As lead of the Kearney Consumer Institute (KCI), Katie Thomas is the architect of Kearney’s “consumer-first” approach to a broad variety of industries and the firm’s chief spokesperson on all things consumer from overseeing cutting-edge research projects to authoring provocative opinion pieces and interfacing with key clients and prospects. She is a true advocate for the consumer, unafraid to challenge existing norms or ask tough questions on behalf of the consumer.

Katie brings a wealth of experience to her job, a new role at Kearney. She began her career at Kearney immediately out of undergrad, working on projects across consumer goods, retail, and media. Intent on managing brands directly, Katie shifted gears after business school, moving into brand marketing and management. Now she’s returned to Kearney as lead of the KCI, where she can wear both of these hats—and more.

Katie earned her MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and her BBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.