Kathryn Turner

Observer
DISC Type : ic

Director of Product Development at Marks and Spencer

Greater Oxford Area, United Kingdom

Overview

Kathryn Turner is the Director of Product Development at M&S Food, with a career at the retailer spanning nearly three decades. Noted for her exceptional food trend insights, she has been instrumental in launching some of M&Ss best-known lines, including creating the "Count on us" sub-brand and driving unique, market-leading innovations across fresh and ambient food categories.

A self-described "foodie" from a young age, Kathryn is passionate about quality ingredients and product perfection. She is also a self-proclaimed cleaning fanatic, which she links to an obsession with detail. In her personal life, she has been significantly influenced by her father and enjoys a Negroni spritz on a Friday night.

She was once challenged directly by the M&S CEO to create a market-beating malt ball after he tasted one in South Africa, a challenge she successfully met.

Personality Overview

Example Seeker

Curious

Assertive

They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.  They ask a lot of questions and rely heavily on information and collaterals. They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince.

Topics They Care About

Food Innovation
Leads a team that launches over 1, 200 new products annually. Recently launched first-to-market "Long Dogs" and a range of oils specifically for air fryers.
Health & Gut Wellness
Passionate about health, she initiated the "Count on us" brand in 1999 and is focused on the connection between gut health and the brain, launching new kefir products.
Consumer Food Trends
Has a dedicated trend team tracking global and social media trends to inform product strategy, such as the growing consumer demand for products with minimal ingredients.

Media Appearances

Kathryn has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2022
Director of Product Development at Marks and Spencer
12-2016 - 12-2022
Head of Product at Marks and Spencer
8-2013 - 12-2016
Trend Insight Manager - Foods at Marks and Spencer
11-2012 - 8-2013
New Product Development - Intern at Marks and Spencer
6-1995 - 5-2009
Category Developer at Marks and Spencer

Education

1987 - 1991
2.1 BSc Hon from Oxford Brookes University
Education details unavailable from Rishworth, Bury Grammar School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 31 Location : Greater Oxford Area, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Product Development at Marks and Spencer
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Insights For Selling To Kathryn

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Invite them for a social do but don’t rely solely on the relationship
  • Help them realize that there is no personal risk in making this decision
  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence

DONT's

  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously
  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal
  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Kathryn is

  • Proven value, strong testimonials are important for them, rapport can impact decisions a little.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Kathryn

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Kathryn move?

  • They like to be detailed and take their time to arrive at decisions.
  • Can Kathryn take some risk or not?

  • They weigh all decisions systematically and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Kathryn

Personality Compatibility


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