Richard La Bonte
About Richard La Bonte
Richard La Bonte is the Vice President of Brand Strategy and Marketing at Benson Hill, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive experience in brand strategy and product development, having held various leadership roles across multiple companies, including Lantos Technologies, Bayer, and HARMAN International.
Work at Benson Hill
Richard La Bonte serves as the Vice President of Brand Strategy and Marketing at Benson Hill since 2020. In this role, he focuses on strategic brand development and marketing initiatives. He also acts as a strategic advisor across product design and brand/product marketing landscapes, contributing to the company's growth and market presence. His experience in the industry aids in shaping effective marketing strategies that align with Benson Hill's objectives.
Current Advisory Role at musx
Since 2020, Richard La Bonte has been an Advisory Board Member for Brand and Product Strategy at musx, located in Austin, Texas. In this capacity, he provides insights and guidance on brand development and product strategy. His expertise in marketing and product management supports musx in navigating market challenges and enhancing its brand positioning.
Education and Expertise
Richard La Bonte holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School, where he concentrated on Marketing Strategy and International Business. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Additionally, he completed a course on AI Implications for Business Strategy at MIT and participated in continuing executive education focused on Behavioral Economics at Chicago Booth. He has also undergone advanced marketing leadership training at Northwestern Kellogg.
Professional Background
Richard La Bonte has a diverse professional background with extensive experience in brand strategy, marketing, and financial analysis. He has held various positions, including Senior Financial Analyst at Bayer, Management Associate/VP of Product Development at Citigroup, and Chief Product Officer at Lantos Technologies. His roles have spanned multiple industries, including technology, consumer goods, and finance, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics.
Previous Positions and Contributions
Throughout his career, Richard La Bonte has held significant positions in various organizations. He worked as Senior Vice President of Audience Engagement at Brighton Agency, Director of Global Business Unit Leader for Wearables at HARMAN International, and Chief Commercial Officer at D'Addario & Company, Inc. His contributions in these roles have involved leading teams, developing marketing strategies, and enhancing product offerings to meet consumer needs.