Amie Mae Wentz, MBA, has built a distinguished brand management career, demonstrating her expertise in strategy, leadership, and innovation. Currently serving as the director of brand management at Emmi Roth, a division of the Emmi Group, Ms. Wentz leads initiatives to optimize and diversify the brand portfolio. She is instrumental in driving the success and growth of Athenos, a role that highlights her ability to develop impactful strategies and execute them precisely. Her hands-on approach and dedication to fostering meaningful connections have made her a respected leader in her field.
Ms. Wentz’s academic achievements laid the groundwork for her success in the business world. She earned a Master of Business Administration in accounting from Lakeland University, building on her earlier accomplishment of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, cum laude, from the same institution. Her education has shaped her analytical mindset and business acumen, equipping her to tackle the complex challenges of brand management and strategic planning.
Ms. Wentz’s career began at The Nielsen Company, where she honed her pricing strategy, marketing, and data analysis skills as an associate client manager. This early exposure to the intricacies of market research and analytics provided a strong foundation for her subsequent roles. At Kimberly-Clark, Ms. Wentz advanced through positions such as senior marketplace analyst, advanced analytics specialist for Cottonelle marketing research, and senior associate brand manager for Cottonelle brand planning and execution. Her leadership capabilities flourished further during her tenure as brand manager for Huggies and household care and family care sustainability.
Ms. Wentz later joined Johnsonville LLC as a brand manager and marketing lead, overseeing key regions and brands. Her ability to drive results and build cohesive strategies led her to become senior brand manager for Johnsonville before returning to Emmi Roth in 2022. Her accomplishments include spearheading the rebranding of Athenos into a cleaner label and doubling its business model—a feat that underscores her innovative approach and commitment to excellence.
Ms. Wentz attributes much of her success to mentorship and family support. She credits her late father-in-law, Dennis, for instilling professional etiquette and encouraging her to seize growth opportunities. Influential leaders such as Brian Goldstein and Mike Haley played pivotal roles in her development. She remains deeply grateful for the guidance that has shaped her into the accomplished professional she is today.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Wentz dedicates herself to civic involvement, including supporting women’s domestic abuse shelters. She has received several accolades, including the FSC Leadership Award, and is recognized for her ability to connect with individuals at all levels, from the boardroom to the factory floor. Her empathy and balance of strength with care define her leadership style.
A Rockford native, Ms. Wentz enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, boating, and visiting the family farm. She is committed to continuing her work at Emmi Roth, aiming to grow the company into a billion-dollar enterprise. She also prioritizes developing future leaders within her team and aspires to advance to vice president while maintaining her presence in her daughter Julia’s life. Looking ahead, she envisions transitioning into a consultancy role, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience to inspire the next generation of professionals.