Head of Partnerships @ Basket | Trendspotter
Amy Zehren: From Trends to Triumphs
Amy Zehren is a marketing strategist whose exceptional journey in the world of business has been nothing short of triumphant. With a keen eye for trends, a talent for forging strategic partnerships, and an innate understanding of the Gen Z demographic, Amy’s story is a true testament to the power of innovation and determination.
In the Fast Lane of Marketing
Amy’s career has been a whirlwind of achievements, all driven by her passion for marketing and brand growth. She has left her indelible mark on renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren, W Hotels, Equinox, and Mozilla. Her unique ability to identify emerging trends has propelled her into transformative partnerships across diverse sectors. Notably, she has fostered collaborations with automotive giant Volkswagen, entertainment juggernauts Fox and Universal, the fashion world of New York Fashion Week, and tech titan Apple.
Venturing into New Realms
Currently, Amy is at the helm of Basket Entertainment, where she serves as the Head of Partnerships. In this role, she is crafting and delivering fun products tailored for Gen Z, a demographic that thrives in the digital realm. With a staggering 100 million monthly users and approximately one in four US teens engaging with their games, Basket Entertainment is setting new standards in the industry.
Picnic: Where Online Communities Flourish
Before her current role, Amy led the growth efforts at Picnic. This online platform has successfully created and nurtured 80,000 communities, with over 3 million downloads. It’s a testament to Amy’s expertise in connecting with the next generation, fostering vibrant online spaces for them to thrive.
Mozilla: Pioneering Partnerships
From 2009 to 2012, Amy served as a Marketing and Partnerships Consultant at Mozilla. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in developing and launching the brand partnership program for Firefox. She secured partnerships with 30 tier-one brands, which substantially increased downloads. These partnerships included Greenpeace, FX Networks, Lifetime TV, Warner Bros, H&M, Universal Music Group, Lily Pulitzer, Anna Sui, Chicago White Sox, Lady Gaga, Harry Potter, and Disney.
Equinox: Shaping Fitness and Wellness
Amy’s journey also includes her role as the Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Equinox from 2006 to 2009. She was instrumental in expanding the brand into new markets, including Chicago, Washington DC, Dallas, London, and Florida. Her innovative approach included creating the brand’s first partnership program and launching tier-one programs with brands like Whole Foods, Lululemon, the Chicago Cubs, the Dallas Mavericks, and more.
W Hotels: Defining Luxury
In her three-year stint as the Senior Brand Marketing Manager at W Hotels, Amy’s achievements were remarkable. She was hired by and reported to the President, becoming part of the first brand marketing team for W Hotels under the Starwood Hotels portfolio. Amy created new brand guidelines and promotions that led to triple-digit brand growth. She played a pivotal role in launching Apple iTunes’ first-ever partnership at W Hotels, which included on-site music lounge events and in-hotel activations. Amy also developed award-winning partnerships with Volkswagen, Puma, and New York Fashion Week, among others, for on-site activations.
Ralph Lauren: A Remarkable Journey
Amy’s journey began with the Polo Jeans Co. division at Ralph Lauren, where she rose from a coordinator to a Senior Brand Marketing Manager in just two years. Her responsibilities included leading national advertising, promotions, and partnerships with brands, movie studios, record labels, magazines, celebrities, and the press. One of her notable achievements was organizing a national press tour for supermodel Tyson Beckford within a month of starting the job. She also developed in-store partnerships with Christina Aguilera, Sprite, Panasonic, and Jet Blue.
Education: The Foundation of Success
Amy’s educational background is equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, Public Relations, and Spanish from Marquette University. She furthered her academic pursuits with a Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies at Seton Hall University. Her commitment to health and wellness is evident in her studies at the Mayo School of Health Sciences. Amy’s international focus is highlighted by her studies at SAIIE – Spanish American Institute of International Education.
Key Takeaways
- Amy Zehren’s career has been marked by her exceptional ability to identify emerging trends and forge transformative partnerships.
- She has made significant contributions to renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren, W Hotels, Equinox, and Mozilla.
- Currently, she is leading the way at Basket Entertainment, catering to Gen Z’s digital realm with incredible success
5 Leadership Lessons
- The importance of foresight: Amy’s knack for spotting emerging trends showcases the value of anticipating market shifts.
- The power of strategic partnerships: Her track record of transformative collaborations emphasizes the significance of forming strong alliances.
- Adapting to the digital age: Amy’s role at Basket Entertainment demonstrates the importance of evolving with technology and catering to new generations.
- Continuous learning: Amy’s educational journey exemplifies the value of expanding one’s knowledge and skills.
- Innovation and adaptability: Her achievements in diverse industries highlight the need for constant innovation and adaptability in leadership.
In Conclusion
Amy Zehren’s remarkable journey in the world of marketing, trends, and partnerships is an inspiration to us all. Her ability to foresee opportunities, her talent for forming transformative alliances, and her dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends make her a true visionary. She serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through innovation, hard work, and a passion for excellence.
Editorial Notes
Amy’s story is not just a narrative of professional achievements but a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. Her ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends has set her apart in the world of marketing and partnerships. Her journey is a reminder that success often comes to those who are willing to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
