Doug Kremer’s success as an innovative and results-driven leader has been characterized by the effective application of creative problem-solving prowess and analytical rigor. Cited by experts as “someone who can crack the code on the most complex problems AND explain the solutions to the Board,” Doug has a track record of making a significant impact in world-class organizations.
Doug is President and Founder of Strategic Thinking Partners, an independent consulting practice that enables companies to answer critical business questions, acquire fresh insights, and make better decisions, accelerating business success. The practice focus is strategy, marketing, and new product and service development. Most recently, Doug was Chief Marketing Officer of Venable LLP, an American Lawyer “Top 100 Law Firm” where he transformed marketing and business development and enabled the firm to outperform its peer group on key financial metrics over the course of his seven-year tenure.
Doug had P&L responsibility in his role as Senior Vice President, Marketing & Strategy for Cigna’s Group Insurance Division. As a member of the senior executive team he led and facilitated the development and execution of a business turnaround strategy that enabled the division to compete successfully in new markets and achieve a solid foundation for delivering sustainable, profitable revenue growth.
During his four-year tenure at J.P. Morgan, Doug held two different senior executive positions. As Global Head of Marketing Strategy and Communications for J.P. Morgan Investment Management, his responsibilities spanned the Americas and Europe, and included the firm’s institutional, mutual fund, and defined contribution businesses. In addition, he played a central, collaborative role in developing and launching a new start-up, an Internet-delivered financial planning and portfolio management service for J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank.
Earlier in his career, Doug led the marketing and investor education functions for T. Rowe Price’s Retirement Plan Services business where he played an instrumental leadership role in creating a fully integrated business strategy and plan, driving significant gains in revenue and market share, and turning the investor education department into a competitive advantage.
Doug held the sole strategic planning role in Citibank’s Cards Division and, over a four-year stretch, developed compelling businesses and products, and invented “risk-adjusted pricing” for credit cards, an industry first. During his six years at American Express, Doug held increasingly significant positions in Travelers Cheques® and Gold Card® businesses, as well as in Travel Related Services Worldwide Marketing.
Doug began his business career at New York advertising agency N.W. Ayer where he produced the positioning and messaging framework that led to the memorable and enduring integrated marketing campaign, “Be All That You Can Be.” He also tackled important challenges at Young & Rubicam, working on accounts including Eastern Air Lines and Canada Dry. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at Bucknell University and later pursued graduate work in business while on active duty in the military where he served as a Public Affairs Officer, and was recognized with the award of the Army Commendation Medal.
Doug Kremer revels in solving seemingly intractable challenges, and leading, coaching and inspiring individuals and teams. He is a lifelong learner who has completed advanced training in creative thinking and problem solving at Synectics, Inc. and the Creative Problem Solving Institute, as well as leadership and culture shaping experiences with the Center for Creative Leadership and Senn Delaney Leadership. Doug and his wife Sue live in Leesburg, Virginia, and away from work, Doug enjoys golf, skiing, hiking, and music.