Ellen Dutton

Experience

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  Whirlpool Corporation

  Dec 1991 - Aug 2021

  Launched the industry’s first suite of global cordless appliances using a proven innovation framework.Over delivered planned net sales by 54%, DCM by 40%, and units by 61%, even in a Supply Chain allocation shortage due to Covid global microchip shortages and transportation challenges. Grew the category 8 points of market share. 5-star ratings exceeded planned targets. Two of the appliances received “Product of the Year” awards in Canada. Earned PR TV coverage on top-tier & lifestyle outlets. Products floored at 1,460 store locations and multiple D2C sites. Cross-functional design team to create a new Visual Brand Language product architecture resulting in line extensions.Piloted a global launch team to improve collaboration among key functions and regions to coordinate a successful launch. Established accountability for the launch success among multiple marketing functions. Cross-functional engineering team (project management, system architect, system integrator, global consumer design, studio engineering, usability expert, procurement & finance). Translating Voice of the Consumer to Voice of the Engineer with complete technical requirements documentation. Concise documentation of the analysis and verification activities completed during product introduction, design change and product re-certification.Spearheaded end-to-end commercialization process with consumer led mindset using rapid product development through customer insights and strategic sourcing. Managed OEM supplier’s external engineering team.Designed a 10-year consumer brand roadmap.Member of inclusion and diversity team paving new experiences for our global KitchenAid team. Show less Ensure Whirlpool delivers sustainable product leadership while driving towards our corporate vision of delivering the best branded consumer products, in every home around the world.Successfully piloted first iteration of complete overhaul of Product Launch Process within global product teams.Pioneered engineering/product development operational enhancements while driving design engineering excellence in all product development, cost reductions, manufacturability and quality improvements. Simultaneously launched a new sub brand of washers & dryers while completing multiple MOB projects. Full competitive tear downs & evaluations to define cost take out suggestions and best in class evaluation.Developed a culture that used techniques for planning, development, and execution of projects. Identifying high risk knowledge gaps cross-functionally and close them prior to production. Utilization of an Andon system to surface and resolve problems immediately. Validation of multiple concepts, systems, and production concepts. Show less Responsible for the category strategy and execution for Whirlpool's water filtration business. Worked with process partners to develop long range product plans with the right consumer innovation and product cadence aligned with brand architecture and business goals. Created 5 year business Roadmaps. Developed and launched new opportunities to profitably grow the water filtration business. Ensured a strong innovation pipeline that met consumer needs. Designed, developed, and Project Manager for the first ever EveryDrop PopOut (TM) Pitcher. Ensured project's adherence to the innovation processes, lead tollgate reviews for the projects to bring concepts from ideation stage to production. Conduct business performance analysis, including revenue, volume, product earnings, category gap analysis, balance of sale, and market share. Show less Field Communications Manager in the Laundry Merchandising Department. Our team was responsible for determining pricing, promotions, product, and placement product for the entire laundry category for the North American Region. Liaison between business partners to write, develop, and implement sales and marketing communication plans to be utilized by our entire network of Trade Customers and selling organization. Single Point of Contact for all technical, educational, and product questions that come via the sales organization. Change management cross category functional lead for all four major categories. Show less Whirlpool Web World is a B2B website that Trade Partners and our selling organization use to place orders, review orders, check availability, view communications bulletin board, see programs and price sheets and all product specs. Took the existing platform and transformed it from an order processing site to a communications site that increases sales. Worked with GIS IT department to develop Web Services that can be used globally. Successful daily change management with embedment and education of the site throughout our organization, independent dealers, and the contract channel. Launched and marketed the new site at all Best Buy stores. Successful project management with 3rd Party companies that facilitate Website design, Creative personas, and Training. $4.5 million project. Show less Won Rookie of the Year in a national Whirlpool competition in April 2004. Contract Rookie of the year for the Eastern Region. Total sales for 2003 were $8,410,374 against a quota of $6,970,449. 121% over quota. Dollars shipped to new accounts in 2002 - $1,092,625. This is 13% of total dollar sales. Signed 1,800 living units in multi-family new construction. Signed up a new account in every single channel available. Led a seminar at Atlantic Builders Convention with 100+ attendees. Planned and coordinated “Messiest Garage in Delaware” live radio broadcast. Member of National Home Builders Association. Account Manager of the month for October 2002 even though I had only held the position for four months. Show less Responsible for sales in DSN for national accounts, DSN accounts, and buying groups through cold calls and lead follow-up. Automated quote process - core team and pilot team member. Studied property management for six months and devised a process before others were hired for department for first ever DSN department. Proficient with order management. Member of PC Resource team - conducted numerous training seminars. Completed business plan for process improvement with Access. Implemented a myriad of process improvements with Trade Partner Financial Services. Attained a high performance organization and fulfilled WES principals. Team sells to over 9,000 ship-tos. Participated in NAA show. Show less Proactive teleservice intervention with contract builders to provide sales leadership and order processing functions. Maintained an account that was recognized by Professional Builder Magazine as the Builder of the Year for 1993. Managed and forecasted sales for an account that was doing $487,000 in business yearly. Handled both dedicated accounts and incoming 800 calls. Assisted in the early developmental stages of the Commercial Laundry Department. Helped to develop an ACT database to refer potential customers to distributors. Show less

  • Global Product Marketing Manager for KitchenAid

    Jun 2018 - Aug 2021

  • Product Development & Marketing Manager

    Jun 2016 - May 2018

  • Category Manager - Integrated Business Units

    May 2013 - May 2016

  • Merchandising Manager - Laundry Department

    Apr 2011 - Apr 2013

  • Sales Manager

    Aug 2007 - Apr 2011

  • Process Manager – eBusiness Department

    May 2004 - Jul 2007

  • Contract Account Manager

    Jun 2002 - May 2004

  • Inside Sales Representative – Contract DSN – Kitchen Dealers, ACDs, ARDs

    Apr 1999 - May 2002

  • Inside Sales Representative – Contract DSN - Property Management

    Aug 1994 - Apr 1999

  • Contract Teleservices Account Representative

    Dec 1991 - Aug 1994
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  ESTEEM Graduate Program at the University of Notre Dame

  Jul 2021 - now

  Assistant Teaching Professor - Curriculum and Capstone Advisor - Manager of Startup Programming

  About the ESTEEM Graduate Program:The ESTEEM Graduate Program is a one-year Master of Science degree program at the University of Notre Dame that equips students from technical backgrounds with the skills and experience to launch new businesses, become innovators within large corporations, and be leaders of dynamic, innovative teams. Over the course of a year, students are immersed in an entrepreneurial sandbox, where they get their hands dirty with entrepreneurship and innovation through a cutting-edge curriculum, a capstone commercialization project for an emerging technology, and outstanding out-of-the-classroom experiences.ESTEEM emphasizes the action of entrepreneurship, not just the study of it. By the time they graduate, due to the rigorous academic experience (including a high degree of experiential learning), exposure to real-life business ventures, and exceptional mentorship, ESTEEM students find their technical skills impactful and marketable in a rapidly changing economy. Students are launched into career tracks outside of narrow technical roles, taking positions of leadership at the intersection of business and innovation.About the IDEA Center:The IDEA Center is the University of Notre Dame’s collaborative innovation hub dedicated to expanding the technological and societal impact of the University’s innovations. It provides the necessary space, services and expertise for idea development, commercialization, business formation, prototyping, entrepreneurial education and student entrepreneurial efforts. It is designed to bring the best Notre Dame faculty, staff and student ideas and innovations to market. Show less