Darla Mears
About Darla Mears
Darla Mears serves as the Chief Customer Officer at Kodiak Cakes, where she has worked since 2019, and previously held the position of VP Sales since 2016. With extensive experience in sales management across various channels, she has significantly contributed to enhancing customer engagement and expanding the brand's market presence.
Work at Kodiak Cakes
Darla Mears has been with Kodiak Cakes since 2016, initially serving as VP Sales for eight years. In 2019, she transitioned to the role of Chief Customer Officer. In her current position, she oversees shopper marketing strategies aimed at enhancing customer engagement across multiple channels. Mears has played a significant role in expanding Kodiak Cakes' presence in the natural channel market, contributing to the brand's growth and visibility.
Previous Experience at General Mills
Before joining Kodiak Cakes, Darla Mears held various positions at General Mills. She worked as a Product Sales Manager from 2007 to 2009, followed by a role as Senior Development Manager for the Walmart account from 2010 to 2011. Mears continued her career at General Mills as Senior Development Manager for the Club Channel from 2011 to 2012 and as Senior Customer Manager for Sam's Club from 2012 to 2015. She also served as Zone Operations Manager Grocery from 2015 to 2016, gaining extensive experience in managing sales across diverse channels.
Education and Expertise
Darla Mears possesses extensive expertise in sales management across various channels, including grocery, club, e-commerce, and food service. Her background includes significant roles in category development and shopper marketing, equipping her with the skills necessary to enhance customer engagement and drive sales growth.
Career Progression
Darla Mears' career progression reflects a strong foundation in sales and customer management. Starting at General Mills, she advanced through multiple roles, gaining experience in product sales and customer development. Her transition to Kodiak Cakes marked a significant step in her career, where she has continued to build on her expertise in shopper marketing and customer engagement.