Michelle O'Brien

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Head of Product Development at Valeo Foods Group

Ireland

Overview

A food professional with 28 years of experience, Michelle leads product development at Valeo Foods Group. She has a strong track record of launching new products, leveraging her commercial and marketing acumen. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from NUI Maynooth and a Postgraduate Diploma from DIT.

Michelle is passionate about all food and drink related topics. Her personal interests include restaurant reviews, travel, and food shopping, reflecting a deep, personal connection to the culinary world that complements her professional expertise.

She once project-managed a €10 million EU LEADER programme, investing in the enterprise, food, and tourism sectors.

Personality Overview

Optimistic

Non-Confrontational

Story Driven

Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials.  They prefer to build relationships rather than staying totally transactional. They tend to be agreeable by nature, so take their promises with a pinch of salt.


Topics They Care About

New Product Launch
Her career is defined by successfully launching new products and managing the innovation pipeline for major food portfolios at Valeo Foods Group.
Food & Drink Trends
Expresses a strong personal and professional passion for all topics related to food and drink, including shopping and reviews.
Supplier Sourcing
Her role involves sourcing new products, suppliers, and third-party manufacturers to identify and capitalize on commercial opportunities.

Media Appearances

Michelle has no verified media appearances

Work History

4-2017
Head of Product Development at Valeo Foods Group
1-2012 - 3-2017
Innovation Manager at Valeo Foods Group
6-2010 - 1-2012
NPD Manager at Jacob's Fruitfield Food Group (now part of Valeo Foods Group)
1-2005 - 6-2010
Food Specialist/RDP Manager at Offaly, Louth, Meath LEADER

Education

1988 - 1989
Postgraduate Diploma from DIT, Kevin Street, Dublin
1985 - 1988
Batchelor of Science Degree from NUI Maynooth

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : N/A Location : Ireland Job Level : N/A Designation : Head of Product Development at Valeo Foods Group
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Insights For Selling To Michelle

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Maintain high, positive energy and convey confidence
  • Speak from experience about success that the product has seen with other customers
  • Compliment them about their personality if you get a chance

DONT's

  • Don't be critical or challenge them openly, they can react defensively
  • Don’t ask too many questions in one go, weave them into the flow
  • Avoid overloading them with too much information

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michelle is

  • Relationship and rapport are valuable for them, but so is proven product value.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Michelle

  • They are unlikely to say no directly.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michelle move?

  • They are not very fast decision makers, even while they continue to stay engaged.
  • Can Michelle take some risk or not?

  • They can take some low-probability risks if needed.

You And Michelle

Personality Compatibility


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