Gretchen Curtis

Professional Background

Gretchen Curtis is a seasoned marketing and executive leader with an impressive career trajectory characterized by a wealth of experience in developing and executing integrated marketing programs across various platforms. Gretchen has effectively coordinated marketing efforts that include digital channels, social media, search engine marketing (SEM), television, outdoor and out-of-home advertising (OOH), radio, experiential tactics, and comprehensive brand positioning strategies. Her unique ability to act as a root-cause seeker enables her to understand and simplify complex concepts into actionable insights, providing clarity and direction in her roles.

Gretchen has demonstrated her strategic vision while maintaining an inclusive and hands-on management style, a quality that has endeared her to her teams. With a reputation as an empathetic leader, she focuses on fostering healthy team dynamics while ensuring that the core objectives are prioritized. Throughout her career, Gretchen has held several key marketing positions, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Education and Achievements

Gretchen Curtis holds an MBA in Marketing from Saint Louis University, where she honed her marketing acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. Prior to her MBA, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a focus on Marketing from Truman State University. Her educational background has equipped her with a robust foundation in marketing principles and business strategy, paving the way for her success in the corporate world.

Gretchen's professional journey is marked by numerous prestigious roles that highlight her expertise in marketing and media strategy. She formerly served as the Vice President of Marketing at Weissman, where she managed ecommerce, customer insights, direct marketing, and media functions. Prior to this, she played a vital role at Panera Bread, first as the Vice President of Marketing and Media Strategy, and previously as the Director of Media. During her tenure at Panera Bread, she contributed significantly to the company's branding initiatives and integrated marketing strategies.

Before her impactful experience at Panera, Gretchen spent a significant period at Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., where she ascended through various levels in the media strategy department. Her roles included Manager, Director, and Supervisor of Media Strategy, as well as Media Planner. This extensive background in media planning and strategy at a major brewery has provided her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the marketing space. Moreover, she has also served as the Marketing Director at Schlafly Beer - The Saint Louis Brewery™, further solidifying her expertise in brand management and marketing execution.

Additionally, her career began with a role as a Business and Planning Analyst at Boeing, where she gained valuable analytical experience that has undoubtedly informed her strategic approach to marketing.

Achievements

The numerous accolades and accomplishments throughout Gretchen Curtis's career speak volumes of her effectiveness as a marketing leader. With a track record of driving results, she consistently demonstrates her ability to enhance brand visibility, improve customer engagement, and boost revenue generation through innovative marketing strategies. Gretchen’s holistic understanding of both traditional media and emerging digital platforms allows her to create cohesive marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences.

Gretchen has also led teams that were recognized for their outstanding contributions to marketing excellence. Her philosophy of combining a strategic vision with a grounded, empathetic leadership style fosters a culture of collaboration and creativity, which is essential in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Through her various roles, she has continuously improved marketing operations, leveraging insights from customer data to inform strategy and execution effectively.

In summary, Gretchen Curtis is not just a marketing expert; she is a transformative leader who thrives on overcoming challenges and cultivating high-performing teams. Her extensive experience across diverse industries, combined with her admirable leadership qualities, solidifies her status as a respected figure in the marketing domain.