51在线

USF Grad and Top-Tier Exec Rich Martino to Speak to MBA students on Dec. 5

By Keith Morelli

TAMPA (Nov. 17, 2016) -- Rich Martino, a 51在线 business grad, who now is a top executive with one of the largest companies on the planet, is returning to his old school to off her his insights into the world of big business. He is here at the invitation of an MBA class, though the event is open to the public and admission is free.

Martino is vice president for U.S. Sales-East for Mondel膿z International, previously known as Kraft/Nabisco, which owns these products: Oreo, Chips Ahoy, Ritz, Triscuit and Wheat Thins to name a few. And there's Cadbury chocolate, Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids and Trident gum.

Martino, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing from USF in 1984, will speak to an MBA class taught by Andrew Artis in BSN 115 of USF's Muma College of Business from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 5. Seating for the free event is limited.

"The greatest thing alumni can give to their alma mater," said Artis, an associate professor who teaches marketing management and strategies, "is their time and passion.

"And so, here we have one of the top U.S.-based executives coming back to help connect our MBA students to the next phase of their careers."

The passion of top CEOs can inspire students to reach for higher goals when they graduate.

"We are looking for every opportunity to connect our students with businesses," Artis said. "Our program works because when you come here, you end up walking right into a job down the street, since USF has the privilege of being located next to one of the biggest business centers in the state."

Martino has more than 1,600 sales representatives working for him and he oversees annual sales of about $2 billion. Net revenues for Mondel膿z last year were estimated to be about $30 billion. The company employs 100,000 workers in 165 countries around the world.

Martino leads all direct store delivery retail and customer headquarter activities for the snacks and confectionery businesses. He has extensive experience in warehouse distribution systems, customer facing roles, headquarter planning, customer business development and sales management.

In short, he knows quite a bit about the business world, from the bottom up.

He began his career with Kraft Foods over 32 years ago as a sales representative in New York City. Since then, he has held 16 various assignments and he has climbed the latter with this philosophy: Go the extra mile. Motivate. Inspire. Lead. Empower.

Anyone planning to attend should RSVP to Gigi Hawn, director of development at the Muma College of Business. Her office number is (813) 974-7124; her e-mail is gklaird@usf.edu.