Kathryn Flouton brings 20+ years of CPG/Retail experience across retail brick and mortar, direct to consumer and B2B channels. She has deep expertise in working with brands and non traditional retailers in the natural and specialty space, across all channels and categories. Her early experience crosses retailers (Trader Joe’s, Dean & DeLuca and others) with a variety of CPG brands in DTC and retail channels, private label, food innovation + commercialization, merchandising (traditional and e-commerce). She spent over five years as a catalyst for change as the Category Leader for Produce at Trader Joe’s (when she first connected with Red Tomato) and holds her years and experience working in that category close to her heart. She has spent the last several years consulting with growth stage startups and retailers leading teams in interim/fractional roles focused on change management, growth and strategic business development. By working at the intersection of brand, DTC e-comm, and retail brick and mortar, these experiences have given Kathryn unique operating expertise that leads to creative problem solving and team growth. She loves building and mentoring teams and supporting founders on their path through the industry. She is privileged to work as a trusted advisor to CPG brands supporting the food and beverage and retail world. Prior to working in food, Kathryn started her career in management and leadership roles with EF Education, a language learning and educational travel organization and also led marketing efforts for Feld Entertainment (Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey + Disney on Ice).