SAINT LOUIS, MO, January 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Leigha C. Wilkerson has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mrs. Wilkerson has established herself as a prominent leader in the consumer packaged goods sector, currently serving as the senior director of retail at Advantage Solutions since 2024. In this capacity, she oversees a team of five directors across the United States and Canada, ensuring that client products achieve widespread availability in grocery and convenience stores. Her responsibilities include traveling extensively for work, collaborating with multiple client partners, and managing complex conversations to ensure the successful execution of services. Mrs. Wilkerson is also tasked with removing internal roadblocks, supporting her staff and working closely with upper leadership to maintain the company's profitability.

A champion for diversity, equity and education within Advantage Solutions, Mrs. Wilkerson has spearheaded several initiatives to foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment. She created the "Rise" program to educate future leaders about the company's global operations, addressing siloed structures and promoting cross-functional understanding. Additionally, she co-developed "DRO Connect the Dots," a program designed to enhance communication and remove barriers among departments, ensuring directors receive the support they need.

Prior to her current role, Mrs. Wilkerson served as the director of retail operations at Advantage Solutions from 2022 to 2024. During this period, she managed several directors, collaborated with client partners and played a key role in supporting her teams. From 2021 to 2022, she was the regional operations manager, where she further honed her leadership skills by overseeing regional teams and ensuring operational excellence.

Mrs. Wilkerson's earlier experience includes serving as a customer success manager at The Climate Corporation from 2020 to 2021. In this role, she worked closely with clients to ensure their satisfaction and success with the company's agricultural technology solutions. From 2017 to 2020, she was a national account manager at Bayer Crop Science, where she managed key accounts and contributed to the company's growth in the agricultural sector.

From 2015 to 2017, Mrs. Wilkerson held the position of business and finance manager at STL Motorcars, where she was responsible for financial operations and business management. Her career in retail management began with roles as store manager at ASICS America from 2013 to 2015 and at Finish Line Inc. from 2005 to 2013. It was during these formative years that Mrs. Wilkerson began her leadership journey, becoming an assistant manager by the age of 19. She takes great pride in the positive impact she had on her early team members, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant personal and professional success.

As part of her ongoing commitment to professional excellence and community leadership, Mrs. Wilkerson has been a member of Women We Admire since 2025, a full member of NextUp since 2024 and a founding member of St. Louis Women for Good through Grapevine since 2023. These affiliations underscore her dedication to advancing women's leadership, fostering mentorship and promoting professional growth across the consumer packaged goods industry.

Mrs. Wilkerson's academic background includes earning a Master of Business Administration from Webster University in Saint Louis in 2021 and a Bachelor of Arts in classical humanities with a minor in art history from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2011. In addition to her formal education, she has pursued several certifications to further enhance her expertise. She completed the business strategy certification from McKinsey & Co. in 2025, the management accelerator as part of the Black Leadership Academy from McKinsey & Co. in 2025, the problem-solving certification from McKinsey & Co. in 2024 and the adaptability and resilience certification from McKinsey & Co. in 2024.

Reflecting on her career, Mrs. Wilkerson attributes her success to her unwavering determination and refusal to accept "no" as an answer. Raised by a strong mother, a resilient grandmother and a father who served in the military, she was instilled with a sense of grit and resolve from an early age. These influences have shaped her into a strong-willed leader who is undeterred by obstacles and committed to making things happen. Mrs. Wilkerson's drive to succeed is matched by her dedication to uplifting others and breaking down barriers for future generations.

As a young leader who has made a meaningful impact, Mrs. Wilkerson confidently uses her platform to advocate for herself and others, believing that visibility and authenticity empower future leaders. She recalls a recent conversation with a team member who shared that, although she is one of the youngest leaders he has worked for, she is also among the best mentors he has had because she listens, supports and fights for her team.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Wilkerson has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to civic engagement. She served as walk with ease coordinator for the Arthritis Foundation in 2015 and has volunteered with organizations such as Susan G. Komen from 2007 to 2013, The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri between 2007 and 2013, The American Red Cross from 2007 to 2012 and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Inc. Additionally, Mrs. Wilkerson mentored youth as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri in 2009 and 2010.

Mrs. Wilkerson's achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including being named one of the Top 50 Women in the St. Louis area by Women We Admire in 2025. She also received the Top Women in Grocery Rising Star award from Progressive Grocer in 2025 and was honored as a Women We Admire awardee that same year.

Born in Union City, Mrs. Wilkerson enjoys taking care of her three dogs and practicing yoga in her personal time. She is committed to creating a better and more equitable future for all aspiring leaders. She believes in uplifting those who cannot lift themselves and advocates for greater representation of women, LGBTQIA individuals and BIPOC in leadership roles. Mrs. Wilkerson's ultimate goal is to leave behind a legacy of leadership that inspires others to follow in her footsteps.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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