John Holmberg
Stone,United Kingdom
Summary
International leader with over 30 years of experience in business unit management and financial oversight. Proven ability to develop talent and manage diverse leadership teams across U.S., Asia, and Europe. Expertise in Marketing, Market Entry, New Product Development, and Cross-Cultural Management. Committed to leading high performance teams to produce best in class results.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work history
Owner/Managing Director
Chocbox
Stone, United Kingdom
2021.03 - 2023.04
- Created and launched Chocbox, a multibrand chocolate shop, to assess and trial potential expansion throughout U.K. and internationally.
Owner/Managing Director
Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppes
Stone, United Kingdom
2019.08 - 2021.03
- Acquired Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppes, comprising over 85 franchised locations in the U.K.
- Relocated to the U.K. to oversee operations and drive business growth.
- Sold the business in 2021 as a result of pandemic impacts.
Managing Director
Garrett Brands Asia Pacific
Hong Kong
2016.04 - 2018.03
- Full management responsibility for achievement of Sales, Profit, and Cash Flow targets.
Managing Director
Godiva Chocolatier Pacific Rim
Hong Kong
2005.05 - 2015.12
- Grew regional Godiva sales from $10 million to $100 million over ten years, including China market entry.
- Built and led local teams in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Managed full financial operations, achieving sales, profit, and cash flow targets.
- Collaborated with headquarters to adapt global strategies into effective local marketing programs.
- Organized social media and large scale events to enhance brand visibility.
- Conducted market entry analysis, planning, and execution to drive expansion.
- Recruited and developed local leadership teams across Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, Logistics, Human Resources, Research & Development, and Quality Assurance.
- Oversaw import of bulk chocolates from Belgium and packaging sourced from China.
- Led a Hong Kong distribution center team for retail unit packing and export to Godiva shops across Asia.
Managing Director
Kraft Foods Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
1997.07 - 2003.12
- Achieved sales, profit, and cash flow targets.
- Collaborated with headquarters leadership teams to implement global strategic initiatives.
- Recruited and developed leadership teams across Finance, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Product Development.
- Drove innovation for improved product offerings.
- Enhanced staff morale with effective communication and engagement strategies.
Marketing Leadership Positions
Nabisco Brands
Parsippany, NJ
1993.01 - 1997.06
Education
Studied Mandarin full time in 2004 and 2005
Berlitz and other Chinese Language Schools
Shanghai, PRCMasters of Science - Management (Marketing)
Purdue University
West Lafayette, INBachelor of Arts - Accounting
Loras College
Dubuque, IowaSkills
- Marketing strategy and research
- International brand development
- New product development
- Product launch strategies
- Market entry planning
- Consumer analysis
- Cross-cultural management
- Operations management
- Team building
- Profit and loss management
- Cash flow and budget control
- Data interpretation and analysis
References
- Jim Goldman, Former CEO of Godiva Chocolatier. jaginprinceton@gmail.com, 1 (609) 915 6804
- Martin Peet, Founder and former Chairman of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppes. martinpeet62@hotmail.com, +44 7812 033618
- G. Logan Jordan, Associate Dean at Purdue University Daniels School of Business. jordan@purdue.edu, 1 (765) 494 4370
- Manohar Kalwani, Professor of Management at Purdue University Daniels School of Business. kalwani@purdue.edu, telephone tbc
Timeline
Owner/Managing Director
Chocbox
2021.03 - 2023.04
Owner/Managing Director
Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppes
2019.08 - 2021.03
Managing Director
Garrett Brands Asia Pacific
2016.04 - 2018.03
Managing Director
Godiva Chocolatier Pacific Rim
2005.05 - 2015.12
Managing Director
Kraft Foods Taiwan
1997.07 - 2003.12
Marketing Leadership Positions
Nabisco Brands
1993.01 - 1997.06
Studied Mandarin full time in 2004 and 2005
Berlitz and other Chinese Language Schools
Masters of Science - Management (Marketing)
Purdue University
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Loras College