I am a cross-functional brand and growth leader with 28+ years of experience across digital marketing, product development, and food & beverage. I thrive on collaboration, authenticity, creative thinking, and sustainable growth; I am passionate about delivering meaningful business impact and leading teams to deliver integrated digital initiatives.

Lela Adelman

I am a cross-functional brand and growth leader with 28+ years of experience across digital marketing, product development, and food & beverage. I thrive on collaboration, authenticity, creative thinking, and sustainable growth; I am passionate about delivering meaningful business impact and leading teams to deliver integrated digital initiatives.

Available to hire

I am a cross-functional brand and growth leader with 28+ years of experience across digital marketing, product development, and food & beverage.

I thrive on collaboration, authenticity, creative thinking, and sustainable growth; I am passionate about delivering meaningful business impact and leading teams to deliver integrated digital initiatives.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Digital Strategist at Sparrow Digital
January 1, 2019 - November 1, 2025
Self-employed digital strategist delivering multi-channel digital strategies for 8+ clients, increasing engagement and follower growth beyond industry benchmarks. Develops and manages targeted ad campaigns, achieving competitive KPIs, leads community management and outreach to strengthen brand visibility and customer loyalty. Produces data-driven insights through performance analysis and reporting to optimize spend and strategy. Creates branded content and email marketing campaigns with competitive open and click-through rates.
Business Development Director at Robert Rothschild Farm
December 31, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Directed sales and client development efforts for a $7M private label portfolio post-acquisition, ensuring seamless client retention. Grew private label sales to $2M+ within three years through expanded product placements and upselling (3–6 new SKUs per client annually). Oversaw sales objectives for six broker groups covering 1,000+ independent and specialty retailers. Represented the brand at key trade shows and events, driving new leads and client partnerships.
National Sales Manager at Tulocay & Co.
December 31, 2013 - December 31, 2013
Oversee a $7M+ annual sales portfolio, leading private label development from concept to shelf, and strengthening national retail relationships. Launched three new brands, generating $1M revenue in the first year. Secured new distribution with Duane Reade and Food Emporium, adding $1.3M in snack-channel sales.
Director of Business Development at Sparrow Digital
January 1, 2016 - Present
Self-employed consultant providing strategic business development and cross-functional leadership for Sparrow Digital. Led initiative to grow 28% of the company’s total business and generated $8.2M in annual revenue across private label, specialty retailers, food service, and discount retailers. Seamlessly transitioned all private-label accounts to ensure uninterrupted service and maintained $5M in annual revenue. Directed development and launch of three gourmet food product lines for national retailers, and led the opening activities for new venues, including American Zoetrope Café and Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize. Drove sales channels, negotiated vendor relationships, and partnered with internal teams to align product strategy with market opportunities.
Director of Business Development at Robert Rothschild Farm
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016
Oversaw 28% of the company’s total business, contributing $8.2M annually across private label, specialty retailers, food service, and discount retailers. Seamlessly transitioned all private-label accounts, ensuring uninterrupted service and sustaining $5M in annual revenue. Led development and launch of private-label portfolios for high-profile brands (e.g., Good Housekeeping, Tyler Florence, Patti LaBelle). Owned backend management and cross-functional development in partnership with internal teams. Drove trade shows, events, and promotions to increase visibility and engagement with key accounts. Partnered with R&D to deliver tailored product solutions aligned with client objectives to meet launch deadlines. Directed branded sales for six specialty retailer broker groups across Texas, California, and the Pacific Northwest, driving revenue growth.
Director of Brand and Product Development at Niebaum Coppola Winery
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2013
Optimized existing revenue streams and launched 3–6 new products per customer, generating an additional $2M in cumulative annual revenue. Orchestrated trade shows, events, and promotions; partnered with R&D to deliver tailored product solutions. Directed branded sales for six specialty retailer broker groups across Texas, California, and the Pacific Northwest; built backend management and cross-functional development in partnership with internal teams.
Merchandising Manager | Buyer at Tulocay & Co.
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2006
Managed a $2M retail budget, delivering financial accountability and cost control while meeting sales targets. Curated product assortments for a 4,000-square-foot winery gift and retail space, aligning merchandise with brand identity, seasonality, and sales performance. Streamlined inventory processes, reduced dead stock, and increased profitability through optimized stock management. Developed private-label products that grew to represent a portion of the non-wine business revenue. Negotiated and managed vendor relationships, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and quality delivery. Exceeded annual sales goals.
Director of Business Development at Niebaum Coppola Winery
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2006
Optimized existing revenue streams and launched 3–6 new products per customer, generating an additional $2M in cumulative annual revenue. Orchestrated trade shows, events, and promotions; partnered with R&D to deliver tailored product solutions; collaborated with internal teams to meet launch deadlines.
Merchandising Manager | Buyer at Tulocay & Co.
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2013
Managed a $2M retail budget; delivered financial accountability and cost control. Curated product assortments for a 4,000-square-foot winery gift and retail space, aligning merchandise with brand identity, seasonality, and sales performance. Streamlined inventory processes, reduced dead stock, and increased profitability through optimized stock management. Developed private label products that grew to represent 52% of non-wine business revenue. Negotiated and managed vendor relationships; consistently exceeded annual sales goals. Directed packaging development and vendor relations for two new venues, including American Zoetrope Café and Blancaneaux Lodge.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Retail, Wholesale & Distribution, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment