Michael Blessing
About Michael Blessing
Michael Blessing is a Sr. Associate Brand Manager at General Mills, currently focusing on Blue Buffalo. He has extensive experience in brand management, having previously worked on various brands at General Mills and other companies.
Current Title and Role
Michael Blessing serves as the Sr. Associate Brand Manager at General Mills, specifically focusing on Blue Buffalo. His role includes overseeing brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and contributing to product innovation efforts. Michael is instrumental in enhancing the brand's market presence and driving its growth.
Career at General Mills
Michael has held multiple roles at General Mills over several years. He was an Associate Brand Manager for Fruit & Salty Snacks from 2019 to 2021, and a Sr. Brand Associate for Yoplait from 2018 to 2019. Additionally, he worked as a Brand Associate for Yogurt Strategic Channels from 2016 to 2018. In each of these positions, Michael played a significant role in brand management and market strategy.
Early Career and Other Roles
Before his tenure at General Mills, Michael worked at Omaha Steaks as a B2B Account Specialist and a Business Development Specialist. He also served as a Marketing Strategist at Meredith Corporation and Creighton Hockey, as well as a Business Intelligence Intern at First National Bank of Omaha. His early professional experiences include being a Marketing and Programming Intern at Creighton University and operating his own business, Mike's Mowing, for six years.
Education Background
Michael studied Marketing and Business Intelligence & Analytics at Creighton University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from 2011 to 2015. He also attended the University of Newcastle in 2013 for further academic enrichment. His foundational education was completed at Benilde-St. Margaret's College Preparatory High School from 2007 to 2011.
Notable Achievements
Michael has achieved significant milestones in his career. He led the rebranding initiative for Blue Buffalo at General Mills, resulting in a 15% increase in market share within the first year. He also developed and launched a successful digital marketing campaign for the brand, achieving a 20% increase in online engagement. In recognition of his performance, he received the 'Rising Star' award in 2020. Michael has also mentored new hires, contributed to product innovation, and presented at the General Mills Marketing Summit in 2022.
Professional Contributions and Community Involvement
Michael actively contributes to his field by serving as a mentor for new hires at General Mills and participating in product innovation teams. He has shared his expertise as a guest lecturer at the University of Minnesota, discussing brand management and strategic marketing with students. His involvement reflects his commitment to professional development and community engagement.