Ms. O'Brien-Bird assists both healthy and underperforming clients to maximize returns on their sales and marketing investments by driving top-line improvements through innovative, high-impact marketing and sales programs, improved key account and channel management practices, product and service portfolio optimization and enhanced sales effectiveness. Currently, Ms. O'Brien-Bird is leading a marketing redesign and brand repositioning effort for a $1.5 billion retailer and direct marketer of apparel and outdoor goods. Earlier this year, she led multiple strategic planning engagements for a $20 billion+ manufacturer of confections, ice cream and other food products.
Over the past four years, Ms. O'Brien-Bird has completed a comprehensive sales force compensation redesign for a $1.5 billion global insurance company; served as a senior adviser to a $600 million reseller of home improvement products / installation services; and led a cost-reduction effort for a $500 million private label manufacturer. Previously, she led the concept repositioning of a 200-unit national casual dining steakhouse chain, as well as a host of additional sales and marketing performance improvement initiatives, and the repositioning of a 200+-unit menswear retailer. She also assisted Del Monte Foods with a number of initiatives, and served as an adviser to Lund International, a $150 million automotive aftermarket accessories manufacturer, and Berkline Benchcraft, a leading furniture manufacturer, on a range of issues including brand strategy, portfolio strategy, competitive positioning and innovation processes.
Prior to A&M, Ms. O'Brien-Bird was a founder and partner of The Epitome Group, responsible for new business development and several complex strategy engagements. Prior to founding Epitome, she led the marketing strategy practice of a boutique Boston-based consultancy, where she directed the growth strategy for a $350 million division of a $1 billion specialty chemicals concern. She also served as the lead marketing executive through the implementation phase to ensure the division's return to profitability and a sustainable market position. Earlier in her career, Ms. O'Brien-Bird held brand management positions for both The Clorox Company and Gillette, and executive positions with two privately held hospitality firms.
Ms. O'Brien-Bird earned an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a master's degree in business administration, with a concentration in marketing, from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
