Kristine Read is a Category Manager at CVS Health, where she leads the Frozen Foods and Ice Cream business. In her role, she is responsible for category strategy, assortment planning, supplier partnerships, promotional development, and identifying innovative solutions that drive growth while meeting the needs of CVS customers nationwide. Prior to joining CVS Health, Kristine built a diverse commercial background spanning product management, account management, and sales leadership roles. She holds an MBA from Ball State University and has developed expertise in translating consumer insights into actionable business strategies. Kristine is passionate about bringing innovation to retail, strengthening supplier partnerships, and finding new ways to create value for customers through convenience-focused merchandising.

Ben Finkel, Director, Fresh & Frozen Foods | CVS Health

Ben Finkel is Director of Fresh & Frozen Foods at CVS Health, where he leads a nearly $500 million portfolio of fresh and frozen categories across approximately 7,000 stores nationwide. He is responsible for driving category growth through DSD strategy, innovation, and supplier partnerships while helping shape the future of CVS Health's food business.  Throughout his career at CVS Health, Ben has held leadership roles spanning category management, merchandising strategy, and store brand innovation; helping shape growth strategies for some of the company's most important retail businesses. Prior to CVS Health, he worked in food science and product development, providing him with a unique perspective on the intersection of product innovation, consumer behavior, and retail execution. Ben holds an MBA in Strategic Innovation from the University of Rhode Island and bachelor’s degrees in Food Science and Business Administration. He is passionate about identifying emerging consumer trends, developing innovative merchandising solutions, and building strong partnerships across the retail ecosystem.