Bob’s life’s work is devoted to helping grow food, beverage and lifestyle brands and better connecting them to consumers. Former President and Managing Director at Ogilvy & Mather, Bob is a brand and communications strategist. He is an author and speaker on brand building, consumer insight, retail transformation, and content marketing.
“Helping consumers unleash their passions for healthy living serves not only as an important anchor for brand relationships, it provides a path for contributing measurably to their happiness, wellness and satisfaction – and what’s good for them, is good for business.”
Bob shares his love of food and cooking with his family and friends, experimenting with new techniques and ingredients that bring everyone around the table.
LORI MILLER
Senior Vice President, Strategy
Lori is a communications and brand strategist specializing in corporate reputation, lifestyle, and wellness communications. She is the former Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Nutrition Communications for McDonald’s USA. During her 17 years with the McDonald’s® system, she spearheaded national PR launches for better-for-you products and initiatives; developed integrated, reputation-based programming; and served as brand liaison cultivating advocacy among stakeholders and consumers. Her portfolio also included communications oversight of employee engagement and sustainability initiatives. Lori’s career began in commercial radio, managing stations’ promotion, marketing and philanthropic activities and then later, counseling major market stations on loyalty marketing and listener engagement strategies. Since 2012, Lori hits the gym for strength-training twice a week – good for the mind, body, and spirit.
PATRICIA NICANDRO
Director, Digital Communications
Patricia has been in PR and communications for almost a decade. During her time in the public sector, Patricia worked in government communications for the City of San José (the Capital of Silicon Valley) developing and implementing social media plans and policies, writing and designing outreach materials, and serving as a public information officer. Fun Fact: before earning her degree in communications, she studied nursing and worked in healthcare. Patricia has melded her communications skills, interest in health and wellness, and passion for food and beverage through her work with Emergent. You’ll often find Patricia on Instagram taking photos of food and Emergent’s spokespet Natalie.
PHILIP SPINNER
Director, Creative Content
Philip lives and breathes creative content. Formerly an executive producer with the legendary Red Bull Media House – a leading powerhouse of content creation mastery – Philip is an experienced video storyteller who blends emotional and entertaining visuals with compelling messages. From food and beverage to sports and lifestyle, he understands how to engage audiences with content people find intrinsically interesting and valuable. Philip honed his craft shooting ski documentaries in the Rockies, where his personal passion for skiing coalesced with his creative instincts and love of visual communication.