Former Walgreens marketing exec named chair of women's group

DALLAS — The Network of Executive Women, Consumer Products and Retail Industry has elected Chicago-area resident Catherine Linder, former VP retail marketing for Walgreens, to serve as board chair. Lindner was elected at the Network's annual members meeting at the NEW Leadership Summit on Oct. 22 in Dallas.



Annie Zipfel, division VP customer marketing for Kent, Washington-based REI, was elected board vice chair. Zipfel most recently served as the Network’s chair, marketing and communications.



“Catherine Linder’s experience as a senior leader in one of the most successful retail companies and previous roles working with the industry’s largest consumer products companies will help take NEW to the next level,” said NEW president and CEO Joan Toth. “Her passion and enthusiasm for developing women leaders and keen dedication to our mission to recruit, retain and advance women in the consumer products and retail industry is absolute.”



As VP retail marketing for Walgreens, Lindner was responsible for marketing strategy, planning and execution for the $22 billion retail business. Lindner joined Walgreens in 1999 as category manager for the hair care category and served in roles of increasing responsibility. Lindner led Walgreens’ participation in the Retail Commission on Shopper Marketing. The commission of 28 retailers, manufacturers and agency partners developed a process for shopper marketing engagement designed to streamline the development of programs between retailers and manufacturers. Before joining Walgreens, Lindner spent 11 years at Information Resources Inc. (IRI). She held several positions in marketing mix modeling, client services and category management consulting, including VP tactical sales consulting, managing a team responsible for creating fact-based category plans for both manufacturers and retailers. Lindner helped found NEW Chicago.



At REI, Zipfel is responsible for customer insights, marketing planning, acquisition and retention initiatives, across all channels. Prior to this, Zipfel served as VP owned brands for Target. She has spent her entire career in consumer products brand management and retail, including roles at General Mills.