“Driving Strategic Growth Through Authentic Relationships, Operational Excellence, and Data-Driven Decisions.”
Kevin Freeman is a seasoned sales and operations executive whose 17-year career has been marked by an exceptional ability to deliver transformative results across the consumer packaged goods (CPG), manufacturing, and audio-visual (AV) industries. Known for his analytical rigor, people-first leadership, and unparalleled sales performance, Kevin has earned a reputation as an energetic and strategic thinker who thrives in competitive, fast-paced environments. With no tolerance for mediocrity, he brings deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, operations management, and customer development—building success at every level of an organization.
Kevin’s journey began with a strong foundation in sales delivery and account growth at Crawford Sales in Kansas, where he was quickly promoted for his ability to lead high-performing routes and exceed sales targets. There, he honed his understanding of grassroots sales, customer engagement, and route optimization. Within just a few years, he had achieved the highest trending growth award for incentive sales and ranked number one in the company for volume-to-complexity performance. These early accomplishments set the tone for a career defined by results.
His natural ability to build authentic relationships made him a valuable asset at Advantage Solutions, where he served as a Retail Sales Field Specialist for Diageo-Guinness USA. Managing more than 2,000 local accounts, primarily in the convenience store sector, Kevin led initiatives that achieved 2% above-plan distribution growth in Q4—a testament to his proactive communication and strategic retail execution. It was here that his skills in field marketing and CPG account dynamics began to align with broader corporate objectives, preparing him for the next leap in his career.
That leap came with his transition to Diageo in 2016, a global leader in alcoholic beverages with an expansive international footprint. Kevin quickly distinguished himself as a Sales Specialist in Oregon, growing case volume by more than 10.7% in the first half of FY18. He successfully led SKU rationalizations and implemented loyalty incentive programs, particularly with franchise heavyweights like 7-Eleven and Plaid Pantry, where his sales impact reached up to 12% growth year-over-year. His results were driven by a deep knowledge of sales data, keen attention to purchase behavior, and a consistent commitment to customer alignment.
Promoted to Distributor Manager for Non-Metro Georgia in 2019, Kevin took on a $120 million portfolio and helped steer key account and wholesale distributor relationships across the state. As a Category Advisor, his role involved overseeing multi-layered distribution and marketing initiatives, with measurable success—culminating in his recognition as Distributor Manager of the Year for the Gulf Division in 2020. His leadership was not just operational but deeply relational. He was known for earning respect from stakeholders through example-led leadership, hands-on trade presence, and consistent overdelivery on business results.
Currently serving as Distributor Manager for the Atlanta market, Kevin manages a sales pipeline and distributor relationships nationwide for Diageo Beer Company. He oversees a $500,000 annual marketing budget and leads a dynamic team of five sales specialists. Under his direction, his team has consistently surpassed performance targets, reaching an impressive annual revenue of $17 billion in 2020. Kevin’s insights into price management, strategic placement, and new product launches have led to a 100% success rate across 6–10 new products annually. His ability to optimize pricing strategies resulted in a $72,000 cost saving initiative, and his work earned him the prestigious Diageo Golden Bar award for Distributor of the Year in 2020.
In addition to his commercial expertise, Kevin brings a sophisticated understanding of data analytics tools, including IRI, Nielsen, and Microsoft Excel. His ability to turn raw data into actionable strategies has empowered teams and distributors alike to make informed decisions, improving ROI and expanding territory coverage. Whether identifying emerging opportunities, creating Plan-o-gram insights, or refining sales narratives, he brings clarity and precision to everything he does.
Beyond the numbers, Kevin is admired for his leadership style—assertive, energetic, and people-focused. He believes in empowering teams through trust, training, and communication. His leadership is collaborative yet directive, always focused on aligning performance with corporate objectives. He excels in cross-functional coordination, particularly in environments where stakeholder interests vary and agility is essential.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Organizational Leadership from MidAmerica Nazarene University and has continued his growth through leadership workshops and professional development seminars. His academic background, combined with practical field experience, provides a solid framework for decision-making, talent development, and organizational transformation.
A resident of Atlanta, Kevin is passionate about golf, culinary exploration, and travel. These interests reflect his value system—curiosity, precision, and connection. He is also a proud member of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, where he engages in community mentorship and leadership development. Kevin is currently seeking opportunities to serve on advisory or corporate boards, aiming to bring his unmatched energy, strategic acumen, and operational savvy to organizations that value transformation and growth.
Character:
Kevin exemplifies integrity, authenticity, and determination in every professional interaction. His commitment to excellence and relational leadership has built trust with colleagues, distributors, and clients alike.
Knowledge:
With deep expertise in CPG, sales operations, data analytics, and strategic planning, Kevin brings a holistic understanding of market dynamics. His hands-on experience across roles and regions gives him rare insight into scalable, results-driven business solutions.
Strategic:
Kevin has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to develop and implement strategies that drive exponential growth and operational savings. Whether launching new products or optimizing distributor relationships, he approaches every challenge with a plan that aligns execution to outcomes.
Communication:
As a master networker and persuasive communicator, Kevin fosters transparent, productive dialogue at all organizational levels. His ability to present data-informed strategies and negotiate with impact ensures buy-in from stakeholders and sustainable business results.
