Kathy Krenger

Chief Communications Officer
Kraft Heinz
US

Krenger, who prior to joining Kraft Heinz was SVP of global communications at Hyatt Hotels for four years, replaced Michael Mullen in 2021 and reports directly to CEO Miguel Patricio. 

Krenger brings to the role more than 25 years of corporate and agency experience. At Hyatt, she led corporate, internal, brand and field communications for the company and more than 1,000 hotels worldwide. During the pandemic the marketing budget was slashed to zero, meaning PR had to drive promotions and offers. 

Before Hyatt, Krenger served as general manager at two Edelman specialty agencies: Edible, which focuses on food and beverage clients, and Krispr, which handled PR for Kellogg's before the account moved to Weber Shandwick in 2019.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
Summer 2020 when I was at Hyatt. We drove a program (and revenues) called Work From Hyatt which offered special rates/incentives for people who would relocate to a hotel for a change of scenery during remote work.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
With high inflation, we will be challenged with resources when we need them most.

What have you most admired about this industry over the past year?
Providing expert counseling to CCOs on issues/crises (Russia/Ukraine, Roe v Wade, gun violence, etc.)

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness over the past year?Not well.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through the past year or provided inspiration?
The Daily.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
An artist or jewelry designer.

Sum up 2022 in one word.
Progress.