Gus Valen is the Founder & CEO of Valen Group, a Cincinnati-based strategy consulting, innovation, and brand licensing firm. With more than 20 years of experience guiding Global 1000 companies and high-growth emerging businesses, Gus provides strategic clarity that helps leadership teams make the best choices for sustainable growth.
A leading entrepreneur and strategy consultant, Gus has built a portfolio spanning strategic innovation, organizational management, and growth strategy. He has led global innovation initiatives, developed and executed new ventures, and coached leaders on building innovation culture for companies including Procter & Gamble®, Nestlé®, Chiquita®, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, adidas, and Red Robin. His expertise encompasses product development, market research, brand management, general management, and corporate strategy.
Gus is the creator of the Fusion Innovation methodology, a proprietary framework that brings together cross-functional teams, external market signals, and disciplined ideation to accelerate breakthrough innovation.
Prior to establishing Valen Group, Gus managed a new ventures group within Whittman Hart, a global strategy consultancy; managed the Fruit of the Loom® core products business globally; and served as group category manager with Haworth, Inc.
Mr. Valen holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategy from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from Vanderbilt University. He is a Thomas C. Page Entrepreneurial Fellow of Miami University of Ohio.
Gus has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Supermarket News, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Mergers & Acquisitions Journal, providing expert analysis and opinion on innovation and growth trends, especially in consumer products for health & wellness. He is an avid volunteer for entrepreneurs globally and former Global Board Chairman-Elect of the Entrepreneur’s Organization.
