting

  Fresh Express®, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chiquita brands, is the nation's number one producer of fresh salads. It was the first firm to package and nationally distribute a fresh-cut, ready-to-eat salad.I joined the team in 1995 as a project manager. In this role, I managed strategic innovation planning and tactical activities for four major product lines with annuals sales of over $100 million. I managed relationships with key foodservice customers including McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. In addition, I provided executive oversight for P&L, sales forecasting, and budget.Key accomplishments included: ✔ Hands-on market research with customers✔ Worked cross-functionally with all departments to execute new products and develop go-to-market plans Show less

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  Earthbound Farm

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2005

  Marketing Manager ♦ New Products│Consumer Insights│ROI│Growth Strategies│Brand Awareness

  Earthbound Farms has been farming for more than 25 years and has become the world’s largest grower of organic produce. Their original commitment to organic farming has never wavered. They're dedicated to bringing the benefits of organic food — fresh, flavorful, and healthy — to as many people as possible.In 2003, I joined the team as the Marketing Manager and developed long-term growth strategies, along with planning and execution for all marketing and innovation needs for new product development. Overall, I managed P&L and created account specific programs that increased awareness of our brand. I also increased sales with a limited marketing budget. Key accomplishments include: ✔ Launched 30 new products (>$15 million in sales)✔ Established strong partnerships with external agencies and internal teams to execute go-to-market strategies✔ Built and implemented ROI-based discipline to evaluate and assess marketing programs Show less

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  WD-40 Company

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2016

  Global Innovation Director│Portfolio Management │Research & Development│Project Manager│New Products

  WD-40 Company produces lubricants, hand cleaners, and household cleaners worldwide. Its products include WD-40, a multi-purpose product, which acts as a lubricant, rust preventative, penetrant, cleaner, and moisture displacer; WD-40 Specialist, a line of best-in-class specialty maintenance products.As a leader in the organization, I strategically developed, managed, and evaluated global innovation, which resulted in prioritized roadmaps of new product platforms and categories for the long-term growth of sales and EBITDA. Also, I achieved optimal business results through collaboration with global team members and brought consumer, customer and market insights to the forefront of decision-making in innovation.While in R&D, I also served as Project Lead for two of the largest global initiatives ($300 million/yr. and $137 million/yr. sales impact), bringing discipline and working with global stakeholders (including the CEO) to ensure alignment and scope.Plus, it was my goal to streamline processes by implementing tools for new product development to maximize return on investment.Key accomplishments include:✔ Directed execution of new line of products (WD-40 Specialist)✔ Developed, managed and reported on Global NPD budget to ensure SG&A plans were met✔ Championed and led global new product development process improvement by partnering with global teammates Show less

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  University of California San Diego

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2018

  Chief Operations Officer ♦ Alumni│Data Optimization│Team Leadership & Development│Improve Efficiency

  Recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide, UC San Diego's culture of collaboration sparks discoveries that advance society and drive economic impact. Everything the organization does is dedicated to ensuring its students have the opportunity to become changemakers, equipped with the multidisciplinary tools needed to accelerate answers to our world’s most pressing issues.In 2017, I joined the University's team as the alumni department's COO. In this role, it's my goal to positive impact the department's reach by accessing analytics and communication methods to reach former students. Through effective leadership, I work with my team to achieve our goals by optimizing data, systems, and processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness with regards to alumni engagement. Primary goals: ✔ Use business intelligence to identify growth opportunities ✔ Providing back-end support, along with effective systems and processes to enable stronger connections with alumni To learn more about my career accomplishments, please contact me directly. ✉ jcummaragunta@yahoo.com Show less

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  Girl Scouts San Diego

  Jul 2018 - Jun 2019

  Chief Operating Officer
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  AdvancewithAVA

  Oct 2019 - Dec 2022

  Co-Founder

  AVA is an action-oriented learning community for ambitious professional women. We provide an open, honest place to learn and practice the tools and skills you need to Assess, Visualize and Advance your career.

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  Mill'd

  Jun 2020 - Dec 2023

  Founder| Product Development | Brand | Operations | Strategy
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  JaeCee Consulting

  Apr 2024 - now

  Independent Consultant

  Food and Agriculture consultant specializing in biochar for carbon credits, transforming agricultural waste into value-added products and increasing the use of underutilized crops beneficial to the environment that combat climate change. Expertise in conducting feasibility studies (assessing technical, environmental and economic viability), engaging with stakeholders, project design, securing funds and implementation.