GMDC ups research maven to VP insights and communications
The Global Market Development Center on Tuesday promoted Mark Mechelse to vice president, insights and communications. Mechelse, who joined GMDC in 2011 as director of research, industry insights and communications, is charged with advancing the association’s mission of advocating for the general merchandise and health, beauty and wellness categories on behalf of members.
“Mark has worked tirelessly to grow the awareness of GMDC within the industry and his efforts have not gone unnoticed,” Patrick Spear, GMDC president and CEO, said. “The initiatives he has launched have played a significant role in positioning the organization and its members as powerful innovators and thought leaders in the marketplace.”
Those initiatives include leading the association’s Education Leadership Council, which drives an essential part of GMDC’s mission by providing strategic direction for retail insights. Within this role, Mechelse works with members to produce breakthrough industry research, provide unique perspectives and consumer driven “next practices” designed to help members interpret research and trends, and develop strategies for driving new business.
Mechelse has also been instrumental in advancing the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based association’s Retail Tomorrow initiative to leverage innovation in the marketplace through development and advancement of unique and first-mover products, services and technologies. “Consumers demand ideas, products, services and technologies that are truly revolutionary,” Spear said. “While many companies, and even other associations, are talking about innovation, Retail Tomorrow delivers these opportunities to our members.”
Launched in May 2016, Retail Tomorrow is opening pathways of discovery for provocative, product-and process-changing solutions in the marketplace.
Mechelse began his career in marketing and advertising with the launch of a private ad agency in Toronto, Ontario that focused on brand invention for localized companies and corporate sponsorship in the motorsports industry. He later joined the social expressions trade, serving as creative and marketing communications director of Paramount Cards/Image Craft, the third largest greeting card company in the world. Mechelse also led custom product and private label development teams for AIM Global of Nashville, Tenn., producing successful consumer offerings for Costco, QVC, Barnes & Noble, Vera Bradley, Thomas Nelson and Dave Ramsey.
“Mark has worked tirelessly to grow the awareness of GMDC within the industry and his efforts have not gone unnoticed,” Patrick Spear, GMDC president and CEO, said. “The initiatives he has launched have played a significant role in positioning the organization and its members as powerful innovators and thought leaders in the marketplace.”
Those initiatives include leading the association’s Education Leadership Council, which drives an essential part of GMDC’s mission by providing strategic direction for retail insights. Within this role, Mechelse works with members to produce breakthrough industry research, provide unique perspectives and consumer driven “next practices” designed to help members interpret research and trends, and develop strategies for driving new business.Mechelse has also been instrumental in advancing the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based association’s Retail Tomorrow initiative to leverage innovation in the marketplace through development and advancement of unique and first-mover products, services and technologies. “Consumers demand ideas, products, services and technologies that are truly revolutionary,” Spear said. “While many companies, and even other associations, are talking about innovation, Retail Tomorrow delivers these opportunities to our members.”
Launched in May 2016, Retail Tomorrow is opening pathways of discovery for provocative, product-and process-changing solutions in the marketplace.
Mechelse began his career in marketing and advertising with the launch of a private ad agency in Toronto, Ontario that focused on brand invention for localized companies and corporate sponsorship in the motorsports industry. He later joined the social expressions trade, serving as creative and marketing communications director of Paramount Cards/Image Craft, the third largest greeting card company in the world. Mechelse also led custom product and private label development teams for AIM Global of Nashville, Tenn., producing successful consumer offerings for Costco, QVC, Barnes & Noble, Vera Bradley, Thomas Nelson and Dave Ramsey.