RushNet Inc (RSHN)

[ralphjusa]

I noticed a few articles that indicate that GNC may be going big time to Japan.

General Nutrition Cos. Inc.'s new marketing mastermind has led major initiatives that have increased sales for Nordstrom private-label brands, Starbucks coffee and McDonald's hamburgers in Japan.
Michael Tam, 45, recently settled in as GNC's chief marketing officer — a new position established by the company, which last month said its first-quarter sales fell 5 percent from the previous year.

Tam's hiring represents a continued focus on improved marketing by GNC's Dutch parent, Royal Numico N.V. Last month, Jan Bennink, a former Procter & Gambel marketing executive, became Numico's chief executive officer. He had most recently been in charge of the dairy division of French food company Group Danone.

Tam most recently served as executive vice president of the Seattle-based Nordstrom Product Group developing business strategy for the retailer's exclusive brands. Previously, he served as vice president of retail marketing for Starbucks Corp., also of Seattle, where he managed all advertising, in-store promotions, loyalty programs and direct marketing.

Earlier in his career, Tam was chief marketing officer in Japan for McDonald's Corp., the chain's largest foreign market with nearly 3,000 restaurants.

"Michael brings a wealth of real-world experience to GNC," GNC Chief Executive Mike Meyers said. "His impressive background in developing innovative marketing strategies for some of the world's leading brands will be a tremendous asset."

During his three-year Nordstrom tenure, Tam helped to develop the department store chain's private-label brands, which today that account for 20 percent of sales, and has successfully expanded those lines to boutiques in Japan. He also has experience in making targeted acquisitions, bringing a line of premium French clothing into the Nordstrom fold.