Eric joined McDonald’s from Kraft Foods, where he held a variety of marketing services and information positions, including SVP - Marketing Services, Vice-President of Consumer Insights and Strategy, and Director of Sales Information and Technology. Prior to Kraft, Eric held leadership positions at ACNielsen, and Quaker Oats.
Eric holds a MBA from the University of Michigan. Eric is a member of the faculty for McDonald’s Global Leadership Development Program. He also teaches “Global Marketing” and “Marketing New Products & Services” as Lecturer in Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Eric was a long term member of the Board of Directors of the Association of National Advertisers, and served as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. He was also a long-term member of the National 4-H Council where he was Vice-Chair and a member of the Executive Committee.
Eric and Claire Leininger are the proud parents of two adult daughters.
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This course counts toward the following majors: International Business, Marketing, Marketing Management
Company survival and growth in the coming years will require a move toward global marketing and its many potential rewards and risks. This course examines the challenge of entering and operating effectively in foreign markets. Decisions must be made regarding international marketing objectives, strategies and policies, foreign market selection, adaptation of products, distribution channels of communications to fit each foreign market, and systems of international marketing organization, information gathering, planning and control. These topics, along with exploration of cultural issues, are examined through reading, case discussion, class presentations and a term project. Marketing reports for major countries will be prepared to offer valuable insights, as well as tips and techniques for marketing products and services in a specific country. The term project calls for each student or student team to develop a marketing plan for the successful marketing of a specific product to a specific foreign country chosen by the student(s).
Introduction of New Products and Services (MKTG-465-0)
This course counts toward the following majors: Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Marketing, Marketing Management
This course answers the manager's question: "What do I need to know and do as a marketer in order to develop a successful new product?" Students will gain a firm understanding of the steps necessary to bring a new product from concept to successful launch. The course covers fundamental marketing principles that are as valuable in developing and marketing the newest microchip as they are for the latest chili-flavored tortilla potato chip. The course is case-based and example driven. Illustrations and discussions will encompass consumer packaged goods, high tech and consumer electronics, biotechnology, agribusiness, entertainment, B2B, international and many other industries, in contexts that range from garage startups to Fortune 100 companies. The course content will help those pursuing careers in brand management, marketing, project management, marketing research, new product and service consulting, venture capital, and entrepreneurial ventures. The emphasis on specific techniques and application settings varies somewhat by instructor; students are encouraged to request a copy of the course syllabus from the instructor prior to registering.
Prerequisite: MKTG-430.
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FAX: 847-491-2498
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