Eddie Ranchigoda

Current

• Global Innovation & E-Commerce Marketing at Visa

Past

• Brand Strategy & Marketing Consultant at Independant Contractor (Self-employed)
• Director of International Marketing at Cranium
• Director of Marketing & Business Development at Cranium

• Group Product Manager at Microsoft
• PR Manager, Product Manager, Director of Marketing at Sierra On-Line

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Education

• University of Oregon - Charles H. Lundquist College of Business
• University of California, Irvine

Recommended

10 people have recommended Eddie

Connections

320 connections

Industry

Marketing and Advertising

Eddie Ranchigoda’s Summary

Business development and marketing executive with 15 years in-depth experience driving global technology and entertainment businesses for top firms. Consistent track record of success, having launched #1 selling titles in kids software, PC entertainment, and board game categories, and managed world’s largest Internet games site. Has overseen or made key contributions to development of over 25 award-winning toys, games, and DVD products. Strong analytical skills and financial modeling abilities to properly evaluate risk/reward scenarios and drive optimal business decisions. Unique ability to blend cutting-edge web technologies and traditional marketing activities into cohesive, customer-focused strategy that breeds long term value and success. Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.

Eddie Ranchigoda’s Specialties:

Customer research/segmentation, financial modeling, product development, brand management, product positioning, licensing, pricing, naming, packaging, retail planning and POP, media planning, public relations, TV/print/radio campaigns, viral marketing campaigns, SEO/SEM, cost-per-click advertising, affiliate models, online communities and customer affinity programs.

Eddie Ranchigoda’s Experience

• Global Innovation & E-Commerce Marketing

  Visa

  (Public Company; V; Financial Services industry)

  March 2009 — Present (9 months)

  Contract role managing launch of major e-commerce initiative for Visa USA.

• Brand Strategy & Marketing Consultant

  Independant Contractor (Self-employed)

  (Self-Employed; Marketing and Advertising industry)

  September 2007 — February 2009 (1 year 6 months)

  Worked with clients such as Wikia, PopCap Games and Microsoft on various projects covering brand strategy, audience/customer segmentation, product positioning and messaging, SEO/SEM, and online promotions.

• Director of International Marketing

  Cranium

  (Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Consumer Goods industry)

  January 2006 — May 2007 (1 year 5 months)

  Based in London, UK, managed all facets of international business for 4th largest games company, now owned by Hasbro. Grew international sales by 60% over two years through key distribution and product revisions. Developed global marketing platform significantly improving marketing efficiencies for partners. Part of corporate executive team responsible for global business strategy and brand planning.

• Director of Marketing & Business Development

  Cranium

  (Privately Held; Consumer Goods industry)

  March 2002 — January 2006 (3 years 11 months)

  Oversaw development and launch of 20 new products within kids product group, growing business from 10% to 60% of corporate revenue in just over three years. Pioneered external-brand partner initiatives that doubled sales of key products in one year with minimal increase in marketing costs. During tenure, managed products that won Toy Industry Association's Game of the Year an unprecedented 3 out of 4 years.

• Group Product Manager

  Microsoft

  (Public Company; MSFT; Computer Software industry)

  June 1998 — February 2002 (3 years 9 months)

  Managed marketing and business strategy for top Internet games site, Zone.com. Authored plan and drove site relaunch with multidisciplinary team that resulted in doubled traffic and first-time ever profitability for online games business unit. Over four years grew audience 500%, reaching #1 spot for games sites on Nielsen/Media Metrix rankings, through innovative, rich-media and search engine ad campaigns. Developed and managed Kasparov vs. the World online chess match attracting 3M global visitors and hailed as a breakthrough event for the Internet and chess world. Named and drove worldwide launch of Bejeweled, the most popular web-based game in history. Co-developed and marketed Outsmart, first of its kind online celebrity game show.

• PR Manager, Product Manager, Director of Marketing

  Sierra On-Line

  (Public Company; Marketing and Advertising industry)

  1994 — 1998 (4 years )

  Managed entertainment and kids businesses for largest PC entertainment software publisher. In 1998, launched Half-Life with Valve Entertainment, the #1 selling PC game of 1998.

Eddie Ranchigoda’s Education

• University of Oregon - Charles H. Lundquist College of Business

  MBA , Marketing, International Business , 1991 — 1993

• University of California, Irvine

  BA , Psychology (Children and Family emphasis) , 1984 — 1988

Additional Information

Eddie Ranchigoda’s Groups:

Chi Psi Fraternity, Indana Jones Softball

•    Microsoft - Current and Former Employees
•    Cranium -- Current & Former Employees
•    BATS Improv for Business People Alumni

Eddie Ranchigoda’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
• consulting offers
• new ventures
• expertise requests
• reference requests
• getting back in touch