2025 Speakers

Katie Bestenlehner is a Managing Director in the Strategic Communications segment of FTI Consulting and is based in Chicago. Ms. Bestenlehner specializes in reputation management, crisis counsel, strategic internal and external communications, and executive positioning for companies in the retail and consumer industry sector.

Ms. Bestenlehner brings extensive experience leading integrated communications programs leveraging innovative strategies to enhance corporate reputation and executive positioning, manage crisis and complex issues, and elevate consumer brands and executive visibility. She has counseled companies and clients through comprehensive brand-building campaigns and change management programs.

Ms. Bestenlehner earned a reputation for delivering thoughtful and transparent counsel to executives during moments that matter. Her strategic communications counsel is focused on amplifying compelling company narratives before diverse stakeholders, while building and protecting corporate and brand reputations .

Her work has spanned categories and subsectors within the retail and consumer industry, with an emphasis on consumer products and services across retail, food, beverage, personal healthcare, home design, tech, automotive, travel, industry associations and commodity boards. Her clients include Procter & Gamble, Mars, Kellogg’s, Amer Sports, Kimberly-Clark, Sherwin-Williams, Verizon, and Old Navy.

Ms. Bestenlehner holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and Public Relations from Creighton University.