Accelerating Brand Equity for More Than 20 Years
George G. Gelfer is a talented executive who has optimized market share, operational profit, and brand equity for iconic global brands such as Crayola, LLC; Hallmark Corporation, World Kitchen, LLC, and Dyno, LLC—whose products are distributed by multinational fortune-ranked retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon, Lowes, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
George Gelfer’s reputation is that of a strategic and disciplined profit-driven leader. He brings to the table expertise in creating innovative paths-to-consumers, developing international markets, and executing turnaround strategies. What he is most proud of, is building and leading teams that become industry differentiators, creating customer value that generates breakthrough results.
Revitalizing CPG Brands While Optimizing Profit
Over two decades ago, George first entered the consumer package goods industry—today he is a sought-after executive who offers a fresh perspective on solving brand challenges, growing sales through customer partnerships, and commercializing innovation to create best-in-class divisions.
He cultivates a winning record by bringing practical concepts to fruition with a strong sense of what drives business growth in a new consumer era. George demonstrates a commitment to building organizational capabilities that optimize sales, marketing, and operations functions. A P&L executive with a keen understanding that every business decision ripples across the organization.
George progressed in his career to join one of America’s beloved companies—Crayola, LLC. He rose quickly through the ranks, earning several promotions and peaking as Director, U.S. Consumer Crayola Sales Team. His crowning achievement was leading a brand building initiative that changed the company’s trajectory. The launch of the Crayola Destination “store within a store” concept across 15,000 US locations generated $41M in incremental sales.
After his tenure with Crayola, George was tasked with the profit turnaround strategy for World Kitchen, LLC, a $725M global private equity owned Housewares leader (brands: Pyrex, Corningware, Corelle, Snapware, and Chicago Cutlery). He restored profitability in North America while managing a $15M operating budget and drove momentum behind a 9% sales increase by reinvigorating customer partnerships. George continued his advancement at World Kitchen as the Vice President & General Manager of LATAM-EMEA. This entrepreneurial and talented international team achieved profitable market expansion, creating another platform of growth for the company.
Reaching a turning point in his career, George joined Dyno, LLC as their Vice President of Sales and interim head of Marketing. He was charged with revitalizing commercial capabilities in the crafting, sewing, and seasonal space. He developed a three-year strategic plan and core innovation platforms, positioning Dyno for profitability. He strengthened the Singer brand via customer planning, a packaging restage, shopper insights, and also identified quality gaps across the portfolio.
George holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Management from the University of Dayton. George, his wife Sandy, and their two children are active in the community and youth sports programs.
With his eyes set on the CPG future, we can expect great things from George Gelfer.