RD

Ruy Drever

DVP Sports Ventures at Abbott

Greater Chicago Area

Overview

Work Experience

  • DVP Sports Ventures

    2023 - Current

    Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Abbott Ventures, seeks to invest in companies doing promising work within Abbott's current markets, and in other markets that Abbott may choose to enter in the future.

  • Founder - Board Member

    2009

    The incredible benefits of practicing martial arts and conditioning made it hard not to seize a clear opportunity in the marketplace. Founded and launched 800+ consumer centric products, including activewear, training equipment, eyewear, sports nutrition and training gyms.

  • Co-founder - Board Member

    2016 - 2022

    People want to nourish their bodies with healthy food that also tastes great! Blissimo is disrupting the market with innovations in the food & bev industry, delivering nutritious and delicious products to its customers. Company sold to a private investor.

  • Founder

    2010 - 2014

    We all need a breath of fresh air amidst all the negative news we get on a daily basis. Launched Brazil’s first constructive journalism & sustainability platform and got traction from corporations such as: Red Bull, Santander Bank, HSBC, Natura Cosmetics, Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Petrobras. Company sold to a private investor.

  • Co-Founder

    2011 - 2013

    Vale Presente has become one of the nation’s leading pre-paid card systems. I stepped in as angel investor/co-founder and incubated the company within a consumer electronics structure. From business plan elaboration to technology analysis, international benchmarking, partner development, brand positioning & go-to-market strategy. Clients included: Johnson & Johnson, P&G, Kellogg’s, Gillette, Burger King, McDonald’s, Unilever, and others. Company sold to a private investor.

  • CEO

    2003 - 2009

    Directed a major turnaround to transform a semi conductors manufacturer into a fast moving consumer electronics company. • Grew the business 20% a year and doubled gross margins. • Revamped the operating model and pivoted the business from B2B to B2C. • Led R&D and go-to-market launching over 2,000 skus throughout 15,000+ points of sale. • Negotiated exclusivity deals with Japanese brands Maxell Electronics, Yashica Digital and GP Batteries. Company sold to a private investor.

  • Marketing Director

    1999 - 2002

    Developed marketing concepts and strategies, and executed cross-platform BTL and ATL campaigns for the first digital content provider in Brazil (a subsidiary of Folha Group). • Positioned UOL as the go-to internet service provider in Brazil. • Designed and directed marketing programs to penetrate Latin American and European markets. • Skyrocketed brand equity and traffic by using UOL to stream concerts and events (before streaming had a name). • Defined and integrated the company’s CRM strategy.

  • Strategic Partners Manager

    1997 - 1999

    Created and rolled out a strategy to capture attention and galvanize small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to purchase Microsoft tools to grow and run their businesses. • Increased sales by 25%. • Designed and facilitated workshops and seminars that engaged and educated business owners and executives on using Microsoft products to improve business development, marketing, distribution, strategic planning, P&L, and human resources operations.

  • Brand Marketing Manager

    1995 - 1997

    Managed marketing strategies and plans for two major brands—Vaseline Intensive Care and Vinolia. Integrated global branding and positioning strategies into the Brazilian market. • Contributed to product development and distribution. • Steered market research, segmentation, and positioning. • Launched two new products annually. • Drove 10% average growth.

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