Phil Stern

Director, Consumer Product Research and Human Connections

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

Accomplished and versatile consumer research and sensory expert with advanced degrees in statistics and experimental psychology and an MBA. Global experience spans several industries (consumer products, consumer healthcare, household products, cosmetics, ethical pharmaceuticals, and foods) and disciplines. An architect of highly efficient, fit-for-purpose research to enable companies reach better decisions faster leading to successful new products with the best sensory characteristics and concept fit. A respected, value-adding member of leadership and executive teams. Developer of talent, cited for empowering his international staff. Motivator and builder of capabilities through coaching and mentoring, especially of junior staff. Dynamic communicator known for taking abstract, complex ideas and presenting them clearly and concisely to all layers of the organization. Highly creative problem solver and trained innovation facilitator. Specialties: Consumer and Clinical Product Testing for Insights and Development Guidance | Sensory Evaluation | Claim Substantiation

Experience

  • Director, Global Beverage Product Research at PepsiCo
    May 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 3 mos

    Bringing new beverage products to market via sensory, qualitative, quantitative, and survey research to uncover human-centric insights

  • Head Sensory / Consumer Guidance Research at Lorillard (LTC)
    Aug 2012 - Apr 2015 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    Senior Product Development leader, responsible for introducing the Voice of the Consumer in the earliest stages of R&D. Provider of statistical consultation, support, and training to PD, Operations, and Marketing Research. Designer of consumer research and author of IRB-ready protocols.

  • GlaxoSmithKline (23 yrs)
    • Director | Sensory Sciences and Clinical Supplies
      2001 - Dec 2011 · 11 yrs

      Supported all Consumer Healthcare product categories including OTC medicines, medical devices, dietary supplements, oral healthcare products, cosmetics, and foods. Ten direct reports located in the US and the UK. Led Sensory Testing Center for in-house employee / consumer research and clinical trials with a highly trained staff of 5 sensory scientists dedicated to deliver results for quantitative and qualitative research at all stages of product evolution from exploratory through to post-marketing, from expert panels to consumer home use tests, to enable faster and smarter decision making to enhance commercial success. Center operated as a full service contract research organization responsible for the design, preparation (including securing funding) and conduct of studies, data analysis, and reporting results.

    • Manager | Head Consumer Research | Product Evaluation Center
      1989 - 2001 · 12 yrs

      Ran semi-independent consumer testing unit that conducted 100 national mail-out panels, more than 100 in-house employee tests, and about 20 small-scale clinical trials per year. Reported to Senior VP of R&D and managed group of 2 scientists, 1 statistician, and 3 technicians. End-to-end operation supported all product lines: Oral healthcare (Sensodyne), medical devices (Poligrip / Polident), OTC medicines (BC and Goody’s headache powders; Balmex, Nytol), cosmetics, household products (2001 Flushes, X-14 cleansers, Lava Soap), and ethical pharmaceuticals (Reed & Carnrick division).