Claus Essling

Country Manager HARTMANN Portugal

Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

About

Experienced Country Manager in the Health Care Industry, with a proven track record of success in FMCG and MedTech multinationals. Skilled in leading Sales and Marketing Teams on a high level of ComEx as well as Strategy Development and Implementation.

Experience

  • HARTMANN GROUP (23 yrs 6 mos)
    • Country Manager Portugal
      Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

      - setting up the new organization and executing the integration into the new Iberian Cluster - driving organisational and cultural change in ComEx, Client Services, HR and Compliance - goal setting and developing the 5-years country strategy (sales CAGR: +5%), Group board approval - leading the annual operational plan for more profitable growth and it’s execution across B2B and B2C - full P&L responsibility (EBIT above HARTMANN GROUP Ø) - leading a local team of 49 FTEs - leading the regional (Western Europe & Africa) commercial task force B2C

    • Marketing & Sales Director
      2004 - Jun 2023 · 19 yrs 6 mos

      - developing and implementing the national commercial strategy (sales 30M€) - full P&L responsibility - 11 direct reports, leading 4 sales channel teams (25), marketing (6) and BI (1) - implementing a multi-channel strategy, driving for digital communication and e-commerce - implementing a fully engaged (Gallup) working culture through people development - developing and implementing sales efficiency and CRM (salesforce + remote order entry) - Tele-Sales teams effectively integrated into B2B field forces since 2015 - running local test markets, qualifying launch concepts for international OTC roll outs - coordinating and developing the international B2C go-to-market task force (10 countries)

    • International Marketing Manager
      Jan 2003 - Jan 2004 · 1 yr 1 mo

      - developed the 5 year’s Strategy of Ria® (Feminine Hygiene, major challenger of P&G-Always® in Eastern Europe), introducing 2 re-launches incl. new TV-campaign - implemented a continuous international POS promotion program with Bel® cotton wool pads and buds - introduced the international HARTMANN Car-First Aid Kit promotion with exceptional growth results

  • Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (3 yrs 9 mos)
    • International Marketing Manager
      Jan 2000 - Dec 2002 · 3 yrs

      - developed and implemented the 5 year's European brand and business development strategy for Vildea Consumer Washing & Wiping Products - launched and internationally rolled out a new generation of Vileda Microfibre cloths - developed, produced and internationally coordinated the airing of the Vileda TV campaign for Microfibre cloths - conducted a new Vileda packaging design including a significant SKU and complexity reduction program

    • Group Product Manager
      Apr 1999 - Dec 1999 · 9 mos

      - launch of newly developed active fibre dish cloth under the Vileda brand - development and implementation of the seasonal promotion for the Vileda-Clear-View product

  • Brand Manager at Danone
    Jul 1996 - Mar 1999 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    - conducted brand equity study and developed a new Birkel Pasta Strategy - launched new sub-brand Birkel Pasta Pura, targeting young families - developed and produced national TV campaign for the Birkel Umbrella-brand - developed and implemented all retail POS activities - full budget responsibility for the Birkel brand

  • Assistant Brand Manager at Kraft Foods
    Jan 1995 - Jun 1996 · 1 yr 6 mos

    - led national launch of Kraft Pasta Sauces line extension into the premium segment - developed and implemented the promotion for the Kraft Pasta Sauce Family - conducted market research on new product ideas under the Kraft brand

  • Trainee Marketing Consultant at Capital Partners International
    Feb 1994 - Dec 1994 · 11 mos

    - led 3 market entry projects for German clients in the food and drink sector - acquired 2 new clients in the food sector