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ABOUT US
Founded by luxury marketing executive Kathleen Ruiz, KRW Consulting is a New York–based global luxury marketing agency specializing in brand strategy, international market entry, experiential marketing, media relations and high-level partnerships. With decades of leadership experience at iconic retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, our team helps international and U.S. brands navigate the competitive American luxury landscape and scale globally with precision and impact.
KATHLEEN RUIZ
Founder & CEO
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Kathleen Ruiz is a leading luxury marketing executive and Founder of KRW Consulting, a premier New York–based global marketing agency. With more than 30 years of experience across luxury retail, brand strategy, public relations, and experiential marketing, she is widely recognized as a trusted advisor to high-end brands seeking growth in the U.S. and international markets.
Under her leadership, KRW Consulting has become a go-to partner for global brands entering and expanding within the American market. From Europe and the UK to Scandinavia and Latin America, brands rely on KRW for U.S. go-to-market strategy, retail expansion, brand positioning, press placement, and long-term growth planning.
Prior to founding KRW, Kathleen served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, leading marketing directors across more than 30 stores nationwide. She previously held senior leadership roles at Saks’ New York flagship and spent 14 years at Neiman Marcus in executive marketing and public relations positions. Her career across two of the world’s most iconic luxury retailers gives her rare insider insight into consumer behavior, media strategy, and the partnerships that drive meaningful brand growth.
Today, Kathleen and KRW Consulting are recognized leaders in luxury marketing, international expansion, and experiential strategy. Kathleen's team helps brands build cultural relevance, measurable impact, and lasting presence in New York and beyond.
GRETCHEN MANOLAKIS
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With over 20 years of experience as an events and marketing professional, Gretchen has produced impactful events of all shapes and sizes across the globe, spanning industries from luxury retail and philanthropy to entertainment. At KRW, she leads Marketing & Events, strategically guiding brand experiences that elevate storytelling, deepen customer engagement, and drive measurable results.
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Prior to joining KRW Consulting, Gretchen spent the majority of her career at Saks Fifth Avenue, serving as Senior Director of Public Relations and Events. In that role, she executed high-profile initiatives nationwide — from full-scale fashion shows and musical performances to store openings and exclusive top-client experiences — all designed to generate buzz and strengthen brand loyalty.
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Before Saks, Gretchen spent five years at Neiman Marcus in Public Relations, honing her expertise in experiential retail marketing and results-driven luxury PR. Her deep industry relationships, operational precision, and creative vision make her an essential force within the KRW team.
CARA FRATTO
Cara Fratto oversees strategic and integrated marketing for KRW Consulting, leading the development of thoughtful, results-driven campaigns for a diverse portfolio of luxury and lifestyle clients. She brings a strategic, 360-degree approach to brand building, with expertise spanning digital marketing, experiential events, partnerships, and multi-channel communications.
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Prior to joining KRW Consulting, Cara held leadership roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, both in-store and at the corporate level. She served as Marketing Director for the Raleigh and Boston markets, later moving to New York as Director of Event Marketing, where she planned and executed high-profile fashion and VIP customer experiences. Cara then transitioned into a corporate integrated marketing role, collaborating cross-functionally to develop national strategies and drive cohesive brand initiatives.
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In addition to her professional career, Cara served on the board of North Carolina State University’s Global Luxury & Management Program, where she taught Marketing Strategy as an adjunct professor. She holds an MBA from North Carolina State University and a certificate in Digital Marketing from Duke University.
EMILY CRINAGE
Emily oversees KRW Consulting's international clients on varying projects including PR, Events and Strategic Partnerships.
Prior to joining KRW Consulting, Emily worked at MM Luxe Consulting where she focused on Fashion and Retail Partnerships and Special Events. Concurrently, she served as Chief of Staff at Fernbrook Capital Management, a venture fund that invests in high potential, fast-growing fashion and tech brands.
Emily started her career in New York as Brand Manager for Mathieu Mirano. Whilst there she tripled the number of stockists across the US, launched the brand in the Middle East and Paris, and executed the brand's bi-yearly NYFW shows. Before relocating to New York, Emily was the UK Press Officer at Bottega Veneta in London.
STEVEN SALTON
Steven is a Global Marketing Leader with more than 20 years experience in the luxury and retail space specializing in Brand & Project Management, Event Marketing & Production and Client Experiences.
He served a combined 16 years at Saks Fifth Avenue and its parent company, Hudson's Bay Company, in varying levels of senior roles including Vice President of Events and Public Relations, Vice President of Event Marketing, Corporate Events and Chief of Staff to the CMO.
During his time there, he routinely exceeded objectives & revenue goals in rapidly changing & challenging environments, and produced events that generated millions of dollars in donations for key fundraisers and charitable initiatives.
A well-respected industry thought leader, Steven has a passion for driving world-class events and fostering teamwork, innovation, and creativity.