The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Fuad Hannon, VP of New Business Verticals at DoorDash. In this role, he leads a team responsible for building new operating capabilities and delivery channels at DoorDash to expand our local commerce platform to new growth areas. Prior to his current role, Fuad was Head of New Business Verticals at DoorDash, previously a General Manager, and was part of the founding team for DoorDash Drive, the company’s white-label fulfillment platform. Prior to DoorDash, Fuad worked at Google leading their Google Express operations and began his career as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company. Fuad holds a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.Follow Fuad Hannon on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuadhannon/Follow Yoobi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doordash/Follow NIQ online at: https://www.doordash.com/This episode is sponsored by DoorDash.Here's what we discussed:Grocery growth: Grocery has been a big area of investment for DoorDash. What progress have you made, and how do you see DoorDash’s role evolving in this space?Consumer behavior: How does consumer behavior in grocery differ from other categories in on-demand delivery, and what opportunities does this create for grocery brands? Category momentum: What types of grocery categories or products are seeing the most success on on-demand platforms, and why?We learned at GS that you have just expanded your partner list - can you take us through what’s new and exciting with your partners?Convenience & necessity mix: How does the mix of convenience (meal delivery) and necessity (grocery) create differentiated opportunities for brands? Best-in-class partnership: Can you share an example of a partnership with a grocery-focused CPGthat illustrates best-in-class use of DoorDash?Grocery & DoorDash Ads: How does the growth of the grocery vertical unlock new opportunities within DoorDash Ads, and what makes DoorDash a differentiated platform for grocery brands that want to advertise?Dashmart - I am very familiar with this offering through my days at GMI, even have walked through the NYC one, what’s new and exciting about who are leveraging this?Advice to brands: What advice would you give to grocery brands looking to scale their presence on digital platforms like DoorDash?Future of Grocery on DoorDash: What message are you hoping to leave the industry about DoorDash’s leadership in grocery and new verticals?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Sarah Leinberger. Sarah is an ex-colleague of Sri from General Mills. She recently switched to leading marketing and brand management at a startup Yoobi. She is active on the brand speaking circuit from Cannes Lions to Adweek and more. This episode is a recap of how she made the jump, what it takes in a very small environment and how she is laying the path for brand share gains.Follow Sarah on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahzehrerleinberger/Follow Yoobi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoobi-llc/Follow Yoobi online at: https://yoobi.com/Here's what we asked her : Sarah, what's the Yoobi story? What was the consumer problem it solves? In a crowded market, how does Yoobi uniquely stand out to shoppers, retailers, and partners?In your own journey from some of the largest companies and brands to a startup - what’s the biggest change you are experiencing?How are you folks approaching distribution and retail media to scale Yoobi in 2025 and beyond?How is Yoobi leveraging digital shelf, DTC, or omnichannel touchpoints to stay close to consumers?As a marketer, how do you see AIAs a growing brand, how do you balance investments in media versus broader awareness-driving channels?How are Gen Z and younger cohorts influencing Yoobi’s product innovation, brand voice, or community building? What role does sustainability, inclusivity, or brand purpose play in Yoobi’s DNA? What’s your vision for marketing for Yoobi by 2026? What does success look like?For those transitioning from large brands to follow your path, what advice would you give to emerging CPG entrepreneurs looking to navigate retail, media, and consumer demands today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kim Cox, Managing Director for North America eCommerce & Global Snapshots at NielsenIQ, the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Follow Kim Cox on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cox-nielsen/Follow NIQ on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Follow NIQ online at: https://nielseniq.comHere's what we discussed : Let’s get straight to the point - Could you walk us through your framework of “Full View Measurement”? What does it encompass—and what, if anything, is still a work in progress?How has Full View Measurement evolved over the years, and what makes NIQ’s approach uniquely robust in today’s omnichannel environment?NIQ's Full View™ now includes top-tier coverage across online, club, D2C, social, and quick commerce—with account-level insights. Can you highlight how integrating the largest U.S. club retailer strengthens the overall measurement ecosystem?You’ve emphasized deeper private label performance insights. How are manufacturers leveraging that data to inform product strategy and positioning?With 91% of consumers now shopping both in-store and online, what emerging behavioral trends should brands be paying attention to as they optimize omnichannel approaches?“Digital engagement is no longer a complementary strategy—it’s essential to growth.” With growth in some categories slowing, what strategic pivots should CPG and retail leaders consider over the next few years?Going beyond traditional POS, what next-gen data sources or technologies is NIQ exploring to expand omnichannel signal capture—especially in emerging channels like quick commerce and social commerce?How can Full View and related tools empower sales teams to conduct causal analyses on shopper behavior—like identifying why "casual buyers" aren’t converting or where growth is stalling?Where do you see the biggest opportunity for omnicommerce measurement to evolve over the next 18–24 months? How will it reshape strategic planning for brands and retailers?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jordan Rost, head of Ad Marketing for Roku & Jeff Bustos, SVP retail media analytics at Merkle. Jeff is a repeat guest on the CPG Guys and we have had great conversations on the role of retail media in our industry. This episode is focused on retail media including new capabilities, our guests' partnerships and the overall state of retail media research and learnings.Follow Jordan Rost on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrost/Follow Roku on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roku/Follow Roku online at: https://advertising.roku.com/ Follow Jeff Bustos on Linked in at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bustosjeffrey/ Follow Merkle on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merkle/ Follow Merkle online at: https://www.merkle.com/Here's what we discussed :  1. Jordan, give us the latest - Roku was on this podcast  a year ago, what’s changed, what’s new and how is the world of CTV doing?2. Jeff, Roku and Dentsu recently revealed research on shoppable TV advertising and whether it drives success for CPG. Tell us if content commerce integration drives engagement for brands or not?3. Jordan, you now have a partnership with Amazon. Tell us all about it and how advertisers can benefit from this partnership including any measurement?4. Jeff, as an expert of retail media measurement, how are you advising all including Roku to innovate metrics and deliver for CPG brands?5. Jordan and Jeff, are these ads mostly generic or personalized and how are consumers responding to it?6. Jordan, what role does content provide in engagement and attribution - how do you work with brands in ensuring there is ROI?7. Jeff, we know price sensitivity is impacting CPG today. How can brands reach the value-driven shopper?8. Jordan, if a brand hasn’t used CTV before, what’s the best way to give it a try? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week, Sri recaps his visit to Amazon Accelerate.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Laura Knebusch, Senior VP of CPG Marketing at Georgia-Pacific, shares her innovative approach to transforming traditional marketing using AI and data. She discusses how the shift from TV-heavy strategies to a digital-first model has revolutionized media engagement. Laura emphasizes the importance of blending human creativity with AI, and highlights retail media and influencer marketing as growth opportunities. She also delves into the significance of consumer behavior insights and building a culture that embraces creative risk within the organization.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Lesley Conway, VP & Head of Walmart Connect Canada, the Retail Media arm of Walmart's Canadian retail division.Follow Lesley on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyconway/Follow Walmart Connect Canada on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmartconnectcanada/Follow Walmart Connect Canada online at: https://www.walmartconnect.ca/Brands & Retailers looking to attend our Groceryshop Kickoff Party on Sept 28 register here: https://rethink.industries/events/groceryshop-kickoff-party-september-28-2025/Here's what we asked Lesley: Please provide us with an overview of Walmart Connect in terms of your mission and how you integrate into the merchandising activities?How do you define success for Walmart Connect in Canada, both from a brand advertiser and a consumer experience standpoint?Recently, Walmart Connect in Canada adopted the core retail media campaign development platform being operated by your colleagues in the U.S. Would you please elaborate on this change?Walk us through the full funnel capabilities of Walmart Connect Canada: onsite, offsite and in store.What is happening in Canada relative to behavioral data applications?How are you leveraging AI and data analytics to refine ad targeting and improve campaign effectiveness?What strategies are you implementing to deepen partnerships with brands and agency partners in Canada?What KPIs are you prioritizing to measure campaign success and media ROI and how transparent is your measurement approach for brands seeking to activate via Walmart Connect Canada?What is WMC’s current capabilities for self-serve vs managed services and how are your working with commerce acceleration agencies like Flywheel to activate on your platform?What’s the next big milestone you’re aiming for with Walmart Connect Canada?How should brands not currently working with WMC get started with you?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Ben Johnson, SVP of Marketing at Red’s All Natural. Red’s is on a mission to cook food better for people with big things to do. They know they are a good small part of consumers’ great big lives, and they take that seriously. Follow Ben Johnson on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-w-johnson-/Follow Red’s on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/red's-all-natural-llc/Follow Red’s online at: https://www.redsallnatural.com/Here's what we asked him : Red’s positions itself as an authentic, premium foods brand with a strong emphasis on ingredient integrity and product innovation. How do you keep that authenticity alive in marketing while still scaling the brand?In the competitive grocery segment, how do you approach balancing spending between in-store and digital channels to both delight consumers and drive awareness?What strategies is Red’s using to build deeper, more personalized consumer relationships—whether that’s through loyalty programs, social media storytelling, or in-market experiences?With big players leading the pack, what creative plays or differentiators has Red’s leaned into to stand out in a category so saturated with competitors?Have you experimented with newer forms like influencer activations, experiential pop-ups, or TikTok campaigns? If so, which ones are resonating most with Red’s audience right now?Sustainability is often top of mind for natural-focused brands. How do you communicate Red’s environmental or wellness commitments transparently—but without coming across as “preachy” or performative?How are you collaborating with retail partners—whether getting shelf innovation, exclusive SKUs, or co-promotions—to drive both trial and repeat purchase?What marketing metrics (e.g., repeat rate, social engagement, retail velocity) are giving you clear signals on whether your campaigns are advancing the brand’s long-term health?Looking into the future: What CPG and food trends are you most excited (or concerned) about? Are there new innovation territories Red’s is exploring?As a senior marketer, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to emerging marketers looking to lead marketing in the CPG grocery food space today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by returning guest Nik Modi, Co-Head of Global Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets. We actually cover 12 publicly traded company stocks and get Nik's opinion on what's working / not.Follow Nik Modi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-modi-675926/Follow RBC Capital Markets on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rbc-capital-markets/Follow RBC Capital online at: https://www.rbccm.com/en/Here's who we cover : General Mills, P&G, Church & Dwight, Coca-Cola, Kenvue, Monster Energy, Brown Forman & Hershey.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.