A Conversation with Kristi Autote

As a senior account executive with UL, a global independent safety science company Kristi Autote focuses on consumer goods testing, inspections and certification. Since joining the company in 2009, she has helped develop and implement quality programs for major U.S. retailers and their private brand programs.

We asked Autote about the latest developments at her company and what is going on in the store brand industry today.

Store Brands: Tell us about some of the latest developments and capabilities at UL.

Kristi Autote: Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of the content being printed on the packages of products, with the expectation that the information stated on packaging is correct. UL has been focusing on label-assessment programs, helping to ensure that products in the market are being represented accurately. These label-assessment programs have two critical components, the first of which is the regulatory label review. This allows regulatory experts to review the content of the packaging to all applicable regulatory requirements for a particular product category, and provide feedback to brand owners on which areas are found to be inconsistent with the guidelines. The second component is equally important and includes the review of label claims being made on the product, including the collection of claim substantiation documentation to help mitigate the risk associated with printing unverified claims. Oftentimes when considering packaging claims, people evaluate only structure and function statements, when seemingly simple claims such as performance go unevaluated. Both label assessment services help to reduce waste associated with rework from various stakeholders and discarded packaging.

Store Brands: What is the biggest challenge the store brand industry currently faces?

Autote: Now that many private label manufacturers have achieved national brand equivalence and, more importantly, consumers have accepted private label to be of equal or better quality than the brand — brand owners are looking for more innovative items to bring to market. From a quality standpoint, the challenge is the difficulty in identifying the acceptable quality parameters of an innovative product that no longer has a recognized national brand to which it can be compared.

Store Brands: What is your fondest memory in your career so far?

Autote: When I transitioned into a sales role with UL, I began working with a major brand owner in North America to help ensure their products were compliant with applicable regulations. Being able to help them with their release-to-market testing goes far beyond the win of a new account, but also helped me to truly realize how important UL’s mission of working for a safer world is to me. There is great satisfaction in knowing that each time this brand owner releases a product to market, I have personally contributed to the safety of the consumer using that product.

Store Brands: Who is your greatest hero and why?

Autote: My mom is my greatest hero because she has always shown me an extraordinary work ethic, and without her guidance, determination and limitless support, I would not be where I am today.

Store Brands: How would you sum up your work philosophy?

Autote: Everything I do is driven by integrity, competitiveness and collaboration — both within the UL organization and with our clients.

Store Brands: If you hadn’t gone into your current field, what career would you have chosen?

Autote: I would have chosen a career with a retailer or manufacturer that allowed me to stay connected with my passion for quality assurance.

“Oftentimes when considering packaging claims, people only evaluate structure and function statements, when seemingly simple claims such as performance go unevaluated.”