Michael J. Allen

Personal Profile

Accomplished Financial Executive with enterprise-wide perspective. Extensive domestic and international experience with two premier Consumer Products Companies. Skilled in the development of Strategic and Tactical business plans. Strong leader and motivator with proven ability to build winning organizations. Financial professional
who thinks like a General Manager.

Experience
	*PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC. – Westport, Connecticut* - $600 million consumer products company with leading brands in Feminine Care, Infant Care and Sun Care Vice President, Brand Analysis Managed P&L for Feminine Care and Sun Care, representing Sales of $375 million and Operating Income of $125 million. Directed financial planning, analysis, and controls, new business assessment, operating budgets, consumer and trade promotion, and Sarbanes-Oxley implementation.
		Led the acquisition of Sun Care distribution rights, completing a significant strategic corporate objective and increasing EBITDA by $5 million.
		Key partner in the development of brand portfolio analysis and strategy that became the cornerstone for resource allocation and investment for the 30 brand portfolio.
		Co-managed the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley process controls and documentation for consumer and trade promotion spending of $185 million. Received clean SOX 404 audit.
		Financial leader for a Feminine Care initiative, increasing EBITDA by $10 million.
		Reduced operational complexity by implementing SKU and pricing rationalization programs.
	Vice President and Controller – Consumer Products Division Reporting to Division President, led all finance functions for this $175 million business unit. Provided financial leadership and counsel to Division President. With a staff of 13, directed financial planning and analysis, new business development, and demand planning, including the Wal-Mart VMI team.
		Implemented a cross-functional initiative, reducing Sun Care seasonal returns by $8 million and increasing profits by $3-4 million, for two consecutive years.
		Designed and implemented a new sales bonus program, aligning sales efforts with the Sun Care seasonal returns initiative.
		Formulated a method to measure account profitability, resulting in a clear roadmap for account investment strategy.
		Initiated the evaluation of the Sun Care Direct Sales Division and realignment of resources, improving efficiency and reducing costs by $1.3 million.
		Directed financial analysis for new products representing sales of $75 million over four years.
	Vice President and Controller – Corporate Sales & International Division Reporting to the Division President, led all financial activities for the $63 million International division and the $56 million Corporate Sales division. Directed business and demand planning, new business development, brand and country analysis, and international credit management.
		Created and implemented a new divisional P&L structure, including reporting and financial controls.
		Partnered with the sales team in the successful development of new markets, achieving 70% distribution for tampons in the UK and initiating Banana Boat production in Australia.
		A key resource driving the growth of International Sales from $46 to $62 million over two years.
		Improved product lines and pricing, and strengthened distributor relationships.
	Director – Corporate Planning & Analysis Directed corporate financial planning and forecasting activities. Evaluated core business strategies, including potential acquisitions and divestitures, license agreements, and major capital expenditures. Provided in-depth analysis of operating results. Co-managed the company’s largest private label business.
		Worked directly with CFO on key investment community relationships, including preparation of multi-media presentations, SEC filings, and annual reports.
		Prepared the CEO and CFO for investor conference calls and other investor interactions.
		Led a re-engineering team, successfully revamping the process for budgeting and analysis of marketing expenditures, resulting in a more efficient process and stronger controls.
		Led the process of ending a strategic outside vendor relationship by moving the function in-house, improving profitability by more than $1 million.
	Manager, Financial Marketing Department Provided focus, leadership and analytical ability.
		Achieved the transformation of an essentially clerical department into a highly skilled, participative financial unit, which became a business partner to key Playtex organizations.

	THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY - $70 billion global consumer products company. Senior Financial Analyst - Richardson-Vicks Subsidiary, Shelton, CT Contributed financial leadership and expertise as a member of three business teams. Directed the budget and planning process for a $400 million consumer products category. Partnered with marketing, sales and operations to develop business strategies, formulate marketing and pricing plans and establish profit objectives.
		Pioneered the use of sophisticated risk analysis software, strengthening analyses of new business ventures.
		Financial lead for team that brought NyQuil LiquiCaps to market, increasing brand sales $25 million.
	Assistant Plant Accounting Manager, Greensboro, NC Directed an eight person staff, managing all cost accounting and control functions for a $500 million high-performance production facility. Collaborated with plant engineers on capital projects for cost-savings and capacity initiatives.
		Utilized information technology expertise to upgrade Accounting Department productivity and capability.
	Cost Analyst & Forecaster, Norwich, New York Performed financial analysis at P&G’s pharmaceutical subsidiary.
		Implemented a cost forecasting system, delivering improved management information.
		Recommended a production move for the Entex drug, saving $5 million of taxes, annually.
Prior Experience
US Marine Corps Officer and Naval Aviator (Honorable Discharge) Performed under pressure as an Air Traffic Controller.
Education
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY – St. Louis, Missouri Master of Business Administration, Finance (1986) - Washington University, St. Louis, MO Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Economics (1986) - Washington University, St. Louis, MO Elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Contact Info

16 Grindstone Lane
Monroe, CT 06468
Phone: (203) 452-7249
Office: (203) 225-0500 #482
Cell: (203) 257-7075
Email: mjallen@mjallen.net