The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Abby Laursen, Senior Director of Ads Product Marketing 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.

This episode was recorded at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Learn more about Snapchat for Business : https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/cpgguys

Follow Abby on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-laursen/

Find the Snapchat Generation Report here: https://newsroom.snap.com/snapchat-generation-report

Read Snap Success Stories here: https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/inspiration

Abby answers these questions:

1. What makes Snap a uniquely powerful platform for CPG marketers compared to other social or retail media environments?"
2. How does Snap bridge the gap between upper-funnel storytelling and lower-funnel conversion?"
3. Snap’s focus has always been on real relationships. How does that translate into real retail outcomes for brands?"
4. What does Gen Z expect from CPG brands today — and how should brands evolve to meet that? What’s the biggest myth brands still believe about Gen Z engagement on social platforms?
5. How is Snap helping brands remain culturally relevant while staying true to their identity?
6. What’s the biggest myth brands still believe about Gen Z engagement on social platforms?
7. How do you see the line between social and retail blurring in the next 12–24 months?"
8. What does the future of 'retail media meets social commerce' look like from your seat? What’s one innovation or trend at Snap that CPG leaders should be paying more attention to?
9. How is Snap helping brands prove ROI, especially when it comes to full-funnel performance? How do you think about attribution in a world where so many platforms are walled gardens?

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/

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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 Ajay Salpekar, the GM of Brand & Creator Commerce at TikTok, the world's leading social destination for short-form video.

Follow Ajay on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salpekar/

Follow TikTok on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiktok/

Follow TikTok online at: http://ads.tiktok.com

Ajay answers these questions:

1. What inspired your transition from roles at Unilever and Amazon to leading TikTok’s beauty commerce strategy?
2. You’ve mentioned that a shopping journey that once took 19 days can now take 19 seconds on TikTok because of compelling content. How does that happen - on the Brand side and on the Consumer behaviour end?
3. What strategies have proven most effective for brands to convert viral TikTok moments into sustained sales?
4. How do you define success for beauty brands on TikTok Shop, and what key metrics do you prioritize?
5. Can you share insights into how TikTok Shop is leveling the playing field for emerging/small beauty brands
6. How do you see the role of creators evolving in the context of brand storytelling and product launches? Can you give us some insight into the Creator mindset and how that drives long-term partnerships, particularly with Beauty brands?
7. Can you share an example of a successful creator-brand collaboration on TikTok Shop that led to significant business results?
8. What best practices do you recommend for brands when collaborating with creators to ensure authentic and effective 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/

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signup
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:
https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signup

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 Dan Bonert, SVP of Retail Analytics and Retail Media at NielsenIQ. Dan has a background in media from his days at Amazon and was able to share quite a few insights on today's environment LIVE from the NielsenIQ c360 conference down in Hollywood, FL. Ajay Sharma, VP of ecommerce + omnichannel was our guest co-host for this episode, officially now his 6th appearance on the CPGGUYS.

Find Dan Bonert on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbonert/

Find NielsenIQ on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/

Find NielsenIQ online at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/

Here's what we asked him :

1. What are the key challenges you foresee in the retail media landscape, and how do you intend to address them?
2. How does your experience at Amazon and The Trade Desk inform your approach go forward in retail media?
3. How is NielsenIQ integrating advanced analytics to enhance retail media offerings?
4. What technological innovations are you most excited about in the retail media space?
5. Can you discuss how NielsenIQ’s Full View™ platform contributes to retail media strategies?
6. How do you foster collaboration between retailers and brands within NielsenIQ’s ecosystem?
7. What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of retail media?
8. What consumer behavior changes have you observed, and how are they impacting retail media?
9. How do you see the role of personalization evolving in retail media strategies?
10. What advice would you give to brands looking to optimize their retail media investments?

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/

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signup
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:
https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signup

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.