Jelmar Announces New Chief Growth Officer

Jelmar, well-known for its CLR and Tarn-X product lines, announced the hiring of Shari Matras as its new Chief Growth Officer.

In her new role, Shari will lead all sales, marketing, business development and product development programs on behalf of Jelmar. Based out of the company's headquarters in Skokie, IL, Matras will report directly to the CEO and President of Jelmar, Alison Gutterman.

“Shari is not only a strategic marketer, but a true innovator,” said Gutterman. “With her strong track record of success at several major companies, her expertise will be key in driving our brand growth as we continue to expand our product line. We’re thrilled to have her join the Jelmar family.”

Over the past two decades, Shari has held leadership roles at a number of global consumer companies including PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, the Wrigley Company and ConAgra Foods. Throughout her career, she has led a broad range of functional areas – including marketing, sales, strategy and innovation – for companies as large as $66B and as small as $1MM. She led Breakthrough Innovation in the Global Nutrition Group at PepsiCo, as well as served as Chief Operating Officer for an early stage food company in recent years. Shari is well-versed in building an influential brand and targeted marketing programs. Only one of her many achievements, Shari developed, launched and commercialized Orbit Gum during her time at the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.

Most recently, Shari built a new consulting business, BrandNext Partners, in partnership with former colleagues from PepsiCo and the Wrigley Company, working with large and small companies in CPG as well as other industries.  Her work with BrandNext Partners focused on branding, strategy, and innovation, helping clients bring clarity to their brands, build strategic plans for future growth and develop innovation pipelines.

“The leadership and team at Jelmar are outstanding,” said Matras. “Jelmar’s products have been a household staple for decades, yet they continue to adapt to meet the needs and desires of the modern consumer. I look forward to working with such an innovative and savvy group of people and see much opportunity to build and grow the CLR and Tarn-X brands.”