Strategic growth specialist.

1. BILL BREMNER
bremner.wm@gmail.com Minneapolis, MN 612.386.5743
www.linkedin.com/in/BillBremnergfb
STRATEGIC MERCHANDISING AND MARKETING EXECUTIVE
Specialize in new entry into high-potential markets and driving profitable growth within existing
markets through merchandising segmentation strategies.
Effective business strategist specializing in driving growth and profitability in existing stores and assessing
opportunity in new markets. Experienced in critical analysis, filtering input and efficiently moving strategies
forward through planning and implementation.
Successful business team leader skilled in building collaborative and trusting team dynamic. Accomplished
builder of productive corporate teams through guidance and support and effective leadership to leverage
members’ expertise and creativity.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Director of Marketing, Jostens Inc, div. of Newell Brands, Minneapolis, MN ● 2016 – present
Responsible for development of B2B and B2C marketing development and execution for the College
Division. Product categories include; class rings, championship rings, diplomas and diploma frames,
announcements, and academic regalia. Also responsible for budget oversight, and team development.
• Newly developed programs won new accounts; University of Kansas, MIT, and Boise State
Senior Group Manager, Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN ● 2011-2015
Managed a team of 11 employees in segmentation data research, strategy development and execution, buying
and merchandising for unique markets. Led development of 1 of 5 corporate key initiatives; Localization.
Selected by Senior Management for this leadership and strategic role based on business development success
in Alaska and Hawaii.
• Led multiple cross-functional teams (CFTs) to develop and execute merchandising and
marketing strategies that increased guest relevance and loyalty for unique consumer segments,
including: Hispanic, African American, Aging, Urban, Beach, Tourist, and Volume.
• Directed CFTs which included Senior Merchant, Guest Insight, Capital Finance, Marketing, and
Merchandise Presentation in developing strategies that enhanced store localization. Impacted
categories across the store; Sporting Goods, Beauty, Healthcare, Home, and Apparel, to name a few.
• Maintained CFT’s focus and project timelines.
• Tested new merchandising segmentation strategies in 10 Chicago stores, the localization initiative
proving ground. Saw 800 basis point improvement in store sales versus control.
• Led development of customized Hispanic merchandising, marketing, and in-store experience which
closed Hispanic spending gap 900 basis points in 18-month test.
• Oversaw Alaska and Hawaii markets, developing strategies that delivered continuously improving
performance out of these high investment markets.
• Recognized for Hawaii posting largest comparable increases in company for 3 consecutive years,
8.9% in FY2014. Overall sales volume exceeded $500M and profitability rate doubled in 5 years.
• Led team managing Women and Infant Children (WIC) program, highly regulated segment
representing $60M in annual sales plus annual incremental basket of $60M.
• Directed 4 project managers that oversaw store and volume designation processes resulting in a 20%
reduction in backroom pulls expense in high volume stores and a 600 basis point reduction in
clearance markdowns in low volume locations.

2. BILL BREMNER Page Two
Senior Manager - Offshore Markets, Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN ● 2005-2011
Led enterprise-wide initiative to deliver a consistent brand shopping experience in company offshore markets
(Alaska and Hawaii). Team included representatives from Distribution, Transportation, Merchandising,
Marketing, Pricing, Non-retail Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Store Operations.
Overcame challenges and advanced opportunities in Alaska and Hawaii markets through:
• Merchandising: Led development of merchandising localization efforts to ensure total store
relevance.
• Pricing: Given uniqueness of both markets, pricing strategies were deliberately and continually
managed maintaining competitive market prices while delivering profitability and positive ROIC.
• Marketing: Oversaw customization of Target circular that highlighted market-specific content and
product pricing. Print production process and timeline sped up to incorporate these new markets.
• Logistics: Partnered with distribution and transportation to efficiently ship products offshore. Lead
times were adjusted for both retail and non-retail supply chain, back room capacity was increased by
40%, and container utilization practices were put in place.
Represented the Merchandising pyramid on an internal exploratory committee charged with evaluating
Canada and Puerto Rico as potential new markets. Recommended merchandising tactics for Canada and
recommended not entering into Puerto Rico.
Senior Manager – Special Projects, Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN ● 2003-2005
Led multiple enterprise-wide projects delivering improved financial and operational performance across
merchandising. Projects included: Circular Pricing Effectiveness, Vendor Agreements System, Assortment
Optimization, and Planogram Zoning Improvements.
Senior Buyer – Tabletop, Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN ● 2000-2003
Delivered P&L for $300M, highly visible, core trend business serving as gateway category for home décor.
Managed team of 10 Buyers, Planning Managers, Business Analysts, and Merchandising Specialists.
• Achieved “Golden Contribution” award for delivering on every component of 2003 financial plan.
• Developed and executed strategy to import brands that elevated product line’s quality, construction,
and surface design.
• Attended European and Asian home shows for identification of trends and moved product to
production faster, with met goal of delivering financial results.
ADDITIONAL TARGET ROLES
Buyer – Tabletop
Buyer – Lawn & Garden
Merchandise Planning Manager – Sporting Goods
Training Lead – Merchandise Planning
Senior Business Analyst – Home Decor
EDUCATION
MBA in Marketing, University of Iowa, Tippie School of Management, Iowa City, IA
BA in Economics and Business, Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA
COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
• Board Member, Tippie School of Management Advisory Council ● 2010-Present
• Cornell College Alumni Board of Directors, 2000-2005