At this year’s 2026 U.S. National Sales & International Marketers Meeting in Orlando, Florida, Newell Brands teams from across the business came together with a shared focus: how to build a culture of ownership in a more competitive, fast-moving, and increasingly complex marketplace.
Led by Chief Commercial Officer, The Americas, Mike Hayes, the annual meeting provided an opportunity to align priorities, share perspectives and progress across categories, and reinforce the behaviors that will support strong execution across the business.
A More Focused Path Forward
The theme of the meeting was “Own It,” inspired by our values and serving as a call to action for attendees. On the first day of the event, our segment and function leaders presented business updates, equipping teams with new tools, campaigns, and innovations to support execution.
The meeting also highlighted the role Newell Brands plays as a category leader. Across businesses, teams are focused on creating new use occasions and enhancing the consumer experience.
Our go-to-market organization also focused on key considerations for the evolving retail landscape. Winning requires clear alignment regarding where we play and how we win. That means prioritizing the right customers, the right categories, and the right opportunities, and ensuring we are focused on the areas with the greatest potential to deliver results.
For Newell Brands, this includes leaning into strong partnerships with leading retailers, while continuing to build on the strength of our brand portfolio across channels.
Execution as the Ultimate Differentiator
While strategy remains critical, the meeting reinforced a simple but powerful truth: individual ownership is essential. On the second day, attendees had the chance to hear from our businesses directly through engaging breakouts and an innovation showcase.
Across sessions, teams shared examples of how performance is supported not only by large-scale innovation, but also by consistent, incremental improvements, whether through stronger in-store displays, expanded distribution, optimized pricing strategies, or enhanced digital content. These “small wins” add up.
Capability Building with an Eye to the Customer
Success today depends on understanding not just broad audiences, but specific consumer segments—and building the skills to meet their needs with relevance and clarity. On the final day, teams participated in capability-building workshops that covered AI for Sales, the digital environment, economic thinking, and career development.
Members of our marketing teams from LATAM, APAC, and EMEA came together to hear about new innovations and company priorities, as well as strategize for their own regions. This inclusive opportunity enabled cross-collaboration and brainstorming in support of One Newell across our categories.
Collaboration remains central to driving effective execution across the global marketplace.
Looking Ahead
As teams left Orlando, the message was clear: winning in today’s environment requires focus, ownership, and disciplined execution.
By staying close to the consumer, prioritizing where we can win, and owning results across every touchpoint, our go-to-market teams are well positioned to navigate an ever-changing retail environment.