Philippe Graner

job: marketing director

preferred title: global guru

favorite thing about your job: discovering new opportunities every day

when not working: rugby, kids, travel

on my ipod: anything with a funky beat

words of wisdom: there are no obstacles, only opportunities

favorite movie: La Femme Nikita (or Caddyshack)

dream dinner guests: Bonaparte, De Gaulle, Louis XIV

favorite vacation destination: Bora Bora

my passion is: sports

Philippe's Bio

Where to begin with Philippe Graner? Would it be better to start with his 17 years in the direct marketing industry; his two years as a professional hockey player; his 25 years on the international rugby circuit; or his former company, Care Destinations, which transported uninsured patients to foreign countries for life-saving operations?

The direct marketing, probably.

This is Philippe's first foray into the supply side of direct marketing, although between flights he had worked with J. Schmid off and on for years. He was awarded Oriental Trading Company's "Innovator of the Year" award in 2007; and his work for French Country Living won him Catalog Age's award for the best new catalog of the year. He is fluent in French (bien sûr), proficient in Spanish, and speaks leadership in at least three languages.

In his new role for J. Schmid, Philippe will be the gracious host for new clients, as well as a primary resource for any marketing direction. This is his first time living in Kansas City; so, by all means, tell him what he was missing all those years.

"Going international is easier than you think, and always an opportunity for success."

—Philippe Graner, Marketing Director