The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Zach Dennett, VP Merchandising for Consumer Health and Wellness, and Supplemental Benefits at CVS Pharmacy, the Front-Of-Store Retail Business Unit of CVS Health.

Follow Zach on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharydennett/

Follow CVS Health online at: http://cvshealth.com

Follow CVS Health on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cvshealth/

Zach answers these questions:

1. Since stepping into your current role in March 2024, what has been your primary focus within Consumer Health & Wellness front of store merchandising at CVS Health?
2. CVS emphasizes seamless omnichannel experiences. What are key milestones in merging in-store and digital merchandising?
3. With around 60 million digitally engaged customers, what are the biggest learnings about how digital influences in-store purchases in your category?
4. What qualities do you look for in emerging brands seeking merchandising partnerships with CVS Health?
5. CVS stores have shoppers coming for Rx, for OTC and even primary healthcare needs. How do you work with the other business owners within CVS Health to ensure your shoppers get the care that they need and how do brands play a role in this process?
6. Could you share how your merchandisers interact with CVS Media Exchange to ensure that brands connect with your consumers in the path to purchase?
7. What role does behavioral insights via loyalty data (e.g., ExtraCare insights) play in determining your merchandising strategies?
8. In other statements, you’ve noted younger generations trust influencers over experts. How does this affect product merchandising strategy?
9. How do you see CVS’s merchandising role evolving over the next 3–5 years amid innovations like “instant commerce”?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Fintan Gillespie, Global Director - Ad Partnerships Group at Snap Inc., a technology company that contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.

Follow Fintan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintangillespie/

Follow Snap for Business online at: http://forbusiness.snapchat.com/cpgguys

Follow Snap Business Blog at: https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/blog

Follow Snap on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/snapchat-for-business/posts

This episode is sponsored by Snap, Inc.

Fintan answers these questions:

1. Fintan, let’s start with your journey. What brought you into the world of media and partnerships, and what does your current role at Snap entail as Head of Independent Agencies & Global Ad Partnerships?
2. You lead global ad partnerships. How do these partnerships shape Snap’s GTM strategy in the broader media ecosystem?
3. Independent agencies are often more agile and innovation-driven than holding company giants. How are you seeing them lean into platforms like Snap to drive differentiated value for their CPG clients?
4. What advice would you give to agencies looking to leverage Snap effectively within omnichannel media strategies?
5. Proving ROI remains critical for agencies and brands. How is Snap helping advertisers measure real business outcomes, especially sales lift and conversion?
6. Looking ahead to 2026, what’s your boldest prediction for the intersection of agencies, partnerships, and platforms like Snap in the world of commerce media
7. Fintan, you’ve seen the media landscape from multiple vantage points. What leadership lesson or guiding principle has helped you most in building trust and value in partnerships?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week, Sri recaps his visit to Amazon Accelerate.

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.