Laurence Mills

Direct & indirect B2B customer partnerships for Cargill's pet food | treat | supplement postbiotic ingredient (TruPet & EpiCor Pets- the next-generation of 'biotic' innovation in the gut microbiome). Multiple canine published studies evidencing differentiated pet parent claims in the most important functional food trends - vitality, immunity & gut microbiome health. Stable & consistent in all forms of pet food production. Proven palatability & acceptability. Cargill leads in the research, development, and delivery of unique microbial fermentation postbiotic feed additives for animal nutrition and health to achieve optimal production and pre-harvest food safety. Diamond V postbiotics are designed to address real-world challenges in the dairy, beef, poultry, aquaculture, equine and companion animal industries. EU & AAFCO registered (FEDIAF natural health ingredient) for use animal diets. Our unique postbiotics contain 100's of bioactive compounds that work naturally with the animal’s biology to maintain immune strength and promote a healthy microbial balance. Cargill/Diamond V postbiotics are clinically proven in dogs to support immune/digestive/oral health, and "vitality". For almost 80 years, animal nutritionists and veterinarians worldwide have recognized Diamond V’s R&D leadership of microbial fermentation technology. DV was acquired by Cargill in 2017. Learn more at https://www.diamondv.com/.

Freelance Consultant providing strategic veterinary KAM team & corporate chain support to the top 10 veterinary pharmaceutical companies, by coaching, account-based marketing and value-based quantification/ key account customer insights. IVC Evidensia unique insights from a buyer & seller perspective. Sharing knowledge and experience to adapt for future market-leading capabilities. Classifying/segmenting large & key customers to focus time, commercial terms & resources to deliver sustainable growth & profitable return-on-investment. Gaining competitive advantage with bespoke insight & tailored solutions to mitigate margin erosion & grow sustainably in a highly consolidating customer market. Advice on customer negotiation strategies: IVC Evidensia, VetPartners, CVS Group PLC, Medivet, Pets at Home The Vet Group, Vet Wholesalers. Included brief agency for MYAGI software- a learning & development sales optimization platform that digitizes the supply chain of knowledge for suppliers, retailers, and everywhere in-between.

Group pharmaceutical buyer for the largest EU veterinary group in 11 EU countries (1400+ vet clinics). Leader of pharmaceutical supplier tenders, most notably in DACH & Belgium. Preferred supplier partnerships & vendor management including direct/indirect supply chains. Cross-functional team engagement capturing contributions to drive sourcing, legally compliant and clinical best practice guidelines. Exclusive brand project team, leading supplier negotiations and procurement vendor selection criteria. Project manager to evolve from country to Pan-EU partnership agreements with trusted advisors. Completed thorough legal, commercial & regulatory review for Belgium (highly complex commercial market) leading to adapted in-market procurement strategy. Established new standardised tools for supplier tender process within new markets - France, Belgium. Deep review of all trading agreements to ensure legal, corporate and commercial policy alignment.

Head of UK veterinary key accounts with full P&L responsibility for all UK vet corporate groups, charities & UK/ROI wholesalers. Group International KAM for Covetrus & IVC/Evidensia (EQT VI).

Product & Commercial Manager for UK launch of VetComplex veterinary-exclusive pet food range (including a POM-V licensed premix) sold with an industry-unique selected distribution policy to key customers. Responsible for brand strategy, design and copy, key accounts, forecasting, sales team management, supply chain and budgetary control.

Funded to March 2011, Scottish Government Grant £100k to: Establish and manage network of Lochaber region contacts to facilitate increased domestic renewable energy technology installations- including advising for energy efficiency measures to existing housing stock. Design and maintenance of charity website; planning and implementation of membership subscription campaign; driving local awareness of climate change utilizing targeted communications with local business leaders, councillors, landlords, suppliers, manufacturers and local householders to achieve net carbon dioxide reduction targets.

Plan and implement sales / marketing strategies for all Vet Channel wholesalers, distributor and internet accounts. Development and execution of customer business plans, reviews and sales proposals. Initiation of vendor managed inventory (VMI) supply chain partnerships to facilitate preferred supplier status. Forecast and achieve £37 million sales target, measured by trade sales and inventory control. Project management of product distribution policy, demand planning and consumer sampling activities. Control and optimisation of annual trade budget for advertising and promotion. Strengthening multi-functional customer relationships to identify and introduce new LEAN business efficiencies and revenue streams.

Responsible for: £1.2M annual target within 60 Retail; Wholesaler & Cash & Carry accounts. Notable Achievements: 2003: £1.32 Million, +24% vs. target. 2002: £1.06 Million, +15% vs. target. New business 2002: £108k - SPAR (330 stores) & Sally Hair & Beauty (150 outlets).

Responsible for: £675k annual target within 40 Retail; Wholesale; Cash & Carry & Foodservice accounts. Notable Achievements: Q2 2001 Region performing YOY at 186% sterling & 184% volume sales. Jan-June 2001 No.1 Novartis Sales Performer 124% YOY.