I'm Marjorie Chelius, an ex-Strategy Consultant and Booth MBA with 12+ years of experience driving profitable growth across diverse operating environments — at Fortune 50 Public Companies & Growth-Stage Startups.
My expertise is rooted in a unique blend of strategic acumen, analytical prowess, and precision problem-solving, enabling me to excel in competitive, high-intensity roles at Fortune 50 public companies and growth-stage startups.
Specializing in marketing, strategy, and business development, I have a proven track record of transforming insights into impactful outcomes. My passion for leading cross-functional teams and building relationships has consistently translated into business success. In the rapidly evolving consumer and tech industries, I am committed to leveraging my skills to foster innovation and drive significant growth, creating a harmonious balance between market needs and business objectives.
Explore my career highlights below and find my work samples at the Business Portfolio here. These showcase my journey and contributions to the dynamic business world.
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— Grew net revenue by +200% ($XX M to $XX M) during leadership tenure through 9-month out of stock and 2 consecutive product recalls.
— Grew net revenue +83% in Y1 ($XX M to $XX M) through growth strategy & leadership on all DTC, marketing, and retail business initiatives.
— 100x retail sales ($XX k to $XX M) & expanded Target retail distribution from 250 to ~1200 stores while maintaining execution & marketing.
— Developed and implemented a 4-pronged marketing measurement approach that used a multi-touch attribution model, a mixed media model, market holdout testing, and post-checkout surveys to accurately measure the impact of marketing campaigns.
— Launched +5 new acquisition channels, adding $X M revenue and exceeding channel ROAS goals on each.
— Grew contribution margin by leading portfolio-wide strategic price increase, helping fix supply-chain-induced broken unit economics.
— Helped reduce weeks of supply by leading the S&OP forecasting process; improved forecast accuracy with an improved model.
— Improved team efficiency\ by championing the internal data warehouse, creating reporting standards, & setting business targets.
— Hired & led a 6-person team in 3 time zones; earned 5/5 360-ratings; established +2 new functions: Product Marketing & eCommerce.
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Led direct-to-consumer (DTC) user acquisition program at $100M personal-care brand acquired by P&G. Took the reins of direct response digital marketing program from Native founder & CEO after earning his great respect through rapid and comprehensive mastery of DTC marketing. Strategically leveraged expertise to benefit P&G's wider portfolio & mentored senior leaders on effective DTC user acquisition.
(1) Scaled performance marketing +32% (to $30M) & improved ROI +27%, growing sales from managed digital channels +64% YoY.
(2) Cut -$600K in non-working spend with vendor swaps, establishment of novel pay-for-performance terms, and adjusted KPI goals.
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— I helped grow Bounce's net revenue +$XX M & operating profit +$X M in 12M via improved commercialization, media, and retailer distribution.
— I led Bounce’s key retail customer turnarounds with better merchandising & buyer relationships; grew Bounce sales +12%/+37% at Target/Walmart
— I led a cross-functional team of 5 in forecasting a $300M brand; helped prevent supply outages for the first time in 3 years; won Best Forecast.
— I engineered a +$14M turnaround for a declining premium sub-brand (Downy Infusions) in the first 12M reversing a declining sales trend.
— I helped cultivate a high-performing talent pool by leading summer intern recruiting, training, & retention; secured 25 full-time hires.
— I led the development of an award-winning Bounce brand equity video that revitalized retailer merchandising and rallied the team to launch the first innovation in 10 years (see “Project Heart” equity video here).
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— I graduated in the top 15% of my class.
— I proudly revitalized Booth’s dormant photography club: PhotoBooth, doubling members and events.
— Most importantly, I met the love of my life (hi, Blake Seymour!).
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— I grew TomboyX’s organic brand community by 25,000 and doubled engagement.
— I pioneered TomboyX’s first Brand Ambassador Program, securing 4 inaugural high-value ambassadors (WNBA, BMX, etc.) and established an affiliate sales channel
— I helped improve TomboyX’s gross profit by +$150k in 2 months by optimizing and rationalizing product SKU assortment.
— I Led Marketing and Growth for an on-demand car service; successfully competed as a Semifinalist in the University of Chicago Booth New Venture Challenge.
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Supported Strategy Consulting and Banking Practice Areas. Led projects developing growth strategies for defense, technology, & cybersecurity firms, identifying and evaluating new markets, investment opportunities, and turnaround strategies. Built M&A transaction experience via 5+ buy-side due-diligence engagements helping strategic buyers (defense and technology companies) and large private equity firms evaluate acquisitions in the security technology space.
— Delivered +$15M revenue across 40+ clients, specializing in growth strategy, transformations, and buy-side assessments.
— Improved Analyst retention to 100% after year 2 by launching a novel Analyst Review and Development program.
— Awarded Firm’s 1st Spot Bonus for Outstanding Performance for leading RFP Proposal that won the firm new $350k project.
— Led Assessment & Turnaround ($500k project) for $1B defense services co.; identified organic & inorganic growth levers & new markets.
— Identified a +$10M new market & created a go-to-market strategy for a $100M UK-based cybersecurity provider looking to launch into the U.S.
— Designed and implemented growth strategies for 30 defense/tech clients (top 5% of firm), delivering $25m in revenue.
— Secured $1M for Chertoff Capital by leading financial & operational due diligence buy-side assessments.
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— Proud Latin Nerd and Endowed Merit Scholar
— Enthusiastic Kappa Kappa Gamma (and Treasurer!)
— James O. Friedman Presidential Scholar (Top 5%)