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James VanElls has extensive experience in category management and customer success roles in the foodservice industry. James is currently the Senior Director of Customer Success & Strategic Insights at Ventura Foods, where they lead a team that has helped partners double industry growth through service propositions that increase loyalty. Prior to this, they worked at Essendant as the Director of Category Management, where they successfully rebuilt the Foodservice category by reducing costs, increasing program allowances, and growing sales. James also worked at Edward Don & Company and US Foods as a Category Manager, leading the growth of the Disposables category and improving overall company profitability through cost reductions and increased customer loyalty. Additionally, James started their career at Chicago Tribune Media Group as a Business Analyst, where they automated reports and created tools to improve demand forecasting and reduce marketing spend.

James VanElls attended Michigan State University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English Language and Literature/Letters. James also studied journalism at Northwestern University. In addition to their formal education, they have obtained several certifications, including How to Build Virtual Accountability from LinkedIn in 2022, Certified Digital Marketing Associate from the Digital Marketing Institute in 2021, and Business Insights: Black Belt Level 1 Certification from Delta Associates, Inc in 2019.