Strategic marketer driven by imagination, with a proven track record in crafting brand identities and developing effective and engaging communication strategies. Hybrid problem solver, combining strategic and creative thinking to solving business and marketing challenges. Innately passionate about uncovering cultural, human and business insights, that drive bottom line operational growth. Experience With: Brand Positioning + Brand Strategy + Digital Marketing Strategy + Designing, Conducting and Analyzing Consumer Research ( Consumer Behavior + Quantitative Research + Qualitative Research + Customer Segmentation) + Media Innovation + Content Strategy

Associate Director of Innovation @ The GRID Innovation Unit dedicated to GE From April 2015 to Present (7 months) Greater New York City AreaBrand Strategist @ Partner with C-suite clients during moments of significant change to align brand strategy with business strategy. Leveraging corporate and cultural strengths to create authentic brand experiences. From July 2014 to April 2015 (10 months) Greater New York City AreaCreative Strategist @ Shape short and long-term strategy for brand renovation and new product innovation, influence new product attributes, competitive strategy, brand positioning, and communication strategy • Planned, designed and conducted primary and secondary research, analyze trends/results to determine business and marketing challenges/opportunities, industry drivers and competitive dynamics leading to strategic implications • Proactively identify new opportunities for client growth, through new media platforms, content strategies, digital initiatives and new product launches • Continual source of marketing inspiration, working closely with client services, analytics, and creative teams to help bring integrated strategies to life and ensure that the plans support the client’s brand and business goals • Regularly conducted cultural and trend forecasting to ensure the best possible creative and innovative solutions • Brainstorming with agency members to create compelling creative concepts for client projects CATEGORY EXPERIENCE: Brand Strategy Development: Financial services, luxury fashion, e-commerce, premium pet food and technology brands Digital Strategy: Alcohol, CPG, retail and financial services brands Creative Strategy: Fashion, alcohol, financial services, entertainment and hospitality brands Specialties: Strategic planning / positioning, trend spotting, social listening, cultural research and analysis, message development, creative problem solving, critical thinking and synthesis From July 2011 to July 2014 (3 years 1 month) Greater New York City AreaAdvertising & Social Media Associate @ • Community manager for all social media properties • Created and executed monthly content strategies From September 2009 to June 2011 (1 year 10 months) Hudson Valley New YorkBrand Strategist Intern @ • Led research and developed marketing recommendations for M&C SRL’s entry into the North American Market • Conducted market and consumer research for an global thought leadership piece • Assisted with global consumer segmentation project From June 2010 to September 2010 (4 months) Naples Area, Italy

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration; Marketing @ Marist College From 2007 to 2011 Xavier High School NYC From 2003 to 2007 Umberto Castaldo is skilled in: Advertising, Brand Development, Social Media, Market Research, Integrated Marketing, Digital Marketing, Strategic Planning, Digital Strategy, Creative Strategy, Microsoft Office, Strategy, New Business Development, Marketing Communications, Relationship Marketing, Public Speaking, Interactive Marketing, Facebook, Social Media Marketing, Public Relations, Online Advertising, Digital Media, Marketing, Creative Writing, Creative Direction, Content Strategy, Analysis, Qualitative Research, Brand Management, Competitive Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Product Development, Business Strategy, Business Analysis, Business Planning, Marketing Research, Strategic Communications, Direct Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Email Marketing, Analytics