Victoria Varhalmi
Victoria Varhalmi is a seasoned strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. She has built a career spanning category management, shopper marketing, retail media, and custom consumer research. Throughout her professional journey, Victoria has collaborated with major retailers such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Publix, driving marketing performance and ensuring that KPIs align with strategic media and retail plans. Her expertise spans a variety of brands, including skin health and self-care products, where she has successfully combined data-driven insights with actionable strategies to influence shopper behavior and optimize retail execution.
Currently, Victoria serves as the Shopper Insights & Category Management Self-Care Team Lead at Kenvue. In this role, she leads cross-functional teams to develop long-term category strategies, determine best-in-class planogram placements, and provide actionable recommendations to retail partners. She is responsible for guiding her team through complex initiatives at the intersection of retail and internal stakeholders, leveraging shopper insights to enhance engagement, category growth, and return on investment. Victoria also played a key role during the transition of her organization from Johnson & Johnson to an independent publicly listed company, navigating new challenges while maintaining operational excellence.
Victoria holds an MBA in Marketing from Centenary College, where she graduated summa cum laude, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She is an active member of the Category Management Association and participates in leadership development groups for women in business. Her professional philosophy centers on shopper-driven, data-informed decision-making, fostering trust with retail partners, and leading high-performing teams to achieve sustained organizational growth. With a proven record of strategic vision and execution, Victoria continues to drive innovation and elevate performance across the CPG landscape.
• Centenary University - MBA
• Category Management Association
• NextUp
• Tabby's Place Cat Sanctuary
• Local Church Family Donation Center
• Animal Humane Society Organizations
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, focus, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Over the years, I’ve learned that dedication is essential, but so is balance. While I value putting in effort, I’ve also recognized the importance of setting boundaries and ensuring time for personal well-being. Striking the right balance between professional responsibilities and personal fulfillment has been key to sustaining both success and happiness.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you truly own your career—you are the one responsible for shaping your path. Don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities and broaden your horizons. Understand how your skills are transferable across industries and learn to position yourself accordingly. It’s important to set clear goals, advocate for yourself, and stay persistent. With focus and determination, you can navigate challenges and ultimately reach the career milestones you aspire to.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay curious and open-minded. Focus on the skills you’ll gain and the areas that interest you, rather than just job titles. Take ownership of your career, explore new roles, and identify how your skills can transfer across industries. Set clear goals, advocate for yourself, and remain persistent—by doing so, you can build a fulfilling and successful career, even in paths you might not have anticipated.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating significant change. Our transition from being part of Johnson & Johnson to becoming an independent company—and going public on the New York Stock Exchange—has required adaptability and resilience at every level. Change, whether personal or professional, can be difficult and unpredictable, and leadership transitions add another layer of complexity when priorities and perspectives differ. Managing these challenges requires flexibility, thoughtful planning, and adjusting expectations while maintaining focus on shared goals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life include treating others with respect, staying humble, and embracing both mentorship and learning from others. I believe in listening to different perspectives and understanding what drives people. Hard work is important to me, but I’ve also learned the value of balance—making time for personal well-being and happiness is essential to sustaining both professional success and fulfillment.
Locations
Kenvue
Ormond Beach, FL 32174