The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Abby Laursen, Senior Director of Ads Product Marketing at Snap Inc., a technology company that contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Learn more about Snapchat for Business : https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/cpgguysFollow Abby on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-laursen/Find the Snapchat Generation Report here: https://newsroom.snap.com/snapchat-generation-reportRead Snap Success Stories here: https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/inspirationAbby answers these questions:What makes Snap a uniquely powerful platform for CPG marketers compared to other social or retail media environments?"How does Snap bridge the gap between upper-funnel storytelling and lower-funnel conversion?"Snap’s focus has always been on real relationships. How does that translate into real retail outcomes for brands?"What does Gen Z expect from CPG brands today — and how should brands evolve to meet that? What’s the biggest myth brands still believe about Gen Z engagement on social platforms?How is Snap helping brands remain culturally relevant while staying true to their identity?What’s the biggest myth brands still believe about Gen Z engagement on social platforms?How do you see the line between social and retail blurring in the next 12–24 months?"What does the future of 'retail media meets social commerce' look like from your seat? What’s one innovation or trend at Snap that CPG leaders should be paying more attention to?How is Snap helping brands prove ROI, especially when it comes to full-funnel performance? How do you think about attribution in a world where so many platforms are walled gardens?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/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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. 

Ajay Salpekar, GM of Brand & Creator Commerce at TikTok, has an impressive background with experience at Unilever and Amazon. He shares how shopping on TikTok can go from 19 days to just 19 seconds thanks to compelling content. Ajay highlights the importance of creator partnerships for brand storytelling and reveals strategies for turning viral moments into sustained sales. He also discusses how TikTok Shop empowers small beauty brands through authentic collaborations, reshaping their visibility and engagement in a competitive market.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Dan Bonert, SVP of Retail Analytics and Retail Media at NielsenIQ. Dan has a background in media from his days at Amazon and was able to share quite a few insights on today's environment LIVE from the NielsenIQ c360 conference down in Hollywood, FL. Ajay Sharma, VP of ecommerce + omnichannel was our guest co-host for this episode, officially now his 6th appearance on the CPGGUYS.Find Dan Bonert on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbonert/Find NielsenIQ on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Find NielsenIQ online at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/Here's what we asked him : What are the key challenges you foresee in the retail media landscape, and how do you intend to address them?How does your experience at Amazon and The Trade Desk inform your approach go forward in retail media?How is NielsenIQ integrating advanced analytics to enhance retail media offerings?What technological innovations are you most excited about in the retail media space?Can you discuss how NielsenIQ’s Full View™ platform contributes to retail media strategies?How do you foster collaboration between retailers and brands within NielsenIQ’s ecosystem?What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of retail media?What consumer behavior changes have you observed, and how are they impacting retail media? How do you see the role of personalization evolving in retail media strategies? What advice would you give to brands looking to optimize their retail media investments?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/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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. 

Cristina Preston, Director of Digital Marketing at Schnuck Markets, delves into the evolving landscape of grocery digital marketing. She discusses the pivotal role of personalization while navigating data privacy concerns. Cristina highlights the importance of customer feedback in shaping strategies and the necessity for partnerships in reaching consumers effectively. She also touches on emerging trends like authenticity in social commerce and the need for businesses to foster a culture of continuous learning to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jeff Cohen, Tech Evangelist at Amazon Ads as we discuss the key themes discussed at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Jeff on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/jeffreycohenFollow Amazon Ads Partners on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/amazon-ads-partners/Follow Amazon Ads Partners online at: https://advertising.amazon.com/partners/networkWe cover 5 key themes from the conference:Impact of AI on contentRetail Media NetworksInfluencer MarketingLearningNetworkingCPG 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/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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. 

Tanner Elton, Vice President of US Advertising Sales at Amazon, shares insights from his transformative journey in advertising. He discusses how innovation shapes leadership at Amazon and the importance of collaboration for creative growth. Tanner reveals evolving consumer behavior trends impacting advertising strategies, including new partnerships like Roku. He also highlights how Amazon is responding to industry challenges and the importance of customer feedback in crafting successful brand campaigns. This engaging conversation celebrates not just brand building but also the future of advertising in a digital world.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kevin Host, SVP of Pharmacy at Walmart. He is the current chair of NACDS (National association of chain drug stores) and we've had the pleasure of hearing him speak LIVE from Palm Beach at the NACDS annual this year. As a career pharma veteran he is well known for his partnership with center store and this episode revolves on his leadership and partnership with the store.Find Kevin Host on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-host-pharmd-1412453/Find Walmart on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmartFind Walmart online at: https://www.walmart.com/Here's what we asked him : Kevin, your career is anchored on pharmacy over the years. Tell us how different it is to lead a pharmacy vs. merchandising a center store? What are drivers you look at?What is the connection between pharmacy and center store? What kinds of cross-collaboration exists among you and other Walmart leaders?Lets talk leadership - what are some principles you are guided by and how do you mentor others on your team?As Walmart leads the industry with omnichannel capabilities as a retailer, how have you shaped this for Rx home delivery?In your current role as NACDS chair what is expected of you and what leadership are you driving for them?How does Walmart pharmacy lead with data and stay ahead of other pharmacies in the competitive environment? What is your vision for the future?How is retail media impacting your team and work?What are latest consumer trends you are following these days ? What role does artificial intelligence play in the pharma journey?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/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Kathryn Mazza, CMO & President of Red Media at Hy-Vee, the midwest retailer. She leads the growth of the platform. Prior to, she was at Dick’s Sporting Goods. This was a conversation ranging from customer loyalty building, retail media, data measurement and of course 'back to basics' in store today.Find Kathryn Mazza on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-mazza-6523372a/Find Hy-Vee on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/hy-veeFind Hy-Vee online at : https://www.hy-vee.com/Here's what we asked her : What leadership lessons have you learned in your career that guide you today at Red Media? What inspired you to take on the leadership role at Red Media? What are some of the biggest challenges facing retail media today?Can you share insights on how Red Media integrates with Hy-Vee’s e-commerce and in-store experience?How does Red Media help CPG brands maximize their marketing ROI with metrics you share?How does Red Media leverage Hy-Vee’s first-party data to enhance advertising effectiveness? What role does personalization play in Red Media’s ad strategy?How does AI and machine learning impact Red Media’s advertising capabilities?What do you look for in best in class brand and agency partnerships?What is your vision for the future of Red Media over the next five years?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/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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. 

In this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Lucas Barros, Head of Walmart Connect and Pamela Castro, Commercial Manager for Walmart Phronesis at Walmart Chile, the largest grocery retailer in Chile, operating under the "Lider" banner.Follow Lucas on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-barros-631955103/ Follow Pamela on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-castro-8447bb13/Follow Walmart Chile on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmartchile/ Follow Walmart Chile online at: https://www.walmartchile.cl/ Lucas & Pamela answers these questions:Let’s start with some background on Walmart in Chile. Lucas, would you please share with us an overview of your retail operations.What is the state of omnichannel in Chile relative to the rest of Latin America and to North America? Any statistics on eCommerce penetration and mobile engagement would be great to hear.How long ago did Walmart Chile decide to formally enter the retail media space and would you walk us through the different ways that your suppliers can activate through your platform?Lucas, how is your team helping brands to activate through Walmart Connect? Do you offer them managed services, a self-serve platform or some combination of both?Pam, retail media success is highly dependent on the ability to personalize customer experiences. In comparison to its US counterpart, Walmart Chile has a very high transaction attribution rate to its customers. What is the story behind this?Pam, how do you make this customer data available to your suppliers to analyze behavior and help collaborate with the merchants at Walmart Chile?So how are brands effectively using Phronesis to inform their retail media strategy at Walmart Chile? Any case study you care to use as an example?Where are you focused on innovating the Walmart Connect and Walmart Phronesis offerings over the next few years?CPG Guys Website: http://cpgguys.com FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys,com ThinkBlue Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkbluesolutions/ Rhea Raj Website: http://rhearaj.com Katseye Website: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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. 

Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of retail media. With a rich background from Sam’s Club and Ahold Delhaize USA, he discusses why retail media is essential for brands today, surpassing traditional advertising methods. Mark highlights Costco's unique offerings and how their transparent measurement strategies enhance brand performance. The conversation also delves into balancing advertising options, leveraging data for audience targeting, and the innovative growth management strategies driving success in retail.