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Kathy Hollenhorst

President & CEO at Creatis ● Marketing Resourcing Expert ● In The Key of D Podcast Host ● Intraprenuer

Professional Background

Kathy Hollenhorst is a highly accomplished and advanced degreed business executive with a track record of success in developing and implementing effective business strategies that yield tangible financial results. As a thought leader in her field, Kathy has amassed a wealth of experience working across various global theatres, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. Her career is marked by esteemed positions in both company-owned and franchised systems, within public and private enterprises and across for-profit and non-profit sectors.

Currently, Kathy proudly serves as the President and CEO of Creatis, Inc., a dynamic organization specializing in marketing, creative services, and digital resourcing. In this role, she leads a talented team focused on delivering exceptional staffing solutions and design/production studio services, empowering organizations to complete their projects efficiently and effectively. As the founder and president of Blackline Marketing LLC, Kathy partners with businesses across diverse industries—ranging from hospitality and travel to health care, retail, and business services—to provide strategic consulting that promotes sustainable growth and success.

Kathy’s extensive career includes a pivotal role as the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Caribou Coffee Company, where she demonstrated her marketing expertise and leadership acumen. Her tenure at Carlson Companies is particularly noteworthy, spanning 12 years during which she assumed progressively larger executive-level digital and marketing leadership roles. These roles encompassed multiple facets of the company's multi-billion dollar hotel, luxury cruise, restaurant, and retail travel operations. Notably, she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Greater Twin Cities United Way, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to community engagement. Kathy has also held a significant position as Director of Global Partnerships and Loyalty Marketing at Holiday Inn Worldwide, where she honed her skills in global marketing initiatives and customer engagement.

Throughout her impressive career, Kathy has been recognized as an energetic and collaborative leader. Her distinctive talent lies in her ability to function as an 'intrapreneur'; she adeptly drives change through innovative business processes within existing organizations. This transformative approach not only fosters a culture of collaboration but also delivers both short-term and long-term financial growth and success.

Education and Achievements

Kathy Hollenhorst's academic accomplishments underscore her commitment to excellence and her depth of knowledge in business strategy and marketing. She pursued her MBA with a focus on Marketing at the prestigious University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. Prior to this, Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management, declaring a double major at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she laid the foundational knowledge that would support her thriving career.

Her educational background, coupled with her extensive experience, enables Kathy to bring expertise in various areas including business strategy, strategic planning, innovation, growth strategies, process re-engineering, integrated business management, and senior marketing leadership. She is well-versed in brand strategy and positioning, customer strategy, integrated marketing, customer experience design, product development, and customer segmentation.

Achievements

Over the years, Kathy Hollenhorst has achieved numerous milestones that reflect her dedication and passion for her work. Her multifaceted skill set encompasses not just marketing but also eCommerce, interactive marketing, social media marketing, website development, and much more, giving her a breadth of expertise that is challenging to rival. Her contributions to various industries—such as hospitality, travel, healthcare, and retail—demonstrate her versatility and ability to adapt strategies to meet the unique needs of each sector.

Kathy’s specialization in direct response marketing and her experience with both company-owned and franchise systems further highlight her comprehensive understanding of how to tailor approaches to fit diverse business models. Her commitment to fostering customer engagement has resulted in innovative marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences and drive significant results.

In leading organizations through various transformations, Kathy has established herself as a pioneer in integrated marketing and innovative business solutions. Her leadership style fosters a work environment where teams can thrive, resulting in a culture of empowerment and success.

In conclusion, Kathy Hollenhorst is a dynamic leader whose expertise spans a range of critical business and marketing disciplines, making her an invaluable asset in today's competitive landscape. Through her extensive experience in various sectors and her dedication to ongoing development, Kathy continuously pushes the boundaries of what is possible in business innovation, strategy, and marketing. Her passion for helping organizations succeed is evident in every role she undertakes, ensuring that she leaves a lasting impact wherever she goes.

Related Questions

How did Kathy Hollenhorst develop her expertise in business strategy?
In what ways has Kathy Hollenhorst's role as President & CEO of Creatis influenced the marketing industry?
What innovative business processes has Kathy Hollenhorst implemented to drive financial growth?
How has Kathy Hollenhorst's experience in global markets shaped her approach to marketing strategy?
What impact has Kathy Hollenhorst had on the hospitality and travel industries through her consulting work?
Kathy Hollenhorst
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Location

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area