This is a profile image of Kathleen Martens

Kathleen Martens

PartnerBrussels

Specializes in transformations and turnaround situations in retail and consumer goods across Europe, with a focus on strategy and commercial issues

Kathleen has extensive experience in sales, marketing, and transformation issues. She is the hub leader for McKinsey’s Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail Practices in Belgium. Kathleen is also a member of the firm’s global Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, and Marketing & Sales Practices, and she leads McKinsey’s work for consumer transformations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East for midsize clients.

Examples of her recent client work include the following:

  • creating and supporting the implementation of a growth strategy for a Nordic fast-moving-consumer-goods company aiming to double the value of its business in five years’ time
  • designing and rolling out a new commercial strategy for a consumer packaging company
  • developing an in-store sale-stimulation program for a do-it-yourself retailer
  • performing several turnaround programs in retail and consumer goods across Europe for a leading drug and beauty chain, several grocery retailers, a European multicategory retailer, and a European bread manufacturer

Published work

European mid-cap consumer companies’ plans for growth in a changing environment,” McKinsey & Company, July 2023

European consumer companies are seeking growth at a volatile moment,” McKinsey & Company, June 2023

Growth lessons from European mid-cap consumer companies,” McKinsey & Company, April 2023

The secret formula for growing midcap consumer companies,” McKinsey & Company, December 2022

Past Experience

Procter & Gamble
Account manager

Truvo
Various roles in strategy, project management, and sales operations

Education

Vlerick Business School, Ghent
MBA

Ghent University
MA, marketing

KU Leuven
MA, communications