RDD Associates has announced a series of leadership promotions as the perishables-focused sales and marketing agency expands responsibilities across client services, people and talent, and business development.
Among the changes is the promotion of James L. Perillo IV from vice president and senior director of client services to senior vice president, client services excellence. In his expanded role, Perillo will provide strategic leadership to RDD’s client service organization, working closely with the company’s client services leadership team to adapt and implement operational best practices across its client group portfolios. He also will play a role in strengthening new-client onboarding and integration processes as RDD advances its strategic growth initiatives.
Perillo will serve on RDD’s Leadership Team and Executive Committee, giving him an expanded role in the company’s strategic planning as well as its client-service operations. His responsibilities will include helping ensure consistency in client-service practices and performance while supporting the company’s relationships with retail partners.
Perillo joined RDD in 2020 and has focused on client success throughout his tenure. The company said he has helped grow and strengthen its client portfolio while developing long-term relationships across the industry. His promotion expands that role, with a focus on operational excellence and applying successful practices more broadly across RDD’s client organization.
RDD also promoted Carolee Pacifico from vice president, people, purpose and culture to senior vice president, people, purpose, culture and talent. Pacifico will continue leading RDD’s people-centric strategy while taking on broader responsibility for aligning talent development, culture and organizational effectiveness with the company’s long-term business goals.
As a member of RDD’s Leadership Team and Executive Committee, Pacifico will oversee initiatives involving employee engagement, leadership development, succession planning and talent acquisition. Her expanded role puts additional emphasis on developing the talent and leadership capabilities needed to support the company as it grows.
Pacifico joined RDD in 2009 and has played a central role in developing its culture and employee experience. She is a SHRM-certified professional and holds a Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential. She also remains active with the Society for Human Resource Management and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, bringing outside industry perspectives and best practices to her work.
Mike Conese was promoted from vice president, portfolio development and growth to senior vice president, business development and revenue growth acceleration. Conese will lead RDD’s efforts to secure and integrate new client partnerships, expand high-impact service offerings, and identify opportunities to accelerate sales and revenue growth.
As a member of the Leadership Team and Executive Committee, Conese will help identify new business opportunities and contribute to RDD’s broader strategic planning. His role will connect business development efforts with the company’s existing client relationships and service capabilities as RDD looks to expand its presence in the supermarket industry.
Conese joined RDD in 2024 and has brought extensive industry experience to the company’s growth efforts. RDD said he has focused on cultivating client relationships, developing collaborative strategies, and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth. His ability to identify opportunities, build partnerships, and execute strategic initiatives has contributed to RDD’s expansion across the supermarket industry.
Together, the promotions strengthen RDD’s leadership structure across client service, talent, and business development, while giving each executive a broader role in supporting the company’s continued growth.