Energizer's Martire to Chair GMDC Education Leadership Council

The Global Market Development Center last week named Lou Martire, VP of trade development for Energizer Holdings, Inc., chairman of its Education Leadership Council.

Martire is a 36-year veteran with St. Louis0based Energizer, having held positions in sales, marketing and general management, and was promoted to his current position in 1996.

In 2001, he held the position of GMDC General Merchandise Supplier Advisory Board chair and has most recently served on the Education Leadership Council as a board member.

"Lou's close involvement as a GMDC member, and his knowledge of the industry, will serve him well as the new chairman of the Education Leadership Council," said Ray Schrumpf, SVP, non-perishable procurement, HBC/GM for Keene, N.H.-based C&S Wholesale, Inc. and current chairman of GMDC.

The focus of the Education Leadership Council is to bring forth consumer and business insights, along with marketing and merchandising best practices, to assist GMDC members in growing their respective businesses. The council is responsible for all Marketing Conference educational offerings, including business sessions, workshops and roundtables.

In addition, the council is responsible for 365-day-a-year educational member benefits such as category sales benchmarking; eTraining courses on professional development and on the general merchandise and health, beauty and wellness categories; and market research, consumer and shopper studies, including GMDC's new primary research endeavor, Consumer Shopping Habits for Wellness and Environmentally Conscious Lifestyles.

Colorado Springs, Colo.-based GMDC is a global trade association dedicated to serving general merchandise and health, beauty, and wellness retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers.