Former Ready Pac executive joins Fusion Marketing
Former Ready Pac executive joins Fusion Marketing
Neil Merritt, a veteran of the produce industry, has joined Fusion Marketing as director of sales and business development. Merritt’s extensive background in sales, trade marketing, category management and industry board leadership positions will serve him well as he propels Fusion to the next level of sales expertise and client services.
Neil Merritt
“Neil brings an enthusiastic drive for results,” Steven Muro, president of Los Angeles-based Fusion Marketing, said in a press release. “He understands the business of produce and has knowledge in so many areas, which will enhance our services to new and existing clients to help them grow their bottom line."
Prior to joining Fusion, Merritt held key executive positions at leading industry corporations. His produce career launched at Dole Foods as senior category manager of national accounts, which resulted in expanded distribution and performance at many retailers including Kroger, Ahold, Loblaws, Albertsons and Wal-Mart.
Merritt then drove category management, trade marketing and consumer initiatives across the West division of Unilever Foods North America. He was recruited from Unilever to lead the Ready Pac category management and trade marketing team. His work and dedication earned him a promotion as Ready Pac’s division vice president of national accounts, where he was responsible for over $85 million in retail produce sales.
After that, Merritt joined HMR Foods as vice president of sales and marketing and had great success with national expansion in Trader Joe’s fresh and frozen departments; major program implementation with Target; and multi-category growth at Safeway.
Merritt’s vast industry experience has led him to many industry board positions, including United Fresh Produce Association’s Marketing & Merchandising Board Member, Leadership Alumni Board Member and Leadership Class Alumni Board; the Produce Marketing Association’s 40 under 40 Class of 2010 and Fit Career Ambassador; and the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Southern California committee chair.
“I am excited to join Fusion’s team,” Merritt said in the press release. “I was looking for a position that would draw upon my past experience and yet allow me to expand and develop new opportunities. I found that at Fusion. Fusion is passionate and committed to providing the highest quality services through their customized approach to client deliverables. I am looking forward to joining such a forward-thinking company.”
Merritt’s broad retail trade sales and marketing background will provide high-level category management, strategic business planning and sales growth opportunities for Fusion Marketing’s new and existing produce clients.
