Eric Le Blanc is the SVP of Marketing at Category Partners, LLC; a retail sector, business insights company founded in 2008, which specializes in driving growth by executing consumer and market research, data analytics and technology solutions.
Prior to joining Category Partners in 2023, Eric worked for nearly 20 years leading Tyson Foods’ marketing efforts in the Deli channel, with responsibilities spanning from consumer and shopper marketing, trade marketing, customer planning and development, and business strategy. In this capacity he pioneered the use of data and insights in the Deli channel at Tyson Foods, including original and innovative studies and methodologies that led to new and sometimes surprising insights into consumer behaviors and attitudes in this section of the store. He served 5 years on the IDDBA Board of Directors and has been recognized as an industry thought leader.
Tom Barnes is the chief executive officer of Category Partners, LLC; a retail sector, business insights company founded in 2008, which specializes in driving growth by executing consumer and market research, data analytics and technology solutions.
Tom has successfully led Category Partners by developing strategic partnerships, proprietary data reporting tools and adding primary consumer research capabilities to Category Partners services. Since taking the reins at the end of 2016, Category Partners has more than doubled its annual revenue.
Prior to joining Category Partners in 2013, Tom held a senior position at Wada Farms Marketing Group leading a major retailer account group for more than 9 of his 13 years with the company.
Adam Brohimer is the President of Category Partners, LLC; a retail sector, business insights company founded in 2008, which specializes in driving growth by executing consumer and market research, data analytics and technology solutions.
Prior to joining Category Partners, Adam worked in a variety of category management, business development and client support roles with IRI and Perishables Group. Before pursuing his current career in the perishables industries, he worked in the non-profit arena including a stint on Capitol Hill.
Adam got his start in the retail grocery industry in the early 1990s. He worked for nearly five years across most of the store departments at Omaha, Neb. based Baker’s Supermarkets’. Born and raised in Omaha, Neb., Adam earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Following, he earned an MBA from the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.