His depth in research, media, and market strategy enables Dirk to deliver a rare combination of insight and leadership to every client engagement.
Dirk Defenbaugh
WORKING PARTNER,
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Dirk Defenbaugh has over 30 years of experience leading marketing, brand, and media planning initiatives for some of the world’s most influential brands. His client portfolio includes Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Nike, P&G, PepsiCo, Eli Lilly, and Novartis, reflecting a unique blend of expertise across consumer research, strategic planning, and market activation.
Dirk has held senior leadership roles at Interbrand Design Forum, Fitch, InVentiv Health, Kantar Retail, Retail Planning Associates, and Big Red Rooster. Early in his career, he worked on the client side at Liberty Mutual, where he was named Manager of the Year.
He has worked extensively across global markets—including Europe, South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe—and has served as a speaker, guest lecturer, and judge at major academic institutions and conferences.
He has worked extensively across global markets—including Europe, South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe—and has served as a speaker, guest lecturer, and judge at major academic institutions and conferences.
His insights have been featured in Forbes, Chain Store Age, and the New York Post.
Today, Dirk is a Partner at VENN Growth Collective, where he leads clietn engagement.
Dirk resides in Bexley, Ohio with his wife Christine, and their dog Lily. He has two grown children Michael and Erica, a son-in-law also named Michael, and is the proud grandfather of two.