SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 18, 2016) - U-Vend, Inc., a consumer products and technology company that develops, distributes and markets next-generation self-serve electronic kiosks in a variety of retail environments across North America, announced that Michael W. Crone, a proven industry professional with over forty years of consumer sales, marketing and strategic planning experience, has joined the Company as Senior Vice President. Michael will report to Mark Chapman, President of U-Vend, America, Inc. Chapman and Crone have combined experience of over 75 years in successfully leading consumer products companies at all levels.
"Both Mark and Mike have had repeated high accomplishments at leading the production, sales and marketing efforts within numerous, multi-billion dollar consumer product companies, and as we begin the launch our new sport-themed ice cream products throughout North America, we couldn't ask for two more innovative, energized and focused executives," stated Raymond Meyers, CEO of U-Vend, Inc.
"We are very fortunate to have Michael join our team at this stage of U-Vend's development, and I am looking forward to partnering with him as we build our line of unique consumer products," stated Mark Chapman.
Prior to joining U-Vend, Crone was Senior Vice President of Sales at Well's Dairy from January 2005 through March 2015, a family-owned company producing and distributing the Blue Bunny and Weight Watchers brands, as well as private-label products for several major retailers. Under his direction, Well's Dairy sales increased 53% to $1.2 billion and elevated its brand from #7 nationally to #3. While at Wells, he expanded product distribution to many key retailers including Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Meijer, HEB and 7-11. Michael was responsible for over 500 people in the Retail Marketing and Sales team and increased Blue Bunny Novelty distribution over 60% to 81% and Weight Watchers to 91%, all-commodity volume (ACV).
From October 1999 until January 2004, Crone served as Vice President, Sales and Distribution and Vice President, Distribution Strategy and Acquisitions at Nestlé Ice Cream Company, where he developed and implemented strategy for distribution that resulted in three successful acquisitions, with combined sales of $84.5 million, and two start-ups, all achieving economic profitability in two years. Crone grew points of distribution over 20% and annual sales 9-12% in non-supermarket channels by placing over 30,000 impulse freezers in select markets in 3 years, and successfully negotiated with Dreyers Grand Ice Cream that resulted in $23 million net profit improvement over 5 years.
From March 1991 to October 1999, Michael rose from Director of Southeast U.S. Sales to National Vice President of Sales at Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Co., a division of Pillsbury/Diageo. He managed operational responsibilities that included P&L, sales, market share, trade marketing, customers, over 600 personnel, trucking fleet, logistics, over 80 distributors and field and HQ sales teams. He increased Häagen Dazs consumption at a 10% compound rate from 1998-2002, while driving annual sales from $325 million in 1991 to over $700 million in 1999 through developing agreements with Nestle and Ben and Jerry's. Prior to Häagen Dazs, Michael held progressively responsible positions at Frito Lay, culminating in Division Sales Manager responsible for $100 million in sales, 500 personnel and ranked #1 in performance out of 7 divisions.
"I am very excited about this opportunity at U-Vend. The global branding relationships that are being developed create a strong value proposition with which to launch our new consumer products category. I think the potential of our sport-themed premium ice cream products, and the social interaction we can create with consumers, is tremendous. I am looking forward to working with Mark and the team at U-Vend," stated Crone.
