COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Mark Mechelse has been promoted to vice president of insights and communications at the Global Market Development Center (GMDC).

Mark Mechelse

GMDC said Tuesday that, in the new role, Mechelse will oversee the association’s efforts to advocate for the general merchandise and health, beauty and wellness categories on behalf of members. He joined GMDC in 2011 as director of research, industry insights and communications.

“Mark has worked tirelessly to grow the awareness of GMDC within the industry and his efforts have not gone unnoticed,” stated Patrick Spear, president and chief executive officer of GMDC. “The initiatives he has launched have played a significant role in positioning the organization and its members as powerful innovators and thought leaders in the marketplace.”

Mechelse led GMDC‘s Education Leadership Council (ELC), which provides strategic direction for retail insights. In that capacity, he works with members to produce breakthrough industry research and to provide perspectives and consumer-driven “next practices” to help members gauge research and trends and devise strategies to spur new business.

GMDC noted that Mechelse has also been pivotal in advancing its Retail Tomorrow initiative, launched in May 2016, to leverage innovation in the marketplace via development and advancement of unique, first-mover products, services and technology.

“Consumers demand ideas, products, services and technologies that are truly revolutionary,” said Spear. “While many companies, and even other associations, are talking about innovation, Retail Tomorrow delivers these opportunities to our members.” Launched in May 2016, Retail Tomorrow is opening pathways of discovery for provocative, product-and process-changing solutions in the marketplace.

GMDC serves more than 600 GM and health, beauty and wellness retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and service provider member companies, whose volume represents over 125,000 retail outlets and $500 billion-plus in sales.