Native Minnesotan Diane Harper, vice president of customer and channel insights at Chicago-based Kraft Foods, joined the institute's advisory board hoping to learn how the latest marketing principles could help in her work connecting consumers to brands.  After all, as a graduate of the Carlson School's MBA program, it was only natural to look here for marketing expertise.

"Consumer-centric innovation is the key to growth in the food industry.  Yet, with the ever changing consumer and media environment, it can be very challenging.  Exposure to the latest research findings in consumer marketing helps me stay on the leading edge."

Harper has been an integral part of the institute's work linking theory and practice.  This spring she appeared as a panel member providing insights about building business through improved relationships with customers at a conference co-hosted by the Carlson School and the Marketing Science Institute.  "It's exciting to work at the intersection of real-world experience and insightful, cutting-edge research expertise."

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